After a tough 7-3 loss against South St. Paul Dec. 21, assistant coach Annie McNeill said she feels proud of how the team played, even when the score did not reflect their effort.
“We played hard for 51 minutes,” McNeill said. “Even though the score didn’t go the way we had planned, the team really came together and barred down and played really well as a team together.”
Freshman Ella Koethe said the key to perform well is implementing pre-game rituals and knowing what to work on in practice after a game.
“(Before games) I will have a good meal and just warm up,” said Koethe. “(In future practices), I’m going to work on finishing and putting the puck in the net.”
Senior Camryn Witham said although the game didn’t go the way she wanted, the team’s response to the tough game was admirable.
“(The game) was okay, not the greatest but not horrible,” said Witham. “We kept our energy, even after we got scored on, and we responded well for the most part.”
According to McNeill, showing up to practice and putting in 100% effort each time is the crucial aspect in players finding success in games.
“When we have a solid practice and you give that effort, that’s how you’re going to play in the game,” McNeill said. “It’s important that you don’t take a drill off and you don’t coast through practice.”
As this is her first high school season, Koethe said her favorite part of the season so far has been pulling wins out against skilled teams.
“(The best part of the season so far has been) winning against Osseo Park Center,” said Koethe. “We persevered through that game and came out with a win.”
Going forward in future practices, Witham said she has a clear idea on what needs to be worked on individually and as a team.
“(In practice, we are going to work on) executing, getting goals and not just shooting the puck,” Witham said. “Overall, making smart plays.”
Park girls hockey is gearing up to face Metro-South at 7 p.m. Dec. 27 at Burnsville Ice Arena for the Holiday Tournament.
