Section Four

BADGER Lightning

• State Appearances: None   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (6) Baraboo, Mauston, Portage, Reedsburg, Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin Dells
• Total Enrollment: 4,325
• Roster Number:  29  Seniors- 7
• Head Coach: Nate Breunig  (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 10-13-0
• 2024-25 Record: 10-13-0

The Lightning finished third in the Badger conference last season, their highest finish since second place in 2011-12. Rebuilding their forward group will be front and center for the Lightning as they look to replace three of their top four scorers in Reese Olson (21 pts), the energetic Ryleigh Bychinski (14 pts) and Kayla Garbacz (10 pts). The Lightning ranked in the bottom ten in goals scored per game at 2.10, so finding offensive firepower will be important. They scored two or fewer goals in fifteen games last season. Dayana Wade returns as the leading scorer with 13 points. She and junior Sophie Gesicki and Elizabeth Haag will form what the Lightning hopes will be a #1 scoring line.

With the offense struggling, junior goaltender Olivia Renneberg played a huge part in the team staying competitive last season. She posted very respectable numbers in a 3.03 GAA, 88.4 S% and 3 shutouts. Renneberg is coming off a very successful WEHL season and seems poised for a big year. The Badger defense will remain strong with the return of three upperclassmen in seniors Paige Othmer, who will provide from the blue line, and Lily Freeman and junior Jenna Garbacz.

Some key player additions to the Lightning feature sophomore Kate Brandt, who Breunig describes as “an aggressive player that is not afraid to work for the puck and create scoring opportunities.” Freshman players that expect to see time on the ice include Lydia Falde, Martha Weiss, and Allison Herbrand (Lake City Whitecaps 14U in Sauk Prairie).  “Lydia will be a key addition to our defense, while Martha and Allison will offer both speed and shooting abilities to the offense,” said Breunig.  

Coach’s Comments: I'm looking forward to a great season of Badger Lightning Hockey. While we graduated some great hockey ability, the Badger Lightning have a great group of returning and new players that are willing to learn and advance their game. Many of our returning players accomplished this last season and I'm excited to see what they do this season.

One important characteristic that I see from this year's squad is the strong cohesiveness between players.  This is a team that believes in accountability and wants to be here.  This is attributed to team leadership led by Paige Othmer, Elizabeth Haag, Dayana Wade, and Jenna Garbacz.    

METRO Lynx

• State Appearances: 3  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (6) Middleton, Edgewood, Madison Memorial & West, Mount Horeb, Verona
• Total Enrollment: 9,807
• Roster Number:     Seniors-
• Head Coach: Steve Simpson  (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 7-17-1
• 2024-25 Record: 7-17-1

Last season Steve Simpson became the Lynx fourth head coach in the last six years. Minus the Covid year, the Lynx made three straight state tournament appearances running up a record of 63-14. In 23-24 they went 15-12 and came within an overtime loss to Cap City of another state tournament appearance. The revolving door of coaches finally caught up with the program last year. “Players a few years ago started leaving to play Tier I and II hockey in our area,” Simpson said. “We are hoping with the change in culture here to have less of that in the future, making our program more competitive again.”

Last season, the Lynx struggled at both ends of the ice and goaltender Addy Buzzell was often the star of the game. The senior from Verona saw 937 shots, turning in seven games with over 40 saves including 50, 51 and 73. While Buzzell was more than busy, the Lynx offense scuffled averaging just 1.61 goals a game. Buzzell stopped 46 leading her team to a 2-0 first round playoff win over Rock County.

Senior Scout Elmer (6G – 14A) and junior Maggie Onopa (11G – 5A) will look to improve the offense with the help of junior Maddie Justman. Caroline Held is a sophomore that is expected to have a solid season and a freshman to keep an eye on is Maggie Colletti. On the backend, junior Willa Lenaker and senior defenseman Mary Nagle, Mary Gaffaney and Ty Ridgley will work to make Buzzell a little less busy in net.

Coach’s Comment: This season the team has a strong freshman class which is a great start in re-building the program. I like our depth this season and look to be competitive in our games.  The culture change has helped build a strong united program and we are also very excited to be playing out of Verona Ice Arena this year. I am looking forward to an exciting season!    

JANESVILLE Bluebirds

• State Appearances: 2  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (12) Janesville Parker & Craig, Beloit Memorial; Belvidele, Brodhead, Clinton, Edgerton, Hononegah, IL, Milton, Monroe, The Lincoln Academy, Turner
• Total Enrollment: 10,616
• Roster Number: 22  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Kurt Buchs (1st Year)
• Career Record: 78-111-4
• 2024-25 Record: 6-19-0

Last season spelled the end for the Rock County Fury and their longtime coach Luke Steurer who stepped down after twelve years behind the bench. During his tenure as head coach Steurer went 86-76-6, won four Badger Conference Titles (2018,19,20,24) and led the team to their second state tournament appearance in 2020. In 2017-18 Rock County produced the program’s best season record at         19-3-2.

As the coaching changed so did the team’s location. Enter veteran boys coach Kurt Buchs and the new Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center. The green-eyed Fury has been replaced by a Bluebird and Janeville is now their new home.

There will be some familiar faces like leading scorer Ava Kligora, 1st Team Badger (16G – 8A) and Macy Murphy, 2nd Team Badger (16G – 7A) returning. On the blue line the Bluebirds will miss 1st Team Badger, Maizy Fonseca, but welcome back 2nd Team Badger Ella Swenson and junior Sophia Young. The team will look for Badger HM forward Sophia Ferrera and Anna Cole to produce offense along with freshman Micki Andrews.

Last season injuries struck the goaltenders and Piper Aaker became the emergency goalie. Jessie  Demarasse, a Milton High School junior, has joined the team from Badger City and emerged as the starter this season with Aaker and Emma Peck behind her.

Coach’s Comments: We expect to be competitive and play an exciting brand of hockey.

VIROQUA Blackhawks

• State Appearances: 1  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (4) Viroqua, Cashton, Westby, Youth Initiative
• Total Enrollment: 909
• Roster Number:  13  Seniors- 4
• Head Coach: Paul Severson (8th Year)
• Career Record: 55-108-4
• 2024-25 Record: 3-20-1

Departed senior Sami Bramstedt, when healthy rivaled any goalie in Wisconsin. Over her four years she saw over 2,000 shots on goal and stopped 92.6% of them. Sami missed the start of her senior season due to an injury, but returned to steal a hat trick of victories for her and her Blackhawk teammates. In those wins she stopped 49, 52 and a remarkable 83 shots in a 1-0 win over Black River Falls in the last game of the regular season. Filling those skates will be no easy task.

