The end of the eason for Girls’ Hockey has come to a close for a team led by 11 graduating seniors.
Injuries have continuously confronted the team, including a broken wrist for senior captain Jackie Wethington ‘23 causing her to miss nine games. Head coach Kristi King recalls the team’s challenge navigating their impressive win over Edina earlier in the season, describing how they lost two defense players throughout the game, one due to an injury and as a result of illness, and still managed to maintain their 1-0 lead. Wethington comments on how gratifying that win was, saying that it “was a really good example of [a time] when we all really came together.”
Nonetheless, the team has pushed through numerous injuries, along with a difficult game schedule. Wethington attributes the team’s intense drive and determination to both the high number of seniors on the team and the newer coaching staff. This season has been the second for King, and Wethington says that she, as well as the other coaches, “have really created a shift in [the team’s] culture.” King reciprocates the feeling, saying that the players “have made it a vulnerable, successful environment [where] everyone wants to show up everyday and work hard for each other.” That positive culture has allowed the team to find the success they have throughout their season, even while facing a multitude of obstacles. King notes, “as a team we’ve faced adversity and we’ve persevered.”
Forward Malika Chebaclo ‘25 added “We’ve all worked really hard…It’s been a good season. We’ve had some ups and downs, but we’ve played pretty well.”
The team started off the tournament strong, with a bye to the quarterfinals thanks to their seeding, and an 8-0 win over Robbinsdale in semifinals. However, tragedy struck as the Blake Girls lost 4-0 to Edina in Section Finals, marking the end of their season.
In addition to the already negative outcome of the game, senior captain Suzy Higuchi ‘23 suffered a concussion during the third period and had to be helped off of the ice.
Edina went on to make it past quarterfinals at the State Tournament, beating Lakeville North in a 6-0 shutout. Edina ultimately lost to Andover in the semifinals, who lost to Gentry Academy in the State Finals.
