High school hockey heroes. They’re the real deal.
They’re role models in their community, encouraging the next generation of athletes to follow in their footsteps and chase after success for the logo on the front.
This year’s crop of Ms. Hockey candidates embodies what it means to be a hockey hero in the State of Hockey. While there are countless players this season who have risen the girl’s game to the next level across Minnesota, there are a few particulars who stand out:
We highlighted a select few and learned from the coaches that know them best about what exactly makes each of these ladies stand out and how their on- and off-ice prowess has led to growth in the association and community.
Mercury Bischoff, Grand Rapids-Greenway
Position: Forward
College: Minnesota State University - Mankato
There’s a reason Bischoff donned the ‘C’ starting in her sophomore season. After all, she’s been on the varsity squad since she was a seventh grader.
“Her skill set just makes her so unique, which is crazy edgework—the best I’ve ever seen—and the way she’s just an effortless skater and uses that edgework for her deception,” head coach Brad Hyduke said. “But
Bischoff leads the state in goals (56) and points (84), which is a drop in the hat to her career totals that boast the most the association has ever seen (379 career points and counting).
“She’s always had this acclaim since she was young,” Hyduke said. “She was known in girl’s hockey circle and on the hockey scene and now at the high school level with her prolific numbers.
“But she’s having her best offensive season ever as a senior because of her defense, the way she blocks pucks and turns that into offense.
Off the ice, Bischoff is just as special.
“She’s a mentor to others,” said Hyduke. “She’s helped others take their game to the next level, especially with the little things in the game like diet and details like that.
“She transcends the sport. Grand Rapids is a hockey town. But Mercury kind of stands alone, not just in girl’s hockey but among the boys too, who look up to her. I have boys come to the rink and watch her and learn how she creates space for herself and just watch her skating.
“She does the stuff that’s important to the community, and that’s part of the allure around her. The message she sends to everyone is that it’s bigger than herself.”
Olivia Kortan, Moorhead
Position: Forward
College: Undecided
Even at 12U, it was obvious that Kortan was going to be a player to watch. By the time she made the varsity team in ninth grade, she grabbed the offensive part of her game by the reins and shared it.
“Olivia’s been one of our best hockey players since she came on the scene as a freshman,” head coach Ryan Kraft said. “Her hockey sense and just her overall awareness of where she needs to be on the ice is something you just can’t teach.
“Combine that with her competitive nature and her athletic skills, and you got the player that she is. I mean, she missed five games this year due to injury, and she still has 37 points.
Kraft points to Kortan as the cog that runs the offense. A catalyst that has not only succeeded for herself, but her line mates and teammates, too.
“She just enhances everything we want to be as a team,” Kraft said. “Great players make everyone around them better. To have somebody like that in your program and kind of steer the ship for four years, it’s pretty incredible.
That effect trickles down to the grassroots levels, too.
“She’s everybody’s idol. You talk to any youth hockey girl in Moorhead, and they all want to be Olivia Kortan,” said Kraft. “She’s got the kindness and charisma to speak to anybody and is just a well-rounded young lady.”
Ida Huber, Dodge County
Position: Goalie
College: Long Island University
Huber allows her team to play over the line. With her brick wall stats at an incredible .79 goals against average and .960 save percentage this season alone, the offense can play risky knowing Huber is there to stop any rubber that might come her way.
“We know we have a goalie that can stop anybody on a breakaway or odd-man rushes, too,” explained head coach Jeremy Gunderson. “So it gives you a bit more freedom to jump in and do some more things offensively.”
Being a goaltender can be a pretty isolating position. It’s why Huber is diligent in making her crease a welcome area for all.
“She’s always working with the younger goalies on the team and at our summer camps working with the association and the kids. Plus, she’s a lot of fun in the locker room with a contagious smile that she really brings it all.”
Teagan Kulenkamp, Centennial/Spring Lake Park
Position: Forward
College: University of St. Thomas
Head Coach Sean Molin has watched Kulenkamp’s skill set grow since she became a member of the team as a freshman.
But he’s also seen her literally grow—adding another tool to her already potent arsenal.
“She’s always been super smart and skilled, and I think she’s gotten a little taller and a little stronger that’s just allowed her whole game to really kick off and help her pass up a lot of kids that were maybe above her a couple of years ago,” Molin.
Not necessarily deemed a late bloomer, but there was a point in time when Kulenkamp found herself on the fourth line of the Minnesota Hockey’s HP Green Giants. Shifts and minutes were limited, but Kulenkamp’s desire to improve was not.
This year, she is the top apple-getter with 38 on the year and is fifth in the state with points (64).
“She plays very patiently,” said Molin. “She’s really, really methodical and just good at being in control. Overall, just smart and patient.”
Her patience paid off, earning her the chance to commit to the University of St. Thomas to play hockey. Still providing an opportunity for all the younger players to continue to follow her journey nearby.
“She’s the one all the young girls look up to in the district and association,” said Molin. “My daughter, who plays, absolutely loves her.
“It’s not just her skill but the way she carries herself and gives back to the community. She’s a really special player who has already achieved so much, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg for her.”