All semifinalists slated to play Division I hockey

Award to be announced Sunday, Feb. 23 at annual Ms. Hockey Banquet

The semifinalists for the coveted Ms. Hockey Award have been announced. The award is presented by Let’s Play Hockey and sponsored by the Minnesota Wild, The Minnesota Girls Hockey Coaches Association (MGCHA) and Tradition Companies.

This year’s semifinalists are Mercury Bischoff (Grand Rapids/Greenway), Mika Cichosz (Albert Lea), Whitney Horton (Edina), Mackenzie Jones (Andover), Teagan Kulenkamp (Centennial/Spring Lake Park), Zoe Lopez (Orono), Makayla Moran (Apple Valley), Lily Pachl (South St. Paul), Macy Rasmussen (Orono), Payton Remick (Roseau), and Sophie Stramel (Rosemount).

Collectively these players have scored 298 goals and added 268 assists for 566 points, average of 51 points per player and an average of more than 1.99 points per game.

“It’s another great crop of young, talented players in our great State of Hockey,” said Let’s Play Hockey Editor Bryan Zollman. “This year we had a tie in voting so we have 11 semifinalists. All are very deserving of this honor and there are many more talented players who did not make the semifinal list. Each one of our finalists will play Division I hockey, which is a great testament to the development model we have here in Minnesota and the dedicated coaches who help develop these players.”

The semifinalists will be narrowed down to five finalists which will be announced this weekend. The winner will be announced at the Ms. Hockey Banquet on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Saint Paul Rivercentre along with the Jori Jones Award , given to the state’s top senior goaltender. Tickets to the banquet can be ordered here.

The banquet includes a meal and program and also includes celebrating all-state and all-state honorable mention awarded players as well as coaches of the year and the Brano Stankovsky Award.

Past winners of the Ms. Hockey Award include: Ayla Puppe of Northfield (2024), Ella Boerger of Andover (2023), Vivian Jungels of Edina (2022) Peyton Hemp of Andover (2021) Olivia Mobley of Breck (2020), Madeline Wethington of Blake (2019), Taylor Heise of Red Wing (2018), Grace Zumwinkle of Breck (2017), Presley Norby of Minnetonka (2016), Taylor Williamson of Edina (2015), Sydney Baldwin of Minnetonka (2014), Dani Cameranesi of Blake (2013), Hannah Brandt of Hill-Murray (2012), Karley Sylvester of Warroad (2011), Bethany Brausen of Roseville (2010) Becky Kortum of Hopkins (2009), Sarah Erickson of Bemidji (2008), Katharine Chute of Blake (2007), Allie Thunstrom of North St. Paul (2006), Gigi Marvin of Warroad (2005), Erica McKenzie of Hastings (2004), Andrea Nichols of Hibbing/Chisholm (2003), Ashley Albrecht of South St. Paul (2002), Renee Curtin of Roseville (2001), Krissy Wendell of Park Center (2000), Ronda Curtin of Roseville (1999), Laura Slominski of Burnsville (1998), Annamarie Holmes of Apple Valley (1997) and Winny Brodt of Roseville (1996).

2025 Semifinalists:

Honorable Mention: Maya Engler (Andover), Olivia Kortan (Moorhead), Alida Ahern (South St. Paul), Josie Skoogman (Hill-Murray), Katy Comstock (Warroad), Courtney Little (Andover), Hannah Christenson (Andover), Hanna Olson (Andover), Kasey Senden (Hill-Murray), Lily McKenzie (Champlin Park/Coon Rapids), Nora Carstenson (Dodge County), Josie Linn (Holy Family), Sydney Bailey (Rogers), Bella Finnegan (Minnetonka), Nina Thorson (North Shore), Lily Erickson (Roseau), Sophia Hess (River Lakes), Kelsey Olson (Maple Grove), Kendall Hassler (Benilde-St. Margaret’s), Rhiannon Ashworth (Pine City Area), Gracyn Knowles (Blaine), Gracyn Schipper (Duluth East).

