Winner will be announced at Ms. Hockey Banquet Feb. 22

The 10 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 Sydney Burnevik (River Cities), Lizzy Callahan (Westonka/SW Christian), Alaina Gnetz (Centennial/Spring Lake Park), Jasmine Hovda (Roseau), Maddy Kimbrel (Holy Family), Madelyn Lee (White Bear Lake), Cate McCoy (Edina), Mia Miller (Northfield), Lorelai Nelson (Edina), and Katya Sander (Holy Family).

Collectively these players have scored 231 goals and added 193 assists for 424  points. All 10 of the semifinalists are committed to play Division I hockey. 

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. 22 at the Saint Paul Rivercentre along with the Jori Jones Award , given to the state’s top senior goaltender. This year Let’s Play Hockey will also present an award to the state’s top senior defenseman. 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.

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 Award winner.

Past winners of the Ms. Hockey Award include: Mercury Bischoff of Grand Rapids/Greenway (2025), 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).

Ms. Hockey 2026 Semifinalists

Sydney Burnevik • River Cities • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 26 Goals: 29 Assists: 27 Points: 56

Career Stats: GP: 106 Goals: 83 Assists: 98 Points: 181

College:  Assumption

Sydney Burnevik leads the River Cities Blades in scoring with 56 points as they head into the section semifinals this week. Her and junior June Semling have provided a dynamic duo for the Blades, combining for 110 points over the season. Burnevik was a member of the HP Summer Development Camp and became a national champion in 15U. She was also on the 16U/17U team that also won a national title. She is a 4-year letter winner and 3-time All-Conference player. She has been awarded Offensive Team MVP twice, and is a two-year captain. She is the program’s all-time leader in goals, assists and points with 83-98-181. She will continue her playing career at Assumption.

“Syd has been a tremendous player since joining our high school program her freshman season. I honestly believe she is one of the most underrated players in the state. Syd is a great combination of grit and skill. She has all the tools of a high-end player while maintaining a true grinder’s mentality. She is one of the hardest-working players I have ever coached and plays a critical role in all situations, including both our penalty kill and power play units. Syd is a two-year captain who does an outstanding job leading our team both on and off the ice.” – Coach Todd Gutterman

Lizzy Callahan • Westonka/Southwest Christian • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 27 Goals: 23 Assists: 24 Points: 47

Career Stats: GP: 108 Goals: 66 Assists: 70 Points: 136

College: Minnesota-Duluth

Good players make an impact and that is what Lizzy Callahan has done for Westonka/Southwest Christian. The senior forward scored two goals and assisted on another in their semifinal win over defending Section 3A champion Orono last week. She was moved to defense last season but is back at forward this season and putting up strong numbers with 23 goals and 24 assists. Lizzy is a two-time All-Conference player and was named to the All-State team last season. She will continue her hockey career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

“Lizzy does it all for our team. We moved her back to D last season, and she continued to lead us offensively. She has all the tools and is a team-first player. Lizzy leads with a very strong and determined work ethic, both on and off the ice, to be the best player she can be. The power play runs through Lizzy as she can score and is a great setup player. She plays hard but does not take many penalties, which is helpful as she is our best penalty killer.” – Coach Larry Olimb

Alaina Gnetz • Centennial/Spring Lake Park • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 26 Goals: 30 Assists: 17 Points: 47

Career Stats: GP: 107 Goals: 110 Assists: 70 Points: 187

College: Minnesota-Duluth

Alaina Gnetz has been a key cog in the juggernaut offense of Centennial/Spring Lake Park’s squad who has been a Top 3 team in Class AA all season, including spending time ranked No. 1. She recently eclipsed the 30-goal mark despite missing games skating for Team USA’s U18  team who won gold in the U18 World Championships. She was also a national champion in Tier 1 for U16, has been a 3-time All-Conference selection, was All-State in 2025, and is serving as a captain on this year’s Cougars squad. She will continue her playing career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

