OCTOBER.2015 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM
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ON-ICE SUCCESS
Who says big schools get to
have all the fun? The 2013
STMA Peewee AA team battled
its way through the postseason
and into the Minnesota Hockey State
Tournament. The squad took down Minnetonka, 4-3, to advance to the
semifinals. A narrow 3-2 loss to Wayzata ended STMA's run.
On the girls' side, 2004-05 marks the first season for a state tourna-
ment appearance. The 14U A team made its postseason entrance in
Bemidji under the name East Wright County Lightning. Six years later,
in 2011, the 14U A team captured the title, this time as the current
North Wright County River Hawks.
HOCKEYVILLE USA
STMA made a postseason push off the ice last year, vying to be top dog
in the Kraft Hockeyville competition. They were one of 1,400 commu-
nities across the nation to be nominated. With the help of the commu-
nity, and the State of Hockey, STMA managed to make it into the final
four, earning $40,000 in the process. The Kraft Hockeyville donation
will be put toward adding a second sheet to the St. Michael-Albertville
Arena, located in downtown Albertville.
TEAMWORK
Opiola says the association's growth and success would not be possible
without the hard work and commitment of the coaches and volunteers.
"We have tremendous coaches and volunteers that always go above
and beyond," he said.
The same commitment has been seen from the cities of St. Michael
and Albertville. Due the recent growth of the association, ice time on
the single sheet is becoming limited. The cities have been working
together to seek a viable solution and the Kraft Hockeyville donation
should provide a nice boost.
"The support from both cities to gain a second sheet has been great,"
said Opiola. "Because of that teamwork we are very, very close!"