Mercury Bischoff – Grand Rapids/Greenway

Position: F/W  2024-25 – Games: 27 Goals: 56 Assists: 28  Points: 84  Career: 154G-231G-148A-379PTS College: Minnesota State

Bischoff has put together a phenomenal career for the Lightning, recording 379 points to date in her six seasons as a varsity player. She has scored more than 30 goals five times, 40 goals three times and has 56 goals so far this season. The crafty forward has 231 career goals and 148 career assists and is a four-time all state selection. Her 379 points to date ranks tied for 12th all time in the state. Bischoff isn’t just a hockey player, also playing tennis and lacrosse. She has been captain of the hockey team the past three seasons and is the all-time leading scorer in school history. She will continue her hockey career at Minnesota State.

Coach’s Comments: “Mercury is most well known for her elite edge work, deception, puck possession and hockey IQ, giving her the ability to always operate and play ahead of opponents. Besides the aforementioned, she is also an underrated passer with great hands that will show itself well at the next levels of hockey. In the off-season, off ice and in practice, Mercury puts the work in and sets an example for how to prepare your mind and body to play at the highest level. Mercury transcends the sport in our hockey-mad town of Grand Rapids. She knows her place as a role model that people — kids and adults alike — gravitate to watch while equally giving back to hockey and the greater community off the ice.” – Brad Hyduke

Mika Cichosz – Albert Lea

Position: D  2024-25 – Games: 26 Goals: 39 Assists: 23  Points: 62  Career: 126G-109G-63A-172PTS  College: Minnesota State

Cichosz is one of three defensemen to make the semifinalist list for Ms. Hockey. An offensive force who has led Albert Lea to a top-10 ranking this season, she is the top-scoring defensemen in the state with 39 goals entering play this week. She also scored 31 as a sophomore. A three-time all-conference performer and two-time Elite League participant, Cichosz has a solid combination of size, skating and puck skills. She will continue her playing career at Minnesota State.

Coach’s Comments: “Mika is the most dominant player on the ice in every game we play, very strong defensively with tremendous offensive skill, extremely good movement on the blue line with a great one time shot, shoots pucks amazingly hard under control. The best leader I’ve coached in 34 years.”  – Michael Carlson

Whitney Horton – Edina

Position: F  2024-25 – Games: 26 Goals: 16 Assists: 16  Points: 32  Career: 117G-60G-68A-128PTS  College: St. Thomas

Horton doesn’t rack up a ton of points as Edina plays one of, if not the toughest schedule in the state. But she is a top player on the Hornets and played an integral role in their state title run a year ago, scoring the game-winning goal in last year’s championship game. She also had a pair of goals in the state quarterfinal win over Northfield and was named to the All-Tournament Team. She was an all-conference pick last year and a member of the Team USA U18 National Camp. She was named captain of the 2024-25 Edina squad and is a 4-year letter winner for the Hornets. She will continue her playing career at the University of St. Thomas.

Coach’s Comments: “During Whitney’s time on our team thus far, she has been named All Conference, All State-Tournament Team, has participated in numerous USA Hockey National Camps, and has been a part of one of our state championships. Watching Whitney grow from her freshman year to now has been something special to witness from a coach’s point of view. From coming in as a young, very quiet, forward ready to learn the ropes, she has since developed into a versatile, reliable, skilled and go-to player for our team. Whitney is someone we can rely on in many situations on the ice. She has the ability to score big goals for us when needed, but she’s also learned to adapt to each game differently and day in and day out she helps our team be successful. Aside from her skills on the ice, Whitney is someone who comes to the rink every day with a personality and passion that is so critical to our team and its success. Her teammates rally around her and look up to her and from a coach’s perspective, she’s trustworthy, hardworking, accountable, and everything else you look for in your captain. No matter the day, she is ready to help better our team, doing whatever she needs to accomplish that. Whitney is someone that I have enjoyed watching grow on and off the ice immensely in the last four years and I’m so excited to see what her future holds.” – Sami Cowger