“Laini is a highly talented individual that leads her teammates on the ice as a fierce competitor and off the ice as a penultimate “hockey player.” She has elite physical tools, but it is her work ethic on and off the ice that has maximized her gifts. At her best when the game is on the line, the puck is often shot off her stick like a rocket in clutch moments. She has been a leader on her team this season and enthusiastically takes on being a role model in our community. She is followed by all in the CSLP community with her participation on the national stage of USA hockey. Laini is laying it all out there in her senior year to put her final stamp on her tremendous high school hockey career.” – Coach Sean Molin

Jasmine Hovda • Roseau • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 27 Goals: 45 Assists: 21 Points: 66

Career Stats: GP: 136 Goals: 121 Assists: 120 Points: 241

College: St. Cloud State

Jasmine Hovda reached the 200-point mark earlier this season and finished her career with 241 points. Perhaps more impressive was the fact she had just as many assists as goals. She notched 45 goals this season, currently tied for second most in all of hockey, and tops in Class AA. Hovda is a 3-time All-Section player, 3-time Team MVP, and was named to the All-State team last season. She was a member of the U18 Team USA Development Camp and was also an All-State Honorable Mention pick as a sophomore. She will continue her career at St. Cloud State.

“Jasmine Hovda is the definition of a dynamic playmaker. Her elite speed, exceptional vision, and unbelievable puck handling make her one of the most electrifying players in the state. Despite her smaller frame, Jasmine is remarkably strong on her skates, with incredible balance and coordination that allow her to win battles all over the ice against any opponent. That combination of strength, speed, and competitiveness—paired with her natural scoring touch—has made Jasmine a dominant offensive force and our team’s scoring leader since her freshman year. Off the ice, Jasmine is equally impressive. She is one of the top students in her class, serves as a member and historian for Roseau’s National Honor Society, and dedicates countless hours volunteering with Roseau Youth Hockey and special education programs in our school. Her commitment to excellence extends far beyond the rink. I’ve had the privilege of coaching Jasmine for seven years, and in that time, she has consistently been the most skilled, driven, and compassionate player I’ve ever worked with. She embodies everything this award represents—talent, leadership, character, and a love for the game. As a St. Cloud State Women’s Hockey alum, I couldn’t be prouder that Jasmine will continue her journey as a Husky next year. Her future is incredibly bright, both on the ice and in life, and I can’t wait to see the big things ahead for her.” – Coach Amanda Giles

Maddy Kimbrel • Holy Family • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 21 Goals: 31 Assists: 18 Points: 49

Career Stats: GP: 136 Goals: 108 Assists: 87 Points: 195

College: Wisconsin

Maddy Kimbrel has been a spark plug for the Holy Family squad where she has become one of the top offensive threats in the state in Class AA. With 31 goals in just 21 games playing one of the more difficult schedules in Class AA hockey, Kimbrel has become the focus of opponents who look to defeat the a deeply skilled Fire squad. She was a member of this year’s Team USA U18 squad who took home gold at the World Championships, adding on to her long list of accolades that include national titles at U14 (Tier 1) and U16 (Tier 1). Kimbrel has been a state tournament participant four times, is a two-time All-Conference member, was All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore and was All-State as a junior. She will continue her playing career at the University of Wisconsin.

“Maddy is a player unlike any I have ever coached. She is incredibly talented, driven, and there is absolutely no chance she will ever be outworked. Anyone who has had the opportunity to be her teammate would say the same. While her stats and hockey accomplishments speak for themselves, including being the captain of the USA U18 team, what really makes Maddy special is who she is every single day. She sets a goal and attacks it with everything she has, never letting obstacles stand in her way. On the ice, she is the most fun hockey player I have had the privilege of watching in my nine years of coaching on the girls’ side. Off the ice, she has set an example for everyone in our program that will be remembered long after her time here. She is one of the best players I have seen, she enjoys the game more than anyone, and she does it all while having heckuva lot of fun!”   – Coach Randy Koeppl

Madelyn Lee • White Bear Lake • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 26 Goals: 16 Assists: 11 Points: 27

Career Stats: GP: 133 Goals: 52 Assists: 59 Points: 111

College: St. Cloud State

Madelyn Lee capped off her high school career Saturday as the Bears lost in the Section 4AA Quarterfinals. But there’s plenty of hockey to be played for the White Bear Lake forward

who was a 5-year varsity letter winner, senior captain and two-time All-Conference selection. She was also a two-time national camp participant and a member of the U16 National Champions in 2025. She will continue her career at St. Cloud State University.

