The 12U player’s group text messages blew up with pleas to gather for a pond hockey game as soon as news of Friday’s snow day had arrived. The disappointment of being dismissed from the District playoffs Monday by (the District Champs and #2 Ranked) Wayzata Blue had worn off.

A day on the pond was followed by Hopkins-Park Hockey’s annual night at Ridder Arena to see the the top ranked two time defending NCAA Champion Gopher Women blowout the 12^th ranked UMD Bulldogs.  The night became even more memorable when this year’s Hopkins Varsity Captain, Nina Rodgers, paid the girls a visit between periods. It was Rodgers’ first visit to Ridder since completing her High School playing career. She is looking forward to playing next winter at the University.

A lot of the girls got to meet and skate with Nina and her teammates a year ago, when the Varsity Girls hosted a pizza night to support Hopkins Girls (Youth) Hockey.  Her contagious smile and enthusiasm helped make that night a season highlight for a bunch of players and added to the roll of Nina’s fan club.

Nina grew up playing Hopkins Hockey, and she thrived! She was a finalist for the Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award, which was awarded Sunday following the State Tournament. Nina was also a repeat member on the Under 18 U.S. National Team this summer. They trained in Lake Placid, NY and played a series against Team Canada.

Nina asked the girls about how their season was going, and upon hearing about Monday’s Wayzata game, she quipped empathetically “Unfortunately, I know about that a little too well.  That’s how we went out too.”  The girls snapped a few “Welcome to Ridder Arena” photos with her and wished her good luck at the Ms. Hockey banquet.

Hopkins-Park Girls Hockey Night at Ridder Arena was a complete success! The girls had fun together with more unforgettable experiences. They cheered a teammate as she was out on a Zamboni ride, had a great time together watching the 5-0 Gopher blowout and got to spend a few minutes with a Hopkins player who is achieving her hockey dreams.  Another great day for hockey!