Mackenzie Jones – Andover

Position: D  2024-25 – Games: 27 Goals: 9 Assists: 24  Points: 33  Career: 119G-43G-84A-127PTS  College: University of Wisconsin

Jones has been a 4-year starter for the Huskies and was a member of the state champion Andover team that went 30-0-0 in 2021-22. She was an all-tourney selection that year. The following season the Huskies finished second and Jones was an all-state honorable mention pick.She was All-State pick last season and the team MVP as a junior. after tallying 47 points (18-29). This year she is a senior captain and a stalwart on the blue line. She has also attended the USA U18 National Camp for three years, and was a member of the USA U18 Festival Team in 2023. Jones is committed to the University of Wisconsin.

Coach’s Comments: “Mack is known to be one of the best defensemen in the state with a lethal shot. She has played in every situation for us since her freshman year and is heavily leaned on in order for our team to have success. Equally important to her play is the leadership she brings to our program and her character as a person. She is a two-year captain who is loved by her teammates. She truly loves coming to the rink and her positive energy is very contagious to her teammates, which I am very grateful for as a coach. That positive energy is also one of the reasons why she is a fan favorite to all the young girls in our youth hockey program. Mack is a household name in our hockey community!” –  Melissa Volk

Teagan Kulenkamp – Centennial/Spring Lake Park

Position: C  2024-25 – Games: 26 Goals: 26 Assists: 42  Points: 68  Career: 112G-57G-84A-141PTS  College: St. Thomas

Kulenkamp has been the offensive engine for Centennial/Spring Lake Park, leading them to a great season where they spent several weeks as the No. 1 team in the state and leading them to a current record of 25-2-0. She was a participant int he Team USA U18 National Camp and was a member of the Tier 1 U14 National Champion team. She helped lead the Cougars to the state tournament a year ago, their fifth in program history. She is an adept playmaker, currently leading the state in assists with 42. But she also has a knack for the net, notching 26 goals and giving her 68 points, ranking fourth in the state and second in Class AA. She will continue her playing career at the University of St. Thomas.

Coach’s Comments: “Teagan Kulenkamp is a remarkable athlete and a strong leader, serving as captain for both her junior and senior years. Her elite hockey IQ sets her apart on the ice, allowing her to make quick, strategic decisions that benefit her team. With a natural scoring prowess and excellent playmaking abilities, Teagan consistently finds ways to contribute offensively, showcasing her tenacity and determination. Her leadership has been a key factor in our team’s success, guiding us to three section final appearances and one state tournament appearance. As she leads a talented CSLP team in her senior year, Teagan exemplifies the qualities of a true champion.”  –  Sean Molin

Zoe Lopez – Orono

Position: F  2024-25 – Games: 27 Goals: 32 Assists: 17  Points: 48  Career: 137G-126G-88A-214PTS  College: Minnesota State

Lopez is a 5-year starter for the Spartans and earlier this season eclipsed the 100-goal and 200-point mark in her career. She made an immediate impact earning all-conference honorable mention honors as an eighth grader. She was All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention as a freshman and as a sophomore scored 38 goals and helped lead the Spartans to the state championship game where she earned All-Tournament Team honors and was named Team MVP. Last season she was named All-State and once again earned All-Tournament Team honors at state and was named Team MVP. This season she has racked up her second 30-goal season and helped lead the Spartans to an 19-5-3 record and another berth into he Class A state tournament. She will continue her playing career at Minnesota State.

Coach’s Comments: “Zoe has been an incredible leader on and off the ice for her entire five years with the Spartans. We can rely on her to play big minutes, score big goals, and consistently set the tone with respect to our compete level during games and practices. Zoe’s leadership in the locker room does not go unnoticed by her teammates and her coaches. I have found Zoe to be an incredibly strong communicator, willing to take constructive feedback and apply that immediately, and is great at holding herself accountable to the work she has set out to do. We are extremely excited to watch her play at the next level with Mankato, but more importantly what she will do in life and the positive impact she will continue to have on her community and her chosen profession.”  –  Paul Antonenko

