Hopkins girls' hockey: From here to there

For many, Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis is a building full of memories. From tots in learn-to-skate programs to millionaires on the Minnesota Wild roster, hockey players of all abilities have called the place home at one time or another over the years.

In the case of Hopkins' girls' hockey team, though, playing at Parade has meant just one thing lately: the end of the road.

The Royals have lost in the Class 2A, Section 6 tournament there in each of the past five seasons. Last February, it was a 4-0 defeat to Benilde-St. Margaret's in the section finals leaving the Royals one game shy of the state tournament. The loss was just the fourth all season for Hopkins.

While much of that sting has worn off in the nine months since, the reminder is still there; Hopkins has not advanced to the state tournament since its lone trip in 1997. With a veteran group back this season having just missed out on taking the Royals back, the hope is this season that will all change.

"They understand what we need to do," coach Vin Paolucci said. "Our ability to play at a consistently high level should be a big bonus for us. I certainly think the girls we have back this year have a renewed energy and a commitment to take our season a little further than last year."

It's a long trek to get that far, of course. The official beginning to the season is still over a week away, and between now and playoffs time again any number of factors -- good or bad -- can affect a team.

Hopkins' top players, though, have been around. Even without yet playing a game, it's a good start.

Gophers recruit Becky Kortum leads the pack. A standout scorer since she tallied 28 points as a freshman, Kortum last season scored 59 points as a junior on 37 goals and 22 assists.

Juniors Cara Johnson (38 points last season) and Kallie Billadeau (1.63 goals-against average) are also in the mix as leaders who will be relied upon this season.

Two years ago, this group was a bunch of young overachievers on the ice. A lineup that included seven sophomores and six freshmen, perhaps they were just happy to be a part of the varsity culture.

"We kind of sat around and said, 'OK, we're pretty good now. But it will be interesting to see how we develop over the years,' " said Paolucci, in his 10th year with the team.

The verdict? Paolucci couldn't be happier with the way the Royals have morphed into contenders. Now, it's an experienced team that is expecting big results.

"They've played so much hockey, in big games against really good teams," Paolucci said. "They know what it is, they're not afraid of that level. It's that 'been there, done that' kind of thing. All we need to do now is come out and play with that confidence. And as you get older, you understand. That's where we are."

The advantages to having a seasoned roster go beyond hockey. With players in their third seasons or more on the team, the know-how of balancing games and practices with school and home life is beneficial, too. It makes for a much more well-rounded team, Paolucci said.

Now if Hopkins could just take that final step east and advance the 10 miles from Parade Ice Garden to Xcel Energy Center, all would be complete.

"We're really focused, we have a purpose," Johnson said. "Hopkins has never been a team to beat. We're really excited to be that team. That will raise our level up so much. People will be gunning after us, so we're going to have to pick it up."

Brian Stensaas • 612-673-4127