first team (Clockwise from top left)

RACHEL RAMSEY Minnetonka, defense, senior

Considered by one Lake Conference coach as the state's toughest defenseman to beat. Uses size (6 feet tall) and reach to disrupt opposing forwards. Helped the Skippers reach their first Class 2A tournament by leading a defense that allowed 27 goals in 28 games. Also provided 15 goals and 31 assists.

MILICA MCMILLEN Breck, defense, junior

McMillen is a player you notice on the ice. As one metro-area coach said, "She could be playing Division I hockey right now." A potent combination of size and skating ability, McMillen controls games and has the Mustangs back in the 1A tournament for the third time in her career.

RACHAEL BONA Coon Rapids, forward, senior

A do-it-all player who led the Cardinals to the Class 2A tournament with a hat trick in all three Section 5 playoff games. Posted 53 goals and 35 assists this season. Uses superior speed and vision to break the puck out, make good passes and get to open ice.

HANNAH BRANDT HILL-MURRAY, FORWARD, JUNIOR

Led the Pioneers in scoring (42 goals, 23 assists) despite missing five games to play a key role in the U.S. Under-18 team's gold medal run at the world tournament. Can dominate a game in various ways. Her hat trick in the Class 2A, Section 4 title game sent the Pioneers to their first state tournament.

MEGHAN LORENCE Irondale, forward, senior

Selected as the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year. Capped a stellar career with 45 goals for an inexperienced Knights squad. One metro-area coach called Lorence "the one player I'd want if I were starting a team." Lorence fought through extra attention from defenders this season with good speed, a strong shot and tenacity.

JULIE FRIEND (FRONT) Minnetonka, goalie, senior

Friend's undefeated record (20-0-1) is only one of her statistical delights this season. She allowed 15 goals for a 0.70 goals-against average and posted a .959 saves percentage plus 11 shutouts. Fundamentally sound and not easily rattled, Friend is the centerpiece of the Skippers' stifling defense.

DAVID LA VAQUE

HOW THE TEAM WAS PICKED

The Star Tribune's All-Metro girls' hockey teams and Metro Player of the Year were chosen based on nominations from metro-area coaches, conversations with a panel of coaches and staff observations. Five of the first-team selections -- Rachael Bona, Hannah Brandt, Meghan Lorence, Milica McMillen and Rachel Ramsey -- have committed to play for the Gophers. Julie Friend will play for St. Cloud State.