Senior Adey Oliver will be commissioned with that task as life without Bramstedt begins for the Blackhawks. Oliver started the first ten games of the season in 24-25. You will find no bench lonelier than the Viroqua bench as they will begin the season with just 13 total players. Their lack of depth puts them on the run for most of the game. Bramstedt and Oliver saw over 1,000 shots last season. Severson welcomes five new freshman and a sophomore to the new season.

If you want to see a team where nobody ever complains about ice time and where players still believe in small town loyalty, then you have found the right place. When you have won just five games over the past two years and some of your teammates leave town for greener pastures, you stay and play because you love the game. If you come to watch these Blackhawks play you will get thrilled by a Brenna Rogers end-to-end rush and inspired by the effort and grit of Charlie Brudos. And you will be impressed by the sportsmanship and character these young ladies exhibit night after night defying the long odds against them.

Coach’s Comments: This will be the last year of a run of three of declining/small numbers. We start building numbers next year as we have more coming in than departing. We head into the season with 11 skaters and a goalie (we had 10 skaters and 2 goalies last year), so the key will be to survive with as few injuries/illnesses as possible.

BEAVER DAM Golden Beavers

• State Appearances: 1  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (6) Beaver Dam, Columbus, Dodgeland, Horicon, Mayville, Randolph
• Total Enrollment: 2,472
• Roster Number: 22  Seniors- 4
• Head Coach: Mike Pogorelec (3rd Year)
• Career Record: 30-19-1
• 2024-25 Record: 19-7-0

It must seem like a different lifetime that the Beaver Dam program went through four winless seasons and 72 straight losses. A nineteen-win season, a Badger Conference title and a trip to the sectional final can put a lot of history in the rearview mirror. Head Coach Mike Pogorelec, entering his third season, is reaping the rewards of a patient program. The turn-around he engineered earned him the 2025 GWHCA Coach of the Year Award.

As the new season unfolds, so do new challenges and for the Beavers it will start with replacing goaltender Emily Smedema’s 17 wins. That includes her 2.08 GAA, 92.6 S% and six shutouts. “Emily was a fixture in net for four years and a huge part of our success last year,” said Pogorelec, “but now it is time to pass the torch.” Sophomore Arianna Wallace and junior Dot Baker will contend in net. Defensively, seniors Addie Hoekstra (4G- 10A), 1st Team Badger and Audrey Lont (1G – 8A), Badger HM will bring back lots of experience to the Beavers blue line. Senior Addy Damon (15G – 16A) has graduated, but her sister Emerson Damon, a junior forward returns, along with her freshman sister Macy. Emerson put up 30 points last season and Macy, a defenseman, is expected to step right in and play. Another freshman who has been a pleasant surprise is Addisyn Mueller. 

The keystone player for the Beavers returns in sophomore center Brenna Rhodes. The Badger Conference Co-Player-of-the-Year burst onto the scene last year with a 30-goal season that included six GWG. Rhodes, who plays for TW in the fall, led the state with five short-handed goals. Also returning will be Addie Smedema (15 pts) and Lilian Mansueto (23 pts).

Coach’s Comments: We look to continue building our program and should contend for our conference title. The team has their sights set on getting back to the sectional final.

STOUGHTON Icebergs

• State Appearances: None  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (8) Stoughton, Cambridge, Evansville, Lodi, McFarland, Monona Grove, Oregon, Poynette
• Total Enrollment: 5,399
• Roster Number: 23   Seniors- 1
• Head Coach: Rachel Behl  (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 5-14-3
• 2024-25 Record: 5-14-3

Put the Icebergs in the category of teams in need of stability in coaching. Rachel Behl begins her second year, but is the team’s fifth head coach in eight years. Behl is well aware of the damage the coaching carousel has done to the program, but is focused on the present and the things she can control. The impact the Badger City team has had on her roster isn’t on her radar. “We're building a program that future players want to be a part of,” she said. “But, honestly, I'm not one to dwell on things I can't control.”

Below the surface of this Iceberg, you will find perhaps the state’s best goalie in Anika Mueller. The Stoughton junior had the state’s second best save percentage at 94.2, facing 883 shots on goal. No goalie saw more shots than Mueller last season. “Not only is she a good goalie, she's a hard worker and a leader among our team,” said Behl.

Junior Hazel Rothering, Badger HM, returns as the teams leading scorer. Kaydence Henke and Ashlyn Bartels are developing players to watch. “We are a team of primarily freshman and sophomores, Behl noted. “The young nature of the team can be a help and challenge. The learning curve is often steep entering HS hockey for these new players but we (the coaching staff) think they are up for the challenge!”

It appears that Behl has the perfect mentality for the Stoughton program, and she understands what it will take to rebuild the program. “We are working on the talent we have and growing and developing players,” Behl added.  “We have a promising future.” With only a single senior on the roster, the Icebergs future looks bright.

Coach’s Comments: We are excited to continue to build the program. We have almost doubled our number of skaters from last year. We have a promising group of underclass players that bring in more talent as we look to grow our offense and strengthen our defense. Our juniors and seniors will lead the way and continue with a strong work ethic. We are looking to them to really continue to shape the culture of this team and improve our level of compete. We also are fortunate to have solid goaltending backing up our offense and defense. It should be a fun and exciting year!

CAP CITY Cougars

• State Appearances: 5  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Badger
• Schools: (6) Sun Prairie West & East, DeForest, Madison East & La Follette, Waunakee
• Total Enrollment: 5,399
• Roster Number:  47  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Brenna Weber  (5th Year)
• Career Record: 46-58-2
• 2024-25 Record: 15-13-0

Last season the Cougars clawed their way back to Madison for the second consecutive year with an exciting playoff run. Both trips saw the Cougars lose to the eventual state champion in the semi-finals, 4-1 to CWS in 2024 and 4-0 to Bay Area last year.  Fifth year head coach Brenna Weber believes each of those experiences has only inspired her team to do more.

Under Weber, the Cougars have experienced slow starts with a 18-36 record before January 1st and a 28-22-2 record after, including a 7-4 playoff mark. The Cougars opened last year with a five-game losing streak, then followed it up with a five-game winning streak. That slow start stayed with them during games. The first period Cap City was dead even scoring 22 and giving up 22 goals. However, the second and third periods they dominated their opponents to the tune of 67 to 33.

Cap City graduated five seniors but returns a veteran group powered by thirteen juniors. Goalie extraordinaire Sofia Martinelli is part of that class as is forward Lilly Wagner (11G – 14A). Martinelli’s 1.96 GAA and 93.6 S% were among the state’s best. She won 15 games for the Cougars including a 43 save effort in the 4-3 sectional final win over Beaver Dam. That win came after two regular season one-goal defeats by the Beavers. Senior defenseman Ella Knapp, Badger HM, steadies the Cougar blue line. With Olivia Dull (20G – 6A) gone, electric sophomore Penny Loeffelholz, 2nd Team Badger, and Selects, will be called upon to find the back of the net. As a freshman, Loeffelholz lit the lamp 14 times along with 19 assists. She had a team high of eight points in the playoffs.