Makayla Moran – Apple Valley

Position: F  2024-25 – Games: 25 Goals: 38 Assists: 24  Points: 62  Career: 151G-195G-142A-337PTS  College: Minnesota State

Moran has been the mark of consistency with four consecutive seasons of 60-plus points. A 6-year starter for Apple Valley, she has reached an incredible 337 points in her career, including 195 goals in 151 games. She is a multi-sport athlete, competing in soccer, golf and lacrosse and is also a District 8 hockey official. She has been named to the All-Metro team four times, earned All-State Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore and All-State last year as a junior. She has been named Team MVP four years in a row and this year scored 30-plus goals for the fourth time in her career (she scored 29 as an eighth grader). She led the team in scoring as a seventh grader as well. Her 38 goals this season ranks sixth overall in the state and second amongst Class AA players. She will continue her playing career at Minnesota State.

Coach’s Comments: “Makayla is a 6-year letter winner and 2-year captain and is a tremendous leader on and off of the ice. She is a 200- foot player who plays with a high compete level, has great vision as a playmaker, and is a threat to score anytime she touches the puck. This year, Makayla has has broken the school record for career points, career goals and become a member of the 300-point club.”  –  Chris Sikich

Lily Pachl – South St. Paul

Position: D  2024-25 – Games: 26 Goals: 20 Assists: 21  Points: 41  Career: 133G-85G-108A-193PTS  College: Harvard

Pachl has nearly eclipsed the 200-point mark as a defenseman, quite an accomplishment for a blueliner. This year marks her third straight season with at least 20 goals. She is a 3-time All-State member, 4-time All-Conference player and a 5-year letter winner. She has participated in two state tournaments and was named to the All-Tournament team in 2023. She is a 2-time USA National Camp participant and is currently ranked third all time in scoring for defensemen in South St. Paul history. Last year she was the top scoring defensemen in the state with 27 goals and 36 assists. She will continue her playing career at Harvard University

Coach’s Comments: “I have coached for 38 years and Lily is in the top 1 percent of all the players I have coached. Her skating ability and hockey IQ is at the highest level. She is one of the premier defensemen in the state and has been since 8th grade. She plays 45-48 minutes of every 51 minute game. She has the endurance and smarts of only the elite players. She is a truly special player. She will go down as one of the top Packer players that I have had the pleasure to coach.”  –  Dave Palmquist

Macy Rasmussen – Orono

Position: F  2024-25 – Games: 24 Goals: 15 Assists: 19  Points: 34  Career: 133G-58G-97A-155PTS  College: Ohio State

Rasmussen is in her fifth season for the Spartans. Known for her elite skating and high hockey IQ, Rasmussen is a 200-foot player who excels on both ends of the ice and is great in one-on-one battles. She was a member of the 2025 USA Hockey U18 team that competed in Finland in January. She also played on the 2024 team in Switzerland that won a Gold Medal. She attended the Women’s World Championship selection camp in 2023 and 2024 and also participated in the USA U18 Select Camp in 2023 and 2024. She played in the Elite League for three years, was a member of the HP 16 Final 54 Festival in 2023 and 2024 and also attended USA National Select camps in 2021 and 2022. She was an All-State pick last season and is a two-time All-Conference pick. She was a member of the last three Orono teams who advanced to state and is a captain on this year’ squad. She will continue her playing career at Ohio State.

Coach’s Comments: “Macy is probably one of the most balanced, competitive players I have had the pleasure of working with. She can be relied upon in every game situation, is strong on the walls, has incredible lateral mobility, and has a unique ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. Macy’s best attribute, in my opinion, is her unselfishness that she puts on display every day. She is a ‘team-first’ player and only wants what is best for her the team and her teammates. Macy is a leader on the ice and off, and sets the tone for practices and games with her vocal leadership and with her pace of play. Macy has an incredibly high ceiling and we are excited to watch her play at the next level with Ohio State and the US National Teams in the future. More importantly, we are excited to watch the positive impact she will have on the communities she touches in the future.”   – Paul Antonenko

Payton Remick – Roseau

Position: C  2024-25 – Games: 27 Goals: 24 Assists: 33  Points: 57  Career: 134G-90G-92A-182PTS  College: St. Cloud State

Remick is in her fifth season as a varsity player for Roseau and is a three-time All-Section selection. She has been involved in the USA Hockey  National Development Camp and has been a member of the HP festivals since 2021. With her 24 goals so far this season, she has now scored at least 20 goals for three straight seasons. She has led the Rams to 21 wins so far and leads the team in goals,  assists and  points. She will continue her playing career at St. Cloud State University.

