A little less then fiveyears ago an idea was introduced to both the Princeton Youth Hockey Association and the Becker/ Big Lake Youth Hockey Association to combine the youth girls’ teams into a co-op. With the girls’ high school program co-op already in place, building a stable youth program where girls can consistency call a home was a main focus. This season, the first group of girls that started it all ended up on the top-rated, 12UB team in one of the most competitive districts in the state.
With a record of 18-2 in district play, this group of young ladies used teamwork, purposeful skating and the occasional dance party to stifle the competition in offense, defense and goaltending. They surprised many in the neighboring communities with an overall season record of 31-4-1.
Over the weekend, in true playoff form, the girls won the District 10 Championship against Andover in triple overtime, winning their way to the Regional tournament in Cloquet, Mn as the #1 seed.
The season for 12U girls has been filled with much more than hockey.
In December, the girls were specifically chosen by the Elk River Association and the Minnesota Wild to compete in a youth spotlight game alongside the 12U Elk River girls team. The girls were treated to a Minnesota Wild experience fully loaded with a surprise full house of spectators, guest coaches and a bus ride from their home ice of Princeton.
Not two days later, one might have caught these same girls in sub-freezing temperatures sponsoring a local Princeton family by volunteering to host a outdoor light show. Bundled up in as many layers as possible, the girls handed out candy, dog treats, and collected food and funds spreading cheer for the night.
In late January, Princeton youth hockey and the Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer organization partnered together to arrange a special game night to honor one of the 12U girls coaches who is currently fighting an aggressive form of cancer. The girls re-taped all their sticks purple, while the other coaches and officials wore special pins throughout the game. Fans were all given a chance to make a poster to honor someone in which they are playing for. With the help of the Champlin Park/Coon Rapids 12U Team, the game event helped raised funds for their assistance coach who will be watching from afar when they compete in regions this coming weekend.
The 12U girls coaching staff are incredibly proud of the work the girls have put into this season and how they have come together while supporting their communities. Good Luck at the Regional Tournament!
