Class 1A second-ranked Proctor-Hermantown has exploded to another strong start to the high school girls hockey season, highlighted by a 6-0 season and home opening win against Roseville-Mahtomedi on Friday night and a 3-2 overtime home loss to No. 1 Warroad Saturday afternoon in a rematch of last season’s Class 1A state championship game in St. Paul.
Goaltending, in particular, has been a question mark for the Mirage since the start of training camp, with a replacement needed for 2022 Duluth Times Player of the Year and three-year starter Abby Pajari, who graduated.
Proctor-Hermantown goaltenders Suri Langlee and Neelah McCloud were impressive in their season debuts, which helps to set the table for another strong season.
Langlee, a freshman, was perfect with 21 saves against Roseville-Mahtomedi, and McCloud, a sophomore, stopped 45 of 48 shots against Warroad.
“Neelah and Suri have stepped up their games, showing a lot of maturity, and continue to push each other hard for the starting spot,” fourth-year Mirage coach Emma Stauber said. “Neelan is very strong and great with her angles, and Suri is very agile and athletic. The plan is to rotate them at the beginning of the season because its only fair to see them under game pressure and give them some experience and confidence. We’ll find that chemistry in goal in first half of the season, just like the forward lines and defensive pairings. A hot goaltender is key for us.”
Senior forward and captain Reese Heitzman already has scored three goals, including both goals against the Warriors, and sophomore forward Jane Eckstrom had a pair of goals in the opener.
Other Mirage forwards to watch this season are senior forwards and captain Nya Sieger, and junior forwards Izy Fairchild and Hannah Graves, both Bemidji State recruits.
“Reeze and Nya are great playmakers and scorers, great leaders,” Stauber said of her captains. “I’m pleased that Izy and Hannah committed early, so they can put that behind them and enjoy the next two seasons.”
Senior defenseman Ava Anick and Sophie Parendo, both varsity starters since their freshman seasons, are assistant captains.
“Ava and Sophie are solid on the back end,” Stauber said.
Proctor-Hermantown (1-1) will play host to Bloomington Jefferson at 7 p.m. Friday.
📷 Shawna Jokinen | Freeway North Photography