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20 M H J ON L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 1 8 Sami Reber, a 2011 Edina graduate, has taken over her alma mater, leading the Hornets to their first—and second—state titles IF THERE WAS ANYONE who could appreciate the Edina girls' hockey program getting over the hump and winning its first-ever state champion- ship, it was Sami Reber. As a player, Reber helped lead the Hornets to their first-ever state tour- nament appearance in 2009. During the 2016-17 season, she was behind the bench as Edina skated to a 28-1-1 record and won the state champion- ship with a 4-0 win against Blaine. Reber is the first woman head coach to win a high school state champi- onship in Minnesota. Now, she has two to her name. In her second season behind the bench, Edina captured its second-consecutive title with a 2-1 win over Centennial. Buzzing to new heights As just a sophomore in 2009, Reber had an impact on Edina's success. She was a major cog in the machine that helped the Hornets to the state tour- nament that season. Her performance included five goals in three games, including a hat trick that helped the Hornets past Elk River/Zimmerman in the third-place game. Sound Off …On the Minnesota State Youth Tournament "It's your first time when you get to compete for the state tournament. We all grew up watching the high school state tournament, so for us that was awesome to play for our own state title. I think we ended up getting third [in Peewees], and it was great." —ZACH PARISE, BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON HOCKEY, MINNESOTA WILD "We were lucky to be able to play in one [state tournament], in Peewees. I think we got second place. I played with my brothers too and I think my dad was coaching too, so that was pretty special. Youth hockey was awesome." —MONTREAL CANADIENS DEFENSEMAN MIKE REILLY, CHASKA-CHANHASSEN HOCKEY ASSOCIATION …On the High School State Tournament "I'm not sure people outside of the state can understand the magnitude of what the Minnesota State High School Tournament is really all about. It's truly a one-of-a- kind experience for a player and as a fan. You get to play in front of your entire school and really in front of the entire state. It's just really special." —NEW YORK ISLANDERS FORWARD ANDERS LEE, EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Photos / T.E. Morris / Temophoto.com Reber's Golden Return Home