Her parents were Gophers, who were also in the running for one of state’s top prospects

by Robert Brent, Let’s Play Hockey

Emily Pohl, one of the best young talents in Minnesota High School hockey, ended her recruiting phase last week when she committed to play her collegiate hockey with the powerhouse Wisconsin Badgers.

Pohl, a forward with Hill-Murray, helped lead the Pioneers to the Class AA State Championship last season, a 5-4 double-overtime win over the defending champion Edina Hornets.

The skilled forward led Hill-Murray in scoring with 41 goals and 74 points in 31 games. That scoring mark was good for the second-most points in all of Class AA last season, trailing only Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Mercury Bischoff (86 points).

While Pohl’s commitment was sure to be headline news no matter where she went, it is fascinating that she’s playing in Madison due to her family lineage. Emily is the daughter of John Pohl and Hockey Hall of Famer Krissy Wendel-Pohl, both of whom were standouts with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Many of the headlines about Pohl’s commitment have focused on her becoming the first Pohl to play her college hockey away from the University of Minnesota. Emily, however, assures that her family fully supported her decision.

“My parents are my two biggest supporters in the world. They were happy as long as I was happy,” Pohl said. “They told me that wherever I wanted to go, they’d support me.”

Emily Pohl visited Minnesota and Penn State and was highly complimentary of both programs. Even with both schools making strong pushes to sign the prospect, she says Wisconsin felt like the right fit.

“I’ve been talking with Wisconsin throughout the whole process. Obviously amazing coaches with an incredible program. That sticks out right away, but even more so was getting on campus. It’s beautiful, and the school is amazing,” Pohl said. “Minnesota and Penn State are beautiful campuses with amazing programs that will be successful. For me, at the end of the day, Wisconsin felt the most like home.”

When Emily Pohl joins the Badgers, she’ll join a program that’s become the gold standard of women’s NCAA hockey. Wisconsin boasts eight national titles, including four of the last six. The Badgers have also won three of the previous five WCHA championships.

Wisconsin has the talent to continue competing for hardware over the next several years, a prospect that’s intriguing for Pohl.

“I think it’s really exciting to think about that,” Pohl said. “It’s a big testament to the team culture, as well as the coaches, and how the program is run. It’s very special.”

While Pohl is excited to continue her career in the NCAA, she still has two years left with the Pioneers. Pohl will suit up for Hill-Murray this season and hopes to do so alongside her sisters. Anna Pohl is already a member of the team, while the youngest, Lucy, hopes to make the team in her first year.

“There’s a chance we could all play together this year, which is going to be incredibly special. We’ll have to see how the youngest does, but hopefully we can make that happen,” Pohl said before reflecting on the family dynamic. “Going home and knowing that you’re supported and everyone’s in it for the same goal is special. Honestly, even taking hockey out of it, they’re the most loving and supportive family anyone could ask for.”

Despite already committing to a university and winning a state title, Emily is still focused on having another great season.

“There’s a lot to be grateful for and to reflect on. At the same time, the job isn’t done at Hill-Murray. We always want to chase that state title and bring another one back. We’re not satisfied until we do.”

One thing that’s clear about Pohl is her drive to succeed and improve on the ice. Despite being one of the state’s top scorers, she’s looking for an even bigger season next campaign.

“Honestly, I want to improve at everything. I want a quicker release, a harder shot. I want to be a better skater and more explosive,” Pohl said. “Win my battles and become an overall stronger player. I can get better at every area of my game, so I can better help my team and better help the teams I play on in the future.”

Pohl’s commitment to Wisconsin after a standout career at Hill-Murray marks the next chapter in a storied Minnesota hockey family, but her story is just getting started.