North Wright County 15U A
Season Recap
We won some games, lost some games and tied some games, but I'm not going to talk about wins and losses. They don't matter in the big picture. What I am going to talk about is growth!
As a coaching staff, we bore witness to incredible growth that teams need in order to succeed and quiet any doubts. While ups and downs are always parts of seasons, this team persevered. They persevered through illnesses, injuries, short benches and ultimately came out stronger on the other side. Nothing builds character like adversity, and these girls faced adversity through out!
Through their battles together, we witnessed leadership development, and not just by those wearing the C's and A's. We saw girls taking accountability for themselves and holding those around them accountable.
If I had to pinpoint one of the greatest things to witness, it was when we saw the girls coming together and buying in for one common goal! They played for one another, and they played for no other reason other than making sure the team succeeded! Their hard work, their sacrifice, and their commitment to one another was rewarded with a trip to their state tournament! While it sucks they weren't able to finish off the journey they started together, it's not all about playing the games. It's about growing together! These girls came together, they grew together, they bought in and made parents proud, and ultimately they succeeded!
Coach Nelson
The North Wright County 15U A Riverhawks had a memorable season. I am very proud of this group. We started out the year with 12 determined individuals whom signed up to learn how to become a team. We set a goal which became a task to win the Minnesota Hockey State title. Our season had peaks and valleys. We had to over come multiple injuries, multiple bouts of flu, limited practice ice time and late night practices. Still, we endured, edging closer and closer to our season goal. Our tournament results showed promise but room for improvement with a second place showing at the All American, third place at the Super Chill, third at the Showdown in Potato Town.
The girls buckled down and battled hard in practice, realizing we needed to get better everyday. Our 12 individual players realized hockey is a team game. The Hawks started to learn how to play as a team. We defeated #1 Minnetonka on their home ice, and we reached our main season goals, taking first in D5 and earning a State Tournament berth by finishing third in the American Region.
Our girls improved and became a tough, physical, relentless hockey team. I will always remember this team for their devotion to each other. The way they recovered from injury. The way they over came sickness (winning a game with only 8 skaters), and most of all, how they showed up to battle each and every day with a smile on their face.
Coach Walters