2025 Player of the Girls State Tournament

As an 11th grader last season Faye Brunke was a key contributor for the Bay Area Ice Bears 2025 WIAA State Championship team. Brunke led the Ice Bears with 46 points during the regular season and then was named Wisconsin Prep Hockey’s 2025 Player of the Girls State Tournament.

As a senior this season, Faye Brunke and her undefeated Ice Bears team have an opportunity to make a fourth consecutive appearance in the state championship game. Brunke was on the Ice Bears 2023 state championship team as a freshman; as a sophomore she led the Ice Bears in regular season points and a runner-up finish in 2024; and last season the Ice Bears won the 2025 state championship.

“Faye is electric, and she can score any way possible. Faye was injured, got taped up, came back in and got the first goal against Fond du Lac…it was the type of hard-working goal that you need to have success in games. Faye benefits everyone, the freshman and sophomores learn from her by watching how she reacts. She is a great leader and person away from the rink. I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for her.” Mike Buchan, Bay Area Ice Bears Head Coach

“Faye is a great player, great student, and one of the nicest human beings you’ll ever talk to. She can change the game at any time as dominates high school hockey in Wisconsin. I am excited to see her move on to the next level.” Brian Poshak, Team WI U19 Head Coach

Let’s hear from Faye Brunke!

Congratulations on being named a captain. Thank you! I am an assistant captain.

Is your role different this season as assistant captain? Yeah, I would say so. We lost a lot of seniors from last year, so we had to step up but it has been an easy adjustment because we all learned from the strong leadership of last year.

When did you start playing hockey? When I was age 8. But I started skating before then with my brothers.

How many siblings do you have? Two older brothers and they played high school hockey for Bay Port and Ashwaubenon.

Where did you play youth hockey? Green Bay Youth Hockey.

What other sports do you play? I do track in the spring for my high school.

What would it mean to play in four straight state championship games? It would be super cool, definitely! It is a real fun experience. Going back is a goal for this team.

How long have you played for Team Wisconsin? I started at 14U, so it’s been 5 years.

What’s it been like playing for Team Wisconsin? It has been a good experience with my teammates and coaches. It is fun playing at that level.

Pregame ritual? Take a nap, have an energy drink, get to the rink, listen to music, and warm up with the team.

What attributes make you such a strong player? Skating and IQ. Using those two to make plays and create space.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My parents. They’ve always been there for me. They always push me to be the best and are always supporting me.

Your plan for after high school? I am going to continue playing at Gustavus Adolphus.

What do you plan to major in at Gustavus? Either business or psychology.

What do you want to do for a career? I am interested in doing sports psychology.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to hockey? I love traveling and spending time with friends and family.

What’s the best place you have visited? Colorado or Wyoming. I love the mountains.

Where’s your dream vacation? Greece or somewhere in Italy.

Favorite food? Either pasta or a smoothie bowl.

Favorite restaurant for pasta or a smoothie bowl? Noodles for pasta, Bona Fide for a smoothie bowl.

Favorite music group or type of music? I love everything, but probably country or pop. Sam Barber and Tate McRae.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car.

If you could meet anyone, who would you want to meet? Harper Murray, a college volleyball player. Her story is inspiring.

What would you ask Harper Murray? How have your setbacks shaped you as a person. How have you used it to grow into the person you are now.

Final thoughts? I am thankful for my parents and all my coaches; and definitely all my teammates because they become your forever friends and sharing all the memories and experiences with teammates is special.

Best wishes to Faye Brunke and the Bay Area Ice Bears!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey