Girls Hockey Captures Third Place at State

Senior defender Maielle Schugel delivered the game-winning goal just over a minute into overtime—her first goal of the season—securing Holy Family’s spot at state while ending Minnetonka’s four-year run as section champions. The Fire’s determination and teamwork were on full display as they overcame a team that had defeated them in the section final each of the past four years.

Adding to the emotion of the night, the team played in honor of assistant coach Kelly Jensen, who is recovering from an injury. Players wore green “Get Well Soon, Jens” stickers on their helmets as a tribute to their beloved coach.

Holy Family entered the state tournament as the #5 seed, facing #4 seed Moorhead in the quarterfinals on Thursday, February 20, at 8 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Holy Family Fire came away with a 3-1 victory in their first-ever state tournament game.

Advancing to the Semifinals

Holy Family Catholic’s defense set the tone early, holding No. 4-seed Moorhead without a shot in the first period of Thursday’s Class 2A state quarterfinal at Xcel Energy Center. Addy Cowan opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal in the second, followed by Josie Linn’s tally to give the No. 5 Fire a 2-0 lead heading into the third.

Moorhead’s Addie Moos cut the deficit to one, but Angela Cody’s empty-net goal secured Holy Family’s 3-1 victory. Cowan and Casey Cronin tallied assists. Kayla Swartout made 17 saves. Holy Family advanced to Friday’s semifinal against Edina at 8 p.m., while Moorhead moved to the consolation bracket.

Rebounding to Capture Third Place

Shaking off the heartbreak, the Fire stormed back in the third-place game, putting on an offensive clinic. They overwhelmed their opponent in shots on goal (47-18)  and secured a dominant 4-2 victory to close the tournament on a high note.