The 2024 Minnesota Hockey 15U South Regional Tournament was a remarkable showcase of talent and skill, culminating in the Fairmont 15U girls hockey team emerging as the victors and earning the distinguished title of regional champions. Their exceptional prowess on the ice led to a resounding victory, outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 18-0 to secure the regional crown in Woodbury last weekend. The team’s impressive performance included a 9-0 quarterfinal victory over Hastings, a 4-0 semifinal win over host Woodbury, and a commanding 5-0 triumph over Rosemount in the championship clash. With an outstanding record of 28-5-1, the team has achieved the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Minnesota Hockey 15U ‘B’ State Tournament, where they will face off against the North No. 2-seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway at Fogerty Ice Arena in Blaine on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m., with the state event concluding on Sunday, March 17.
The cornerstone of their success undoubtedly lies in the remarkable performance of their star player, Lexi Haycraft, whose stellar contributions included a game-leading four goals and an assist in the quarterfinal victory over Hastings, as well as two goals in the semifinal win over Woodbury. Goalkeeper Lexi Sundeen also played a pivotal role in their success, securing shutouts with eight saves in the quarterfinals and 11 saves in the semifinals. The collective effort of Mariel Parish, Kynlee Beemer, Kennedy Murphy, Carly Gustafson, and Halyn Haycraft further underscored the team’s remarkable achievements.
In the 10U girls’ category, Fairmont displayed their talent with a second-place finish in Pool ‘C’ of the district tournament, marked by a remarkable display of skill. Led by Logyn Luhmann, the team delivered a stellar performance, securing an opening 9-3 victory over Luverne. Additionally, Ellie Steuer’s hat-trick in the second-round win over Redwood Falls and Luhmann’s sensational hat-trick in the third-round win over Fairmont ‘B’ highlighted the team’s exceptional ability. Although they were defeated by Okoboji in the district championship, their commendable performance showcased their talent.
In the Squirt ‘A’ category, the Fairmont team once again demonstrated their tenacity and skill, culminating in a third-place finish at the district tournament. Despite a setback against Luverne in the second-round, standout performances by Jojo Lopez, Cheston Aust, and Bennett Dorschner demonstrated the team’s determination and spirit. Their resilience was evident as they fought hard and emerged victorious in the third-place game against Marshall White, concluding their campaign on a positive note.
The exceptional performances of the Fairmont teams in the regional championship and district tournament are a testament to their unwavering determination, exceptional skill, and outstanding teamwork. As they head to the state tournament, it is undeniable that they will continue to be a formidable force. Their remarkable achievements on the ice have earned them the respect and admiration of their fans, and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of hockey players. Fairmont has undoubtedly set the bar high in the world of girls’ hockey, and their success is a true testament to their hard work and dedication.