Owatonna Girls Hockey Players Hit the Ice as Practice Begins

Official practice and try-outs began Monday for girls hockey teams across Minnesota. Owatonna was the Section 1A runner-up last winter. Their season opens November 12.

The Huskies (19-9 in 2015-16) graduated four players off a team that lost to Northfield in the 1A championship game. The Huskies upset Red Wing on the road to reach the final. Seniors last season included Jessica "Betty" VonRuden, Meghan Rethemeier, Megan Foss and Peyton DeVinny. OHS was 12-5 in the Big Nine.

OHS will open the season with three straight home games at Four Seasons Centre starting Saturday, November 12, against Orono at 3PM. Conference play begins with Faribault coming to town Thursday, November 17, at 7PM. South St. Paul pays a visit Saturday, November 19, at 7PM.

Notable games for the Huskies include a December 13 game at Waseca. The Huskies beat the Bluejays in the section playoffs last season. Farmington plays at Owatonna on December 22. Owatonna plays defending Section 1A champ Northfield on the road January 5 and at home January 28.

Owatonna's roster, as it is listed on the Minnesota State High School League website:

2 - Rilee Schmidt, junior
6 - Chloe Schmidt, freshman
8 - Shannon VanReeth, senior
11 - Kiley Friedrichs, sophomore
12 - Kahla Jorgenson, junior
13 - Jenna "Rosie" VonRuden, junior
15 - Reagan Schallau, senior
21 - Jenna Bogen, senior
23 - Margo Achterkirch, junior
24 - Jamie Davison, junior
27 - Maylynn Prokopec, sophomore
30 - Laura Ebeling, junior
33 - Asia Buryska, freshman

The Huskies are coached by Tim Hunst. His assistant is Joel Tornell.