Coach’s Comments: “Payton is a highly skilled, tenacious, and passionate player with impressive speed, quick hands, and excellent hockey IQ and vision on the ice. Her playmaking and scoring abilities are absolutely crucial to our team’s success. She plays a significant role not only in 5-on-5 play but also on both our power play (6 goals, 5 assists) and penalty kill (2 shorthanded goals, 1 shorthanded assist) units. Payton has been a cornerstone for the Rams over the past four years and will be incredibly difficult to replace. I am very excited to see what she will bring to St. Cloud State next year!” – Amanda Giles

Sophie Stramel – Rosemount

Position: F  2024-25 – Games: 28 Goals: 28 Assists: 28  Points: 56  Career: 134G-83G-119A-202PTS  College: Minnesota State

Stramel has been an All-Conference selection for each year she has played varsity hockey in Rosemount, which started in her eighth grade year. She was named Team MVP the past two seasons and this season has increased her point total from 37 last year to 56. She is a 3-year captain and helped lead the Irish to state in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and now again in 2024-25. She has also participated in Team USA National Player Development Camp in 2002 and 2023 and was a member of the HP Final 54. Known for her lethal shot, she has netted 83 career goals and recently eclipsed 200 career points. On Wednesday she scored the lone goal in a 1-0 over Eastview to send Rosemount to their third straight state tournament.  She will continue her hockey career at Minnesota State.

Coach’s Comments: “Sophie is the heartbeat of the Rosemount Irish Girls Hockey program. She is our leader both on and off the ice bringing our program to back-to-back state tournament appearances. Sophie is a true role model for all of the girls in the Irish high school and youth hockey programs. Her love for hockey is contagious and she is constantly going above and beyond to better our program. Sophie is an ambassador not just for Rosemount hockey but Minnesota hockey as well. The girls hockey community notices Sophie’s passion and love for the game. Sophie has been instrumental in changing the culture of Rosemount girls hockey. Her desire to compete at a high standard is contagious to everybody in the program. Sophie excels in big moments and has many of the biggest goals in program history including an overtime section final goal to send our team to the state tournament for the second time ever. Sophie is the hardest worker on the ice every single day at both practices and games. She never takes a day off and sets the standard for her teammates. Sophie does this while creating an inclusive environment for her teammates to be themselves and thrive.”  – Co-Coaches Jennifer Williams and Kyle Finn

About the Ms. Hockey Award

With the success of the Mr. Hockey Award over the years, it only seemed natural to honor the top senior playing girls’ hockey in Minnesota with a similar award.

In 1997, Let’s Play Hockey held the inaugural Ms. Hockey Award banquet, honoring the second-ever Ms. Hockey, Annamarie Holmes of Apple Valley. The inaugural award went to Roseville’s Winny Brodt as part of the Mr. Hockey banquet in 1996. The banquet has more than exceeded expectations, as attendance to celebrate the conclusion of the girls’ high school hockey season is annually in the range of 400-500 people.

Ms. Hockey is presented to the top senior girls’ high school hockey player in the state, based on the following criteria: academics, community/extra-curricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

The Ms. Hockey candidates are identified based on nominations by their coaches. The selection of the top 10 candidates, then the five finalists, and ultimately the winner, is based on consultations with a panel of Division I and III college women’s coaches from the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as a panel of high school coaches. The same process is used to select the Let’s Play Hockey Jori Jones Senior Goalie of the Year Award winner.

Former Winners: