The Hayward Girls Co-Op Hockey Team has started preparation for the 2014-15 hockey season. This year’s team will play a schedule consisting of eight Minnesota teams as well as many top caliber Wisconsin schools.

The Co-Op is a group of six schools in Northwestern Wisconsin consisting of Hayward, the host school, as well as Rice Lake, Shell Lake, Spooner, Northwestern of Maple, and Ashland.  The players are committed to the team and travel daily to make the practices and games in Hayward and beyond.

This year’s team is made up of eight seniors, four juniors, six sophomores, and four freshmen. Captains for this year’s team are Harley Kinney, Alex  Grubbs, and Madeline Spangenberg.  The team believes they can compete for a spot in the state tournament come March in Madison.

Many in this group have experienced success in previous seasons by winning the state championship in 2013 and participating in the state tournament in 2012. They hope to build on that success with another run this season.

Previous head coach Scott Turnbull and his staff did not return this season and he was replaced by Tom Doig.  Other coaching staff members include Kate Sherry and Charles Tremblay.  The new staff has been preparing the team through hard work and implementing new systems.

Top returning players include Claudia Duffy, Amber Heidenreich, Nayda VanVonderen, Emma Dieckman, Madeline Spangenberg, Alex Grubbs, Karin Knapp, Harley Kinney, Lauren Tremblay, and transfer Jenna Curtis.  The rest of the roster is filled out with hard working role players who will play an important role in the success of the team.

The players have developed team goals as well as a season theme and song.  They are looking forward to the challenges this hockey season and hope to continue the success this program as had in past seasons.