Coach’s Comments: This season should be exciting. We have a large group of returning players with success under their belt and a drive to do more. That is met with a large group of skilled newcomers to support that drive and take us to new heights.

 

Section Three

• ARROWHEAD Warhawks
• State Appearances: None   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (5) Arrowhead, Hamilton, Kettle Moraine, Oconomowoc, Waterford
• Total Enrollment: 7,382
• Roster Number: 17  Seniors- 5
• Head Coach: Jackie Little  (5th Year)
• Career Record: 40-36-0
• 2024-25 Record: 13-12-0

The Warhawks have finished the regular season at 13-11 for three straight years. That stat is reflected in their goal differential, scoring 63 and allowing 64 a year ago. They stared last season with five straight wins, but then lost five in a row over the holiday stretch. Goalie Bri Chmiel, who went 6-2 last season, is gone, but Kennedy Bostrom (2.79 GAA / 89.9S%) with five shutouts returns. Eastern Shores HM defenseman Rae Lahr, who played with TW this fall, also returns. Hana Olson, who had a solid freshman season on the backend for the Warhawks, will look to build on that this season. Emmie Berger, 2nd Team All-State defenseman, graduated and is playing for Lawrence University.

Arrowheads top two goal scorers are back in Seniors Rowan Smith (11G – 9A) and Lizzy Robinson (10G – 4A). Smith, a high IQ player, was a key member of the Selects team this fall. Robinson scored three game winning goals last season. New additions, freshmen Emily VanSaun and Ava McGinley will compete for playing time.

Last season the Warhawks penalty kill was second best in allowing only six powerplay goals, with 90.6%. As a team they had an impressive third best, seven shutouts a season ago. Only CWS and Bay Area had more. 

The Warhawks opened the season last weekend with a tough road trip to the Chippewa Valley. They dropped both games to ECA 5-3, and CFM 3-2. Their home opener won’t be any easier as the welcome in Beaver Dam on Friday.

Coaches Comments: “I believe we will have a pretty positive season and a good run in play downs with the addition of some solid offensive strength. We also have our strong defensive end returning with seasoned goaltending between the pipes. Our largest class is our junior year players, so we’re only getting stronger, faster, and more consistent. I’m looking forward to a great season!”

BAY AREA Ice Bears

• State Appearances: 6  State Championships: (3) 2014, 2023, 2025  
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (11) De Pere, Ashwaubenon, Bay Port, Green Bay East, Preble, Southwest, West, Notre Dame, Pulaski, Seymour, West De Pere
• Total Enrollment: 13,036
• Roster Number: 27  Seniors- 6
• Head Coach: Mike Buchan (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 27-1-0
• 2024-25 Record: 27-1-0

Expectations will be sky high as the Bay Area Ice Bears prepare to make their third straight state tournament appearance. They are the odds-on favorite to repeat as state champions and win their third title in four years. Despite the key losses of All-State forwards Emily Bill and Julianne Bradford and unsung defensive star Tianna Stindt, the Ice Bears are quite literally loaded for bear. Buchan, who was WHCA Bob Johnson Coach of the Year in 2015 at Bay Port, understands the challenge ahead as defending state champs.

Bay Area came within a late goal of completing an undefeated season, finishing 27-1 with a single loss to Anoka, Minnesota. They owned the second-best goals scored average of 5.04 per game and best goals allowed at 1.17 per game as they outscored their opponents 143-18. They had the #1 penalty kill and #2 powerplay. They have the best record in girl’s hockey over the past four years at 96-13-1.

Back in goal is the state’s most under-appreciated goalie in Reese Spiering, who went 23-1, with a 0.73 GAA and 11 shutouts. She got skunked by the All-State voters and just Honorable Mention in her own Eastern Shores Conference. Patrolling the Bears defensive zone will be All-State defensemen Addison Dahl and Ava McDonald who will be Green Knights at St. Norberts College next year at this time. Senior Faye Brunke, who put up 56 points is back along with Hannah Von Haden (17G – 14A) to lead the offense.

Coach’s Comments: I think the approach this year is just the fact that we will get everyone's best game and the target on our back is real.  The message this year is just, whatever happened last year, the work ethic and preparation needs to be executed even more so this year.  I also think the motivation for the rivalries built over the years won't go away.  Our seniors came in with a sense of urgency and are in a good spot to lead this group throughout the season. We have a younger group this year but as the season goes on our hope is to get better and play our best hockey at the end of the year.

BROOKFIELD Glacier

• State Appearances: 1  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (20) Brookfield Central & East, Burlington, Chesterton Academy, Franklin, Greendale, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, Muskego, West Allis Nathan Hale, New Berlin Eisenhower & West, Oak Creek, Pewaukee, Union Grove, Waukesha Catholic Memorial, North & West, Wauwatosa East & West.
• Total Enrollment: 21,115
• Roster Number:  37  Seniors- 4
• Head Coach: Blake Panosh (1st Year)
• Career Record: None
• 2024-25 Record: 13-11-1

The Glacier brings back a solid core of returning players but will have to replace what their new head coach Blake Panosh describes as “cornerstone” players in 1st Team All-State Macy Blooming and 2nd Team All-State Payton Dykstra. Blooming a three-year starter in goal finished her career 31-33-2, with a 2.48 GAA and impressive 93.5 S% on the 2,522 shots she faced. Dykstra accumulated 75 points in 98 games as a defenseman. Both players are now donning the jerseys of the Aurora University Spartans in Aurora, Illinois.

Panosh, a Brookfield assistant coach for the past four years, replaces Kevin Armbruster who guided the Glacier to a 42-52-4 record in his four years. Brookfield hasn’t won a playoff game in seven years.  

Maddie McLeod, the team’s top scorer a year ago, with 26 points returns along with Ella Vranek (15G – 8A). Other top forwards include Lindsey Mead, Deah Toska and Evelyn Groneck. Junior Grace Eckert will hold down the Glacier blue line. Newcomers that are expected to contribute include freshmen Emily Lenz, Willow Luchini, Madison Maphis and Zoey Smeiska.

Replacing Blooming in goal will come down to a two-way competition between junior Georgie Janet, who started one game last season, and freshmen Zoey Smeiska. Smeiska opened the season with an impressive 32 save, 2-1 win over CFM on Saturday. With participation numbers near 40, the natural question is when the Glacier might entertain a split. “The split is a very complicated matter,” admitted Panosh. Truer words were never spoken as the growth of co-ops continues to be a sensitive and divisive issue.

Coach’s Comments: We’re incredibly excited to see what this talented group of girls will bring to the ice this season. With a strong mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, our roster is built for both immediate impact and long-term growth.

