How to salute great fans? Coon Rapids coach says it with candy hearts

Valentine's Day candy came early to the Champlin Park student section, courtesy of Coon Rapids boys' basketball coach Mike Ogorek.

Before the Cardinals' game at Champlin Park on Feb. 6, Ogorek gave students two bags of candy hearts and a handwritten note saluting "the best fans in our conference" while encouraging them to "give us heck tonight." A photo of the note was posted to Twitter and spread good vibes throughout the social media site.

"They are the coolest fans in our conference," Ogorek said. "They show up in good numbers and really razz our team. It's all in fun and it makes for a great atmosphere for both teams. So I thought it would be fun to give them a thank you. I just told them to not throw any candy on the floor and get me in trouble."

Undefeated Champlin Park, the state's No. 1 team in Class 4A, shellacked Coon Rapids 112-49. But the final score wasn't the point.

"We'd love to get to that level of success and support but going into that game, I told our guys to always remember playing the top team in the state and the guy who will probably be Mr. Basketball," Ogorek said.

Rebels senior guard JT Gibson, the player Ogorek was taking about, scored 31 points in the rout. But he's far from the only player giving Champlin Park the look of a state championship-caliber team.

"They are so selfless on offense," Ogorek said. "They are always passing up a good shot for a great shot. And their defensive pressure just wears you out. I told one of my assistants, 'I don't know if I'll ever coach against a team this good again.' "

Champlin Park, which started this week 22-0, lost only three games last season but failed to make the state tournament. Ogorek believes a better ending awaits these Rebels, signing his note to fans, "Enjoy the journey into March!"

Champlin Park's Hannah Goettl was named one of five finalists for the Let's Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year Award. She started this week with a record of 11-10-1 with a 1.62 goals-against average and a saves percentage of .948. The Rebels played No. 1 seed Centennial in the Class 2A, Section 5 playoffs Tuesday after this edition went to press.

The senior goalie of the year will be announced at the Ms. Hockey banquet beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 22 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

Blaine senior forward Easton Brodzinski announced his verbal commitment to St. Cloud State, following older brothers Jonny and Michael into college hockey.

Jonny is a junior forward who leads the Huskies with 17 goals this season. Michael is a sophomore defenseman with the Gophers with four goals and six assists. Easton started this week tied for the Blaine team lead with 23 goals in as many games.