Every kid growing up playing hockey in Minnesota looks up to those ahead of them and sees the possibility of what they could achieve.  This past Thursday, live on national television, the World’s lead sports news story was US vs Canada. Two teams at the pinnacle of their sport in an epic battle that will be remembered and talked about for decades to come (certainly in Canada). Repeatedly, we heard with pride that a full quarter of the U.S. team had played their college hockey for the Gophers.

On Friday, three of the Hopkins U8s palled around Xcel Energy Center together watching a double overtime High School State Tournament Semifinal.  Many of the other U8s (at home on another snow day) watched the live broadcast  on TV. This year is the 20^th Anniversary of the Minnesota Girls State Hockey Tournament.

By 6:15pm that night, both Hopkins-Park U8 teams gathered in the lobby of the University of Minnesota’s Ridder Arena with their hockey bags. They were ready to be led down to a guest locker room to get dressed to play as the between periods entertainment. They skated to a 0-0 tie in their three minute showcase. There were a few nice rushes and a few strong defensive plays to close the door.

Other highlights: lined up along the wall in their gear in the hallway under the stands as the Gophers and UMD Bulldogs marched by off to their locker rooms following the 1^st period. Gopher Captain Bethany Brausen doubled back to high five the girls and wish them luck in their game. During the wait in the hall, they had a five minute private audience with Goldy Gopher as she turned her head around, danced and high fived the players.

The girls cheered the Gophers to a 5-0 blowout over 12^th ranked UMD.

In one 36 hour period, these young hockey players were exposed to the three greatest venues currently in girls hockey, and they were given a sample of what playing on a big stage feels like. The Association expanded the opportunities available for the girls this season and our roll has reached 66 girls from miniMites through U12 this season. This group of U8s and those that follow should enjoy unrivaled opportunities and options in hockey. A great day for Hopkins girls hockey!