While we bid farewell to some of our program’s cornerstone players—most notably standout goaltender Macy Blooming and defensive leader Payton Dykstra—we’re confident in the depth and versatility we have on our back-end. 

Offensively, we return five of our top seven scorers from last season, giving us a solid foundation to build on. That continuity will be key as our younger skaters adjust to the pace and intensity of high school hockey. We anticipate hitting our stride early and competing at a high level throughout the season.

LAKESHORE Lightning

• State Appearances: None   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (10) Cedarburg, Cedar Grove-Belgium, Germantown, Grafton, Hartford Union, Homestead, Port Washington, Slinger, West Bend East, West Bend West  
• Total Enrollment: 9,781
• Roster Number:  41  Seniors- 5
• Head Coach: Dan Wade (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 16-8-1
• 2024-25 Record: 16-8-1

The Lakeshore program is growing fast, and their original projection of 46 players has dipped to 41 as the season began. With those numbers and ten schools in the co-op they are an easy target for the call to split. However, finding ice time that could fit another high school program is problematic. In the meantime, head coach Dan Wade is high on his team’s potential.

That optimism starts with junior goalie Elizabeth Bowers, an All-State HM selection and TW, who returns in the Lakeshore net. In front of her will be All-State HM defenseman Chloe Katsma and Liela Reed, both who played for the Selects this fall and Erin Brezovar, WiPH All-Freshman Team. The team will also welcome new players in, defensemen, junior MacKenzie Cook (Jr. Admirals), sophomore, Kate Dykema (Jr. Admirals/Madison Capitals), and Team Wisconsin freshman Natalie Donovan.

Leading scorer from a season ago, Addison Novack, is now at UW-Stevens Point, but Wade returns the trio of juniors Olivia Dykema (10G – 17A) and Cheyenne Mojica (8G – 6A) and sophomore Kennedi Bystol (10G – 13A) who he expects to be one of the state’s top scoring lines. Balanced scoring, with seven players with eight or more goals last year, was a key as their team depth wore teams down. The Lightning sported the state’s fourth best powerplay in 24-25 converting at a 21.3% rate.

The Lightning will get an early test as they will travel to take on the Storm, November 25th at Marathon Park in Wausau. The two teams met last season in Ozaukee, resulting in a 5-2 Storm win.

Coach’s Comments: Last year we were a very young team regularly playing 10-11 freshmen and sophomores as solid contributors on varsity, and they are all now a year older. With the addition of several new players expected to be big contributors, most of our scoring returning from last year, and our top defensemen and goalies returning, we should be able to build on our success from last season.

USM Wildcats

• State Appearances: 5   State Championships: (1) 2015  
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (9) University School of Milwaukee, Divine Savior Holy Angels, Dominican, Milwaukee King & Reagan, Nicolet, Saint Thomas More, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay
• Total Enrollment: 5,893
• Roster Number:  26   Seniors- 3
• Head Coach: Sarah Pearson (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 9-15-1
• 2024-25 Record: 9-15-1

The Wildcats were a young team a year ago and will be again this season with only three seniors and 17 freshmen and sophomores. Head Coach Sarah Pearson enters her second year after replacing Dan Carey. Pearson was a member of the 2016 state champion Hayward Hurricanes. Defensively the Wildcats need to replace the minutes of goalie Leia Schaefer (2.79 GAA / 90.7S%) and defenseman London Chase, both who were Eastern Shores HM selections. Schaefer is playing ACHA at Denver University. Teammate Ena Hines at St. Thomas in Minnesota. 

The Wildcats were in the bottom ten of goals scored per game at 1.96 a year ago and will look to Caroline Olson (8G – 11A), Zoe Adelman (7G – 5A), Lucy Duback (2G – 7A) and Reese Caufield (9G – 6A) to create more offense. Esme Loomans, a sophomore, will join the Wildcats after playing the last two seasons with the Junior Admirals. Loomans made an immediate impact scoring twice in the Wildcats opening season 4-2 win over Cap City. USM played even hockey in their first periods last season, but were outscored in the final two periods, 58-31.

In the Wildcat goal, sophomores Carson Markgraf and Maggie Johnson will challenge each other for the top goalie spot. Johnson started off the new season with a 23 save win. USM returns two experienced defensemen in sophomores Nora Sellars and Savvy Adelman.

Coach’s Comments: With only graduating four seniors last year, we are looking forward to having a large group of returning players. The returning knowledge and talent will help us be successful this season.

FOX CITIES Stars

• State Appearances: 3  State Championships: (2) 2019, 2020  
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (16)  Xavier, Appleton East, North, & West, Brillion, Fox Valley Lutheran, Freedom, Hortonville, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Menasha, Neenah, Reedsville, Saint Mary Catholic, Winneconne, Wrightstown
• Total Enrollment: 15,184
• Roster Number:  33  Seniors- 9
• Head Coach: Stephanie Brunkhorst  (1st Year)
• Career Record: 16-60-0 (Boys)
• 2024-25 Record: 15-11-0

Stephanie Brunkhorst has moved over from coaching the boys in Oshkosh the last three years to replacing a very popular coach in Blake Hackbarth who is now the head coach for the ACHA women’s program at Davenport University. Hackbarth was 42-34-1 in his three seasons behind the Stars bench. “Blake did wonders with the program and you can tell he was respected and liked by everyone,” said Brunkhorst. “But the team has been nothing but outstanding, everyone is welcoming and has been working hard since the start of practice and that is really all I could ask for right now.” 

The Stars return a strong roster that features four TW girls led by 2nd Team All-State forward Evie Mursau who finished in the top ten in scoring last year with 37 points including a career high 23 goals. That group also includes Lyla Cooke (8G – 11 A), Margaret Thomas (12G – 12A) and Olivia Merritt (7G – 8A). Kendall Lindemann, an Appleton North junior, put up 22 points last year and led her NE/North Central WEHL team to the tournament title with six goals in four games. The Stars had the state’s fifth best goals per game average at 3.54 last year. With so many proven goal scorers returning that average should remain high. Brunkhorst is expecting contributions from freshmen Emmaree Drach and Hailey Fischer.

In goal, the Stars will hope for a healthy season after injuries struck a year ago. Senior Teagan Wilkins, sophomore Addison Grasse and freshman Kelsey Erikson will compete for the starting job. “I see great potential in all three,” said Brunkhorst. Appearing in nine games, Wilkins had the best numbers, going 6-2 with a 1.48 GAA and a 92.5 S%.

Coach’s Comments: We’re entering the season with strong potential and focus on growth. The girls are already adjusting to the coaching changes well and are ready and willing to adapt and build. We have a good season from last year to build upon with our renewed energy, fresh skaters and strong returning players.

