Auditions for individual hockey awards are in full force on ice sheets statewide.
Getting down to a short list of deserving seniors for the prestigious Ms. Hockey awards in a state rich with talent is tough. But enough season has transpired to warrant informed opinions, so here goes nothing.
Watch for 10 Ms. Hockey Award and Senior Goalie of the Year semifinalists to be named by Let's Play Hockey around mid-February, with five finalists in each category to follow soon after.
Mid-February is section tournament time. Meantime, here are lists to stoke fans' interest in January.
MS. HOCKEY FAVORITES
Ella Boerger, Andover
The Huskies' leader with 12 goals through 10 games. Second to teammate Isa Goettl — a premier playmaker and another Ms. Hockey-worthy forward — in points. The dynamic duo should have Andover in the hunt to repeat as Class 2A state champion.
Kate Johnson, Warroad
New teammate Rylee Bartz, a senior transfer from Fargo, N.D., leads the state with 33 goals and 55 points. But Johnson, an integral part of the Warriors' Class 1A state championship team last season, is right behind Bartz with 54 points. Warroad hasn't produced a Ms. Hockey winner since Karley Sylvester in 2011.