Wayzata 19U
Season Recap
The Wayzata 19U team was formed from a fantastic group of young ladies from the western metro area; Wayzata, Plymouth, Delano and Buffalo. With only one goalie, we added an additional goaltender for our post-season run from White Bear Lake.
Just like any hockey team, we conducted our business professionally; the four pro-level coaches ensured practices were always well attended and run at a high tempo, players honed their skills relentlessly off-ice, physical conditioning was world-class and the team spent most evenings in disguise scouting their opponents to identify weaknesses. Skate steel was constantly honed to a razors edge ready to do battle and sticks were always freshly taped ready for the game-winning shot. With lines like the “Chinchillas”, who could possibly compete with this well-oiled machine?
The season started a little slow, with the players finding their groove and lines getting tweaked, but games were within reach every time. Opponents like Minnetonka, Edina, White Bear Lake and Stillwater were always ready, although that confidence was often shaken with the thundering “WAYZATA ON THREE” war cry just prior to the opening face off.
Throughout the season, the team found their stride and the national sport networks soon began to take notice of the western patchwork of players who were obviously becoming more than names on a roster; they were becoming a team. We lost a player along the way to the Army, but we saluted her with pride and sent her on her way to a shaved-head experience and lots of pushups. We’re confident she has taught her drill sergeant how to take a proper slap-shot.
Finishing the season with a string of wins, the team was ready for the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament. Banquet night was ripe with anticipation as the opposing teams summed up their first-round foes and all were ready to take it to the ice.
State tournament or not, it was a great season for the Wayzata 19U hockey team. New friends, old friends, fun hockey, lots of laughs and memories are all things that we get to take away from a fantastic experience. Thank you to all the players, coaches, families, other teams and league organizers for making this year such a success.