FOND DU LAC Warbirds

• State Appearances: 8   State Championships: (2) 2004, 2006 
• Conference: Eastern Shores
• Schools: (14) Fond du Lac, Campbellsport, Kewaskum, Kohler, Omro, Oshkosh North & West, Plymouth, St. Mary's Springs, Sheboygan Falls North & South, Valders, Waupun, Winnebago Lutheran
• Total Enrollment: 12,180
• Roster Number:  19   Seniors- 3
• Head Coach: Lindsay Lewison  (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 20-7-0
• 2024-25 Record: 20-7-0

A cruel off-season has somewhat tempered the enthusiasm generated by a 20-7 season and a trip to the sectional final last February. The ‘Birds defeated USM and Fox Cities by identical 5-1 scores before losing to Bay Area 3-1 in the sectional final. The Warbirds graduated six seniors, most notably All-State HM forward and leading scorer Allison Waara (19G – 9A). Graduation is a certainty every team must endure, but in addition, the Warbirds lost three players to the Jr. Admirals. It is the unfortunate reality that year-round teams present when they pluck players from our high school programs.

Despite those departures, the Fond du Lac cupboard is far from bare. The centerpiece is sophomore netminder Kennedy Kolhman, one of the state’s most dynamic puck stoppers, who will build on an impressive freshman season. On her way to being named All-State HM, Kohlman won 19 games, with a 1.75 GAA, 92.2 S% and six shutouts. Kohlman’s quickness and competitive fire set her apart. The freshman sensation also filled in for the Selects this fall, playing in seven games and posting a 0.75 GAA.

Blue collar forward Dana Jacobsen, WiPH All Freshman Team and senior defenseman Kayla Dogs return to rally the Warbirds against the odds. Both are fall Selects players. The team will lean on a talented sophomore class that includes Jacobsen, Kolhman’s twin sister Brooklyn, TW defenseman Adrianna Goetz, Maddy Gilson and Aubry Quinn. The Warbirds were the most penalized team in the state last season but neutralized it with the state’s second-best penalty kill at 91.4 %. Their 42 goals allowed during the regular season were the fifth best.

Coach’s Comments: The Warbirds have been putting in the work these past few weeks and are eager to get back into game play. These girls are ready to redeem themselves and make a state appearance this season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section Two

BLACK RIVER FALLS Tigers

• State Appearances: None   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Wisconsin Valley
• Schools: (7) Black River Falls, Granton, Melrose-Mindoro, Neillsville, Sparta, Tomah, Whitehall
• Total Enrollment: 3,121
• Roster Number: 26  Seniors- 7
• Head Coach: Brady Mathison (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 14-11-2
• 2024-25 Record: 14-11-2

The Tigers made their first trip to a sectional final last February, coming up short in a 1-0 loss to the ECA Stars. On their way the Tigers dispatched CFM 5-2 and St. Croix Valley 4-2. It is the kind of big step that often leads to even bigger and better things. The motivation to take the next step will be high when they open their season against the Fusion and the defending state champion Ice Bears, on the same day, the day after Thanksgiving. That is what you call jumping right into the fire.

Head Coach Brady Mathison, believes in building his team’s success from the net out. Led by senior goaltender Alexa Moore, the Tiger’s were the fourth best defensive team in the state allowing a meager 1.62 goals a game. Moore was a 2nd Team All-State choice posting 13 wins and a 1.38 GAA and 92.7 S%. Her GAA was fourth best among regular goalies. Black River allowed only 451 shots on goal last season, second best in the state behind Bay Areas stunning total of 270.

Team Wisconsin blueliners Camryn Steele, 2nd Team All-State and sophomore Piper Mathison have proven themselves as two of the state’s top defenders. This dynamic duo isn’t just good at keeping the puck away from their own net, they are also adept at putting the puck in the opponent’s net. Mathison led the team with 15 goals, and Steele was second with ten. Junior forward, Ally Ritter was third with six goals and six assists.

Black River played seven overtime games last year, going 1-4-2, which included losses to Superior, ECA, Fusion and Winona. With a few more bounces going their way, those 14 wins could have easily turned into a 20-win season.

Coach’s Comments: We should improve, we return a lot of players, but again we need to be the hardest working team in the building every night. I like our chances.

CHIPPEWA FALLS/MENOMONIE Sabers

• State Appearances: 3   State Championships: 1 (2021)  
• Conference: Big Rivers
• Schools: (3) Chippewa Falls, McDonell, Menomonie
• Total Enrollment: 2,588
• Roster Number:     Seniors-
• Head Coach:  Mikayla Hogan (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 12-12-0
• 2024-25 Record: 12-12-0

Mikayla Hogan, former CFM alumni and all-time leading scorer, returns for her second season as head coach. A year ago, the Sabers had the state’s fourth best offense, scoring an average of 3.57 goals a game. Team Wisconsin forwards Allison Xu (15G – 20A) and Avery Lindstrom (18G – 23A) both return along with TW defenseman Rhylee Buesgen (10G – 11A). Lindstrom, a 2nd Team All-State selection and Xu are just sophomores, both finished as top ten scorers in the state. Buesgen was 1st Team Big Rivers on the CFM blue line. Hardworking Junior Olivia Herr (11G – 6A) will add depth to the Sabers offense.

Senior goalie Aubrie Dowd played every minute last year, compiling a 2.68 GAA and 89.7 S%. A dozen new freshman will restock the short CFM bench which was an Achillies Heel last season. Kinzleigh Cody, a freshman defenseman from Menomonie, is expected to push for playing time. The Sabers outscored their opponents 57-38 in the first two periods but were outscored 28-27 in the third. Nine of the Sabers losses last season were by one or two goals.

Coach’s Comments: Expecting to build on a solid 24-25 season where we saw great improvement from November to February. New bodies will drive healthy, internal competition to fill our varsity squad.

EAU CLAIRE AREA Stars

• State Appearances: 3  State Championships: (1) 2018
• Conference: Big Rivers
• Schools: (4) Eau Claire North & Memorial, Altoona, Fall Creek
• Total Enrollment: 4,191
• Roster Number: 27  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Bob Stow (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 13-15-0
• 2024-25 Record: 13-15-0

The Stars were certainly last season’s Cinderella story as they worked overtime to gain a berth in the state tournament. ECA won two overtime games, including an epic 5-overtime win over Western Wisconsin, and then a 1-0 sectional final win over Black River Falls to punch their ticket. At state, the Stars scored two goals in the last five minutes to force a 3-3 tie with the Storm, before the clock struck midnight in a 4-3 Storm win. It was a season to remember for the Stars.

Four of last season’s main characters have graduated starting with goalie Amy Thul, who stopped 136 of 143 shots in the post-season (95.1 S%), including 54 vs the Storm; All-State HM forward Addison Gruhlke (16G – 8A): 2nd Team All-State defenseman Ava Stow and forward Lauryn Eckloff.  Eleven seniors in all have moved on.

