Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/215772
BY AARON PAITICH GOLDEN GIRLS Minnesota's freshman class highlights growth and success in girls' and women's hockey W hen Dani Cameranesi was playing in the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association growing up, she didn't notice a lot of attention being paid toward girls' and women's hockey. After all, she was playing on the boys' team herself, so naturally she'd attend their high school, college and professional hockey games as well. That trend and culture has changed. "When I was younger, it was always about going to the boys' games," said Cameranesi. "But now, just looking up in the stands and seeing a bunch of young girls or high school girls, the excitement and interest women's hockey has gone way up. I think a lot of that has to do with Gopher women's hockey." The buzz created from two straight NCAA National Championships and a record-breaking unbeaten streak has enamored hockey fans and casual observers alike. At a very important time in girls' and women's hockey, the Gophers may prove to be the perfect spark plug to grow the game. This year's freshmen class at the University of Minnesota represents that growth locally, in both numbers and skill level. The success of Minnesota Hockey's community-based model is clearly evident to head coach Brad Frost. "It's a great model. It's proven to have success over an extended period of time here now," said Frost. "I think the opportunity to play for your city and eventually for your high school and have that pride in going to state tournaments is critical to the success of Minnesota Hockey." The Gopher women's program has always had a Minnesota flavor to it, but six of the seven freshmen in this year's class have been starring in the State of Hockey for years now. That kind of local talent pool makes Frost's job a little easier. "The stronger the state is in girls' hockey, the better off it is for us," said Frost. "We want to keep the best players in-state. We were pretty fortunate with the six that we got from Minnesota this year." Here's a look at the local Gopher rookies. 6 Dani Cameranesi Wayzata Youth Hockey Association Registered 57 goals and 38 assists for 95 points as a senior at Blake. Cameranesi was teammates with current Badger Grant Besse all the way up through Peewees in Wayzata. She was named 2013 Ms. Hockey, and he was named 2013 Mr. Hockey. Dani's brother, Tony, is currently a sophomore standout for Minnesota-Duluth. Proudest Hockey Moment: "Winning the state championship last year MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // DECEMBER.2013 (AVERAGE PER GAME) 2013-14: 1,928 (through three games) 2012-13: 1,949 2011-12: 1,308 2010-11: 868 for my coach Brano (Stankovsky), who died the year before." On Minnesota Hockey: "The skill level is definitely getting better and young girls are getting more excited. It's fun to be a part of that here." PHOTOS COUURTESY OF MINNESOTA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS Locall y Loaded Rising Attendance at Ridder