According to junior Erin Brousseau, the Hopkins/Park girls’ hockey game against Red Wing was a success, despite the slow start. 

“I thought it was a pretty solid game, we started out a little slow but then we definitely picked it up in the second and third periods and ended with a strong game,” Brousseau said. 

Coach Ryan St. Martin said the game advanced the team in many ways. 

“We always like to see someone’s first varsity goal and a lot of assists so (the team was) sharing the wealth a little bit. I think those were two nice takeaways from today,” St. Martin said.

Senior Sarah McCallon said the way the team included everyone and worked together was inspiring to see.

“I think we worked really well together, we tried to include everyone in the play,” McCallon said. “I think we did a really good job of passing and moving the puck, including everyone on the ice and taking the time that we had in that game.”

According to Brousseau, the losing streak the team was on motivated them to do well.

“We were on a little bit of a losing streak and I think we came into the game wanting to prove that we could compete and wanting to end (the losing streak),” Brousseau said.

McCallon said the team prepared well for the game and was excited to see what the outcome would be.

“I think we were well prepared (for the game). We played Dodge County last week and we had a really good game, we tied, but the energy was super good. We were excited to play this game,” McCallon said. “People were ready to work hard (and) we had a really good practice.”

Overall, St. Martin said he was encouraged the season will go well based off how the game turned out and how they played. 

“I’m proud of the girls sticking with it throughout the whole game and having a good effort. I’m hoping that we can keep building on this as we go into the Christmas tournament,” St. Martin said.

McCallon said her teammates’ efforts were encouraging to see in the game. 

“I was really proud of all the teammates, (especially) if it was their first varsity goal or they were doing really well,” McCallon said.

Hopkins/Park will face a TBD team on Dec. 26 at Fogerty Ice Arena.