Second year Head Coach Bob Stow will have plenty of spots to fill but will have nine freshmen to choose from including Kjessia Lahner, Addy Parker and Sierra Blomquist who are expected to contribute right away. Lahner has made an immediate impression with five points in the Stars’ two opening wins last weekend. Impressive junior, forward Molly Wright returns as the team’s top scorer with 13 points. The Stars struggled on offense a year ago averaging just 1.79 goals per game. Evie Pritzl, who made 42 saves in ECA’s playoff win over Hudson, returns in net. An All-State HM choice, the Altoona senior, who was injured part of last season, posted impressive numbers, 2.39 GAA and a 92.7 S% in thirteen games.

Coach’s Comments: We have a young team that is eager and talented that will be fun to watch grow and come into their own. The sky is really the limit on what they can achieve.

ST. CROIX VALLEY Fusion

• State Appearances: 5   State Championships: (3) 2009, 2010, 2011  
• Conference: Big Rivers
• Schools: (3) River Falls, Baldwin-Woodville, St. Croix Central
• Total Enrollment: 2,115
• Roster Number: 33  Seniors- 10
• Head Coach: Matt Cranston (21st Year)
• Career Record: 341-145-15
• 2024-25 Record: 15-9-0

Matt Cranston resides as the dean of girl’s coaches in Wisconsin as he enters his 21st season as the only head coach the Fusion has ever had. His 341 wins, include the only back-to-back-to-back state championships in 2009,10 and 2011, 13 Big Rivers championships, including six in a row and only a single losing season. With a healthy 33 player roster, a veteran senior class of ten and the team’s top six scorers returning, the prospects of a big season are high as the bluffs surrounding the St. Croix River Valley.

The high scoring duo of junior Jane Volgren and senior Morgan Kivel combined for 41 of Fusion’s 72 goals last season. Kivel is coming off a big fall season where she led the Selects in scoring with 16 goals in 18 games. Lily Mittl, Eleanor Adams and Oaklie Holldorf added 46 points together. The Fusion was perfect in overtime games last season, going 5-0. Volgren and Kivel combined for nine game winning goals. Freshman Jenna Volgren, younger sister of Jane, will be a welcomed addition. The younger Volgren opened the season with a four-point game in an 8-0 Fusion win over Red Wing, Minnesota.

The Fusion net will belong to Katelyn Gustafson who took over for an injured Anna Woolley midway through last season. The Baldwin-Woodville junior was spectacular, posting a 12-6 record, 1.97 GAA and a 92.0 S%. This fall she led the Western WEHL team to a second-place finish in their tournament going 2-0 with a 1.0 GAA and 96.3 S%. Gustafson was 2nd Team Big Rivers last season.

Coach’s Comments: We should be competitive as our top six scorers return and our goaltending will be solid.

HUDSON Raiders

• State Appearances: 6  State Championships: (2) 2002, 2003  
• Conference: Big Rivers
• Schools: (1) Hudson
• Total Enrollment: 1,732
• Roster Number: 26  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Matt Szypura (9th Year)
• Career Record: 105-87-5
• 2024-25 Record: 5-18-1

Head Coach Matt Szypura enters his ninth season with Hudson and has taken the Raiders to state three times in his tenure. Hudson remains the only stand-alone team in WIAA girl’s hockey. Szypura is the current president of the Girl’s WHCA.

Scoring goals was an issue for the Raiders a season ago as the team averaged exactly two goals per game. They struggled through the later part of the season dropping 13 of their last 15 games that included a ten-game losing streak. They opened the playoffs with the Cinderella ECA Stars and led 2-0 midway through the third period. The Stars tied it late and then won in the third overtime, ending the Raiders season.

With the loss of only four seniors, leading scorer Brooklin Monicken (4G – 12A) being one of them, the Raiders return a veteran group. Offensively Selects forward Marley Larson (9G -4A), along with Cora Chiodo (5G – 8A) and Laura Johnson (5G – 3A) will lead the way. Senior defensemen Julia Cahoon (TW) and Erin Madigan and junior Lauren Kowalsky all return as a solid defensive core. Cahoon has committed to play hockey for Augsburg University next season. Sophie Thompson has graduated and the Raiders will look for Emma Amundson and Lily Kroening to battle it out for the #1 spot. Hudson allowed 3.48 goals a game in 24-25, ranking in the bottom ten of the state.  

Coach’s Comments: We only lost 4 players from last season and are looking to build from our now upper classmen with a large junior and senior group.

WESTERN WISCONSIN Stars

• State Appearances:  1  State Championships: None  
• Conference: Big Rivers
• Schools: (5) Somerset, Amery, New Richmond, Osceola, St. Croix Falls
• Total Enrollment: 2,855
• Roster Number: 34  Seniors- 7
• Head Coach: Chris Lepper  (3rd Year)
• Career Record: 27-24-1
• 2024-25 Record: 13-12-1

Since taking over as head coach in 2023, Chris Lepper has made improving the Stars schedule a priority. This year they will play ten Minnesota teams, after going 3-6 in nine games a year ago. That will include one stretch of seven Minnesota teams in nine games. This furnace of competition helps forge a team that is battle tested come playoff time. Last season it helped the Stars claim their first ever share of a Big Rivers conference title as they tied the Fusion with a 6-2 record. Lepper, who was chosen as my “Under-the-radar” coach of the year said, “As you know, although my name is on this award, you cannot do this without the people you work with, as it truly is a team effort from a coaching staff each year.”

Three Big Rivers 1st Team players in sisters Izzy and Sophia Johnson and goalie Sierra Andert are all back for more as the Stars look to take another step. Western advanced to the sectional semi-finals before losing the five-overtime marathon to ECA, featuring a 56 saves performance by the ECA Stars Amy Thul. Coming so razor close has a way of providing immense motivation and they will hope to use that all season long.

Sophia Johnson, All-State HM, will be one of the state’s elite defensemen and along with teammate Charlotte Rea will head off to Bethel University to play hockey for the Royals next fall. Rea and teammate Ashley Jensen put up 16 points in four games helping the Western WEHL team to a second-place tournament finish. Izzy Johnson, who along with Jensen, led Western with 27 points last season, scored twice in the sectional semi-final loss to ECA. Other key returners include Annika Olinski, Madison Kamish, Chloe Julson, Gabby Thompson and Taylor Larson.

Andert, a senior from Somerset, who went 10-1-1 for the Selects this fall, started 17 games last season turning in a 2.30 GAA and 91.0 S%. The balance is the Stars schedule was evident in their 24 regular season games where they scored and allowed an identical 66 goals.