“Madelyn Lee is an excellent representation of an elite athlete, a proud Bear and Minnesota girls high school hockey player, a determined student, a selfless captain and teammate, and a thoughtful friend, sister, and daughter. Her commitment to her development as a player opened many doors, allowing her to play women’s college hockey at the highest level in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. Meanwhile, she has been steadfast in leading the White Bear Lake girls hockey program with a team-first attitude, maintaining straight A’s, and always lending an extra hand to those around her. Not to mention that she is currently the 7th all-time point getter in White Bear Lake Girls hockey history, racking up 52 goals and 59 assists for a total of 111 points. Maddie’s attributes will bring her great success at the collegiate level and beyond in hockey, as well as in her career, relationships, and any other endeavors she commits her heart to. St. Cloud hit the jackpot with Maddie Lee. She will leave that team, school, and city a better place than when she found it, just like she did in White Bear Lake. Minnesota should be proud to honor an athlete and person like Madelyn Lee.” – Coach Claudia Verkerke

Cate McCoy • Edina • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 25 Goals: 13 Assists: 18 Points: 31

Career Stats: GP: 111 Goals: 56 Assists: 61 Points: 117

College: Dartmouth

Cate McCoy may not put up gaudy numbers like some of her counterparts, but scoring 30-plus points playing the Hornets gauntlet of a schedule is an impressive feat. She is a 2-time All-Conference selection, was a participant for Team USA U15 Camp and Team USA U16/17 Camp, and played an integral role for the Hornets in 2024 when they won the Class AA State Tournament. She is also a captain on this year’s squad who has been a Top-5 team all season and a favorite in Section 6AA. She will continue her playing career at Dartmouth..

“Cate has been a key member of our team since her freshman year. Throughout her time with us, she’s earned All-Conference honors, represented at multiple USA Hockey National Camps, and contributed to one of our state championship titles. This season, she’s also serving as one of our captains. When it comes to Cate, I would describe her as passionate, competitive, hardworking, and fierce but also caring, kind, and loving. Cate is someone that we can count on in every aspect of the game. She may not be the biggest player on the ice, but her shiftiness, awareness, vision, extremely hard shot and hockey sense are so strong that she plays like she’s six feet tall. She may go into a corner against someone twice her size, but with her will, determination and skill, more times than not, Cate will come away with that puck. As mentioned, Cate is extremely competitive and so she can be hard on herself when mistakes are made, but what I love is that no matter what she is still entirely coachable even when she’s frustrated. Cate’s ability to lead by example goes unmatched and is such an important piece to our puzzle. She may not be the loudest of the group, but every day Cate exemplifies what it means to be Team First and it has such a positive ripple effect on those around her. She lifts people up in every aspect of life and is such a special person to get to know.” – Coach Sami Cowger

Mia Miller • Northfield • Defense

Season Stats: GP: 22 Goals: 18 Assists: 31 Points: 49

Career Stats: GP: 152 Goals: 87 Assists: 142 Points: 229

College: Minnesota State-Mankato

Mia Miller’s numbers resemble those of a high-scoring forward, but Miller is one of two defensemen to crack the top 10 semifinalists for Ms. Hockey. She was a member of Team USA’s U18 squad who recently claimed Gold at the World Championships. She is a two-time All-Conference player, was named All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore and was All-State as a junior. This is her sixth season as a varsity player for Nothfield where she is serving as team captain. She hopes to lead the Raiders to the state tournament as they face Farmington for the Section 1AA championship on Thursday. She will continue her playing career at Minnesota State-Mankato.

“Mia Miller is one of the most dynamic players in the state and the most complete defenseman. A member of the U18 National Team, Mia is a versatile defender who can shut down the best offensive players in the game and create offense on any shift. She has elite skating skills allowing her to elude forecheckers and also rush the puck from end to end with her speed. She controls the offensive blueline better than anyone in the state. Mia can score from anywhere in the zone with an arsenal of shots that feature a lightning quick release and creates scoring chances for her teammates with her vison and passing acumen. Mia is a 2-year captain who is a humble, servant leader for our team. She has accrued many personal awards and accolades but remains singularly focused on her team’s success on and off the ice. Mia is genuinely concerned for the well-being of everyone on the team from JV to Varsity and works to make sure everyone feels valued and wanted. She demonstrates enormous work ethic and is truly in love with the process of getting better. Mia holds herself to high standards in all of her roles and is accountable and coachable. She will do whatever it takes to win and is more than willing to fill any role given the opponent and game situation. Her hockey IQ is evident in her 200-foot game and her stamina and compete level add to her dominance. Despite the potential pressure under which she plays, it is not lost on Mia that hockey is fun, and she brings her infectious love for the game and competition to the rink every day, energizing her teammates. Simply stated, Mia is a great model of what the top players should demonstrate on and off the ice and she will be a wonderful ambassador for women’s hockey for years to come.”  – Coach Jeff LaPanta

Lorelai Nelson • Edina • Forward

Season Stats: GP: 25 Goals: 19 Assists: 18 Points: 37

Career Stats: GP: 146 Goals: 77 Assists: 96 Points: 173

College: Penn State

Lorelai Nelson is in her fifth varsity season for the Hornets, not an easy feat for one of the state’s top programs. She has been a member of All-Tournament Team at the state tournament twice, was a member of the 2024 State Championship team, was named to the All-State team last season, is a 3-time USA Hockey Camp attendee, was a member of the U18 National Team in the Canada Series, and was an attendee at the US National U19 Camp. She has also been named to the All-Conference team three times and is a captain on this year’s squad. She will continue her playing career at Penn State.

“Lorelai has been on our team since her 8th grade year, so this is her 5th year as a varsity starter. During Lolo’s time on our team thus far, she has been named All-Conference, All-State, has participated in numerous USA Hockey National Camps, and has been a part of one of our state championships. On top of all of this, she is also one of our captains this year. Watching Lolo grow from her 8th grade year to now has been something special to witness from a coach’s point of view. From coming in as a young, somewhat quiet, forward ready to learn the ropes, she has since developed into a versatile, reliable, skilled and go-to player for our team. Lolo 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, Lolo 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. Lolo is someone that I have enjoyed watching grow on and off the ice immensely in the last five years and I’m so excited to see what her future holds.” – Coach Sami Cowger

Katya Sander • Holy Family • Defense

Season Stats: GP: 21 Goals:7 Assists: 8 Points: 15

Career Stats: GP: 104 Goals: 42 Assists: 44 Points: 66

College: Minnesota

Katya Sander is one of two defensemen to make the Top 10 for Ms. Hockey, joining Northfield’s Mia Miller. Sander was recently a member of Team USA’s U18 squad who won gold

at the World Championships. She was also a U16 National Champion and a member of the U16/17 All-Star Team. She earned All-State Honorable Mention honors last season, is a 3-time All-Conference member, and was a member of the All-Tourney team at the state tournament last year, Holy Family’s first in program history. She looks to help lead the Fire back to the state tourney as an anchor on defense who is also a skilled offensive threat. She will continue her career at the University of Minnesota.

“Katya made the switch back to defense just two years ago, and since then she has taken the hockey world by storm, earning a spot on the USA U18 team. She is the type of player and person that every coach wants and needs. In addition to being an outstanding defender, she quarterbacks our power play. She is an excellent skater who sees the ice extremely well and has the ability to shoot the puck extremely hard. Katya competes just as hard in the classroom as she does on the ice, carrying a 4.0 GPA. She is a natural-born leader who our entire program looks up to, and she will be missed not only in our locker room next year, but in the hallways of our school too. I’ve been very fortunate to coach a person and player like Katya.” – Coach Randy Koeppl