Coach’s Comments: The Stars return a lot of depth in key positions. Playing a tough schedule should help the Stars prepare for playoffs.

COULEE REGION Cyclones

• State Appearances: 11   State Championships: None  
• Conference: None
• Schools: (9) West Salem, Aquinas, Bangor, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, Holmen, La Crosse Central & Logan, Luther, Onalaska
• Total Enrollment: 5,450
• Roster Number: 27  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Jamie Olson (2nd Year)
• Career Record: 4-17-1
• 2024-25 Record: 4-17-1

After a 24 win, state tournament appearance season four years ago, the former Onalaska co-op has undergone significant changes including a name and location change along with a new head coach in Jamie Olson. Taking over for a 1-22-1 team was a major challenge for Olson and his staff. Following last season’s playoff loss to Western Wisconsin he elaborated on that challenge, “I am very proud of what this team accomplished this year with the adversity they had to endure not only through most of this year but over the past couple of years.  They should be proud of themselves as well as the teammates that stuck it out with them.”

Optimism runs high as the upbeat Olson prepares his team for the season at hand. Leading scorer Gianna Sanchez (10G – 5A) has graduated along with Makenna Olson and Mallory Long who are now playing college hockey at Lake Superior State and Grand Valley State respectively. Six freshmen come on board as the Cyclones welcome back scrapy senior Brooke Borkenhagen (7G – 7A) as their top forward. Olson highlighted Raegan Domack, Maycee Marson and Jocelyn Johnson along with freshmen Rylee Hoehn, Claire Gross, and Ava Ferguson.

Grace Johnsrude stepped in for injured Diane Hanson last season as a freshman, with very little goaltending experience. She will return to the net for the Cyclones along with freshman Ari Chamberland. Coach Olson expects the two to battle it out through the season for the number one role.

Coach’s Comments: Coulee Region Cyclones will be returning the bulk of their key players from last season. The Cyclones will again be young but have a strong core of returners that are now battle tested and ready to take the next step in competing and contending for a deep run in the playoffs. Barring injury, this should be a very fun team to watch and compete against this season.

 

Section One

CENTRAL WISCONSIN Storm

• State Appearances: 16   State Championships: 5  
• Conference: Wisconsin Valley
• Schools: (4) DC Everest, Mosinee, Wausau East & West
• Total Enrollment: 4,894
• Roster Number:  28  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Jana Wimmer (6th Year)
• Career Record: 114-21-4
• 2024-25 Record: 23-5-0

Graduation took a big toll on the Storm as four senior defensemen moved on including 1st Team All-State Ava Rode who is now playing for Connecticut College, All-State HM Michaela Gerum (Concordia, WI) and Sophia Bohlin (SNC) and Taylor Freidel. The Storm blue line will be turned over to a new and inexperienced quartet. The goaltending duo of sophomores Cami Flohr (1.62 GAA / 92.0 / 7 SO) and Taylor Simonson (0.99 GAA / 93.7 S% / 5 SO) split most of the regular season games last year, with Flohr taking over in the post-season.

Junior Jayden Yirkovsky (28G – 16A) brings her scoring touch back, but the state’s leading scorer Gabi Heuser is now scoring goals for MSOE. It’s a bet Yirkovsky will draw a lot of attention from opposing teams. In all CWS graduated 60% of their scoring from a year ago. The Storm powerplay was #1 in the state last year, clicking at nearly 35%, but 19 of their 24 powerplay goals have graduated. The Storm had the top GPG average at 5.38 and was second in goals allowed with 1.17. TW players Madeline Kelter (8G – 27A) and Ava Whitmore (9G – 12A) return to bolster the offense. Senior and state tournament overtime hero Mara Meverden is also back.

There appears on paper to be a lot of holes to fill for the Storm, but the program has a reputation of reloading instead of re-building. Look for them to do it again.

Coach’s Comments: It's easy to see that we lost a lot of depth and talent from a year ago. As always, there are shoes to fill, and we will be looking towards some upper classmen to fill larger roles and some young players to step-up. There will be a lot of trial and error this year and we hope to grow with it. We have a big puzzle to put together, and we hope that by February all the pieces fit.

SUPERIOR Spartans

State Appearances: 5   State Championships: 1 (2005)  

• Conference: None
• Schools: (2) Superior, Northwestern
• Total Enrollment: 1,665
• Roster Number: 26   Seniors- 5
• Head Coach: Doug Trantor (8th Year)
• Career Record: 76-108-3
• 2024-25 Record: 18-7-0

The Spartans will have some serious holes to fill as they look to replace nine seniors including Makaela Reinke’s 41 goals along with the blue line play of 1st Team All State defenseman Kate Stamper and number one goalie Kaylie Nault (59 career wins). Also gone are Emma Ferg’s 29 points and Bella Thompson’s 18 points. Reinke is off to a great start at Gustavus Adolphus College with two goals and two assists in her first six games. The Spartans offense was 3rd best in the state last year averaging 4.46 goals a game. The Spartans opened with Hayward on Friday and scoring against the air-tight Hurricanes was indeed a problem in a 1-0 loss.

Addy Benson, 2nd Team All State and 33 points returns from an injury that cost her the final three games of the season and the playoffs. She is expected to be 100% to start the season. Sophomore Evie Jenkins will take over in the Superior net with freshman Peyton Benoit backing her up. PaisLee Lystig is coming off a productive fall season with the Selects and should add some offensive firepower. The team will look to improve on their 17 powerplay goals allowed a year ago. Superior will play a strong schedule including ten Minnesota opponents along with two games against the Storm and Hayward.

Coach’s Comments: Good mix of veteran leadership with promising incoming players. A different looking roster after graduating nine, but very excited to see what this season brings! These girls love playing for each other as one unit!

HAYWARD Hurricanes

• State Appearances: 5   State Championships: 2 (2013 – 2016)  
• Conference: None
• Schools: (8) Hayward, Ashland, Barron, Cumberland, Rice Lake, Shell Lake, Siren, Spooner
• Total Enrollment: 3,262
• Roster Number:  29  Seniors- 8
• Head Coach: Emily Peterson (7th Year)
• Career Record: 95-53-7
• 2024-25 Record: 20-6-1

Might this be the Hurricanes year? They have won 57 games over the past three years and have been to three sectional finals in the last four years. They lost twice to the Storm by identical 2-1 scores, one in overtime and 7-5 to Superior. They will be without one of the state’s most dynamic players in Reese Sheehan who is their all-time leading scorer with 127 goals and 123 assists.

The Hurricane formula has always been more about defense; they were the third stingiest team a year ago allowing only 1.50 goals per game. This year’s team looks to be equally strong defensively. 1st Team All State goaltender, senior Makenna Hutchison will hold down the net for Hayward. Hutchison was 10-4 with a 1.51 GAA and 93.4 save percentage last year. Hutchison has persevered through injuries and is poised and determined to make her senior season her finest. Greta Woelber graduated and is now stopping pucks for Marian University. Back on the blue line Hayward returns defensemen Harper Sheehan, Zandra Land, Olivia Holzman-Byrne and Cynthia Hart. Baylie Schuh will be utilized as both a forward and defenseman. Hutchison opened the season with a 1-0, 28 saves shutout of Superior.

Olivia Webster will head up the ‘Canes offense after a fantastic 27 goal sophomore season that included  eight game winning goals and nine powerplay goals, both tops in the state. Eight of their top ten scorers from a year ago return, but only Webster had double-digit goals scored. Seven players participated in fall hockey, two with Team Wisconsin (Land, Webster) and five with the Selects (Hutchison, Elliott, Schuh, Duncan, Sprenger). Hayward will play six Minnesota teams and will host the 8 team WiPH Holiday Tournament over Christmas break.

Coach’s Comments: We will be a solid team again this year with a lot of hard workers and talent.

MEDFORD Raiders

• State Appearances: None   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Wisconsin Valley
• Schools: (2) Medford, Rib Lake
• Total Enrollment: 863
• Roster Number: 17   Seniors- 7
• Head Coach: Bruce Peterson (1st Year)
• Career Record: None
• 2024-25 Record: 2-14-1

Surrounded by large co-op programs like the Storm and Northland Pines, the Medford Raiders continue to move forward with only Rib Lake as a partner. When you go watch this team play you will see a high level of enthusiasm regardless of the score. Head Coach Tonya Schmidtfranz is gone, and Bruce Peterson has taken over the program. Peterson works with the Special Education staff at the high school in Medford. He has extensive coaching background, but limited hockey coaching experience, as he steps behind the Raiders bench.

The Raiders will once again have one of the state’s smallest rosters with 17 players, including three first year skaters. Kudos to this group for persevering through the big co-op landscape that they must compete in. Medford will be a part of the new Wisconsin Valley Conference along with the Storm, WVU, Northland Pines and Black River Falls. Senior Zayleah Leonard (12g – 9a) leads the returning scorers. She along with Senior Kara Kennedy will lead the Raiders offense. Junior Chloe Pipkorn, who played every minute last season, will be back in net for her second season between the pipes. Pipkorn was pressed into goalie duty last year, after not having played the position. With a year of experience under her belt there will be marked improvement. The Raiders were the least penalized team in the state last year.

Coach’s Comments: We are really looking forward to the season. We have seven returning athletes who are ready to show the way to our freshmen skaters along with a few more additions. We are expecting to make a bigger impact this year with these experienced skaters. The seniors we have are great girls on and off the ice and I believe their leadership will be the strongest part of the team this year. I feel we have some hard workers on this team, and I know they will give all they got to the program, so I am really looking forward to the season.

NORTHLAND PINES Eagles

• State Appearances: 2   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Wisconsin Valley
• Schools: (10) Northland Pines, Antigo, Lakeland, Hurley, Rhinelander, Wabeno; Bessemer, Ironwood, Norway, Wakefield-Marinesco,MI.
• Total Enrollment: 3,392
• Roster Number: 24  Seniors- 4
• Head Coach:  Jeff Stebbeds (3rd Year)
• Career Record: 14-28-0
• 2024-25 Record: 4-20-0

There are few things that can add excitement to a season like moving into a new lockeroom of your own!

A tremendous grass roots project started by the Friends of Eagle River Girls Hockey raised over $400,000 to build a new state-of-the-art lockeroom. Head Coach Jeff Stebbeds told the Vilas County News-Review, “It’s something to be proud of and it will help to build the program and generate a lot of excitement for the girls,” he said. “We’re really ready to get things going here.”

The Eagles return 12 Letter winners including forwards Reese Retallick and Lilly Beitler, defenseman Avery Renkes and one of the state’s best goaltenders in Lucy Nowak. The Northland Pines High School sophomore stopped 879 shots a year ago, registering 40 or more saves 8 times. The Eagles were one of two teams to allow over 1,000 shots (1,010) last season. Nowak had Pines thinking upset in their playoff game, making 45 saves in a 4-2 loss to WVU. Pines graduated only two seniors and will welcome ten new freshmen. Finding some scoring punch will be a priority as the Eagles netted just 29 goals in 24 games a year ago.

Coaches Comments: We are still a very young team, but we have a lot more pieces to the puzzle here this season to work with. We want to turn some heads up here this year. We have a hard-working group that pushes each other to get better every day.

WISCONSIN VALLEY Union

• State Appearances: None   State Championships: None  
• Conference: Wisconsin Valley
• Schools: (8) SPASH, Amherst, Assumption, Columbus Catholic, Marshfield, Pacelli, Waupaca, Wisconsin Rapids
• Total Enrollment: 6,193
• Roster Number:  25   Seniors- 8
• Head Coach:  Rachael Graves (3rd Year)
• Career Record: 69-96-10
• 2024-25 Record: 12-14-0

It will be a transition year for WVU as they move from the Eastern Shores Conference into the new Wisconsin Valley Conference. Fans will notice a huge shift in their schedule that will include a host of teams they haven’t played in the past. What won’t change is being a member of a strong sectional and the Union will get an early litmus test when they open the season against the Storm on December 2nd.

Replacing Jenna Jones will be a large task at hand for WVU. Jones led the team from the back end as a 1st Team All-State defenseman, in scoring with 30 points, and as a team captain. The good news is the team returns a young promising group in junior defenseman Campbell Spees (6G – 6A) and sophomore forwards Reese Simcakoski (7G - 8A) and Molly Fox (6G – 3A). Fox had three game winning goals, all in one goal victories as a freshman. Senior Lily Cichy (8G – 9A) returns as does defenseman Cece Reismann and Jai Dee Menge. Cichy is a strong player that could produce a big offensive year. The coaching staff is high on freshman Evelyn Fleming and Evelynn Bradley.

In net Junior Issie Wojcik started 23 of 26 games last season compiling a 3.06 GAA. Senior Kylin Wright has put herself in the conversation with a good off-season and will be ready if needed. The team will need to improve their penalty kill which allowed 15 powerplay goals a year ago, the 4th highest. Wojcik and Wright will have a lot to say about that.

Former UW-SP Pointer men’s player Trace Strahle has joined the WVU coaching staff. From Anchorage, Alaska, Strahle was a defenseman on the Pointer’s 2015-16 National Championship team.

Coach’s Comments: Our season outlook is favorable. We have returning goaltending, a solid senior class, and potential when it comes to newcomers. We will have more depth this season and I predict good chemistry/culture. Why not us? Why not WVU? We haven't led the pack yet but sleep on us and we'll make you regret it. We're ready to compete and earn.