Former Coon Rapids girls' hockey standout Bona to have jersey retired

Former Coon Rapids girls' hockey standout Rachael Bona will have her No. 7 jersey retired, a rare honor befitting a rare talent.

The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Coon Rapids Ice Center. The Cardinals play host to Elk River at 7:30 p.m.

"We realize this is somewhat uncharted territory for girls' and women's hockey, especially at the high school level, but we feel strongly that she has set the bar for our program," Coon Rapids coach Jessica Christopherson said. "This decision is based not only on her high school and collegiate athletic achievements, but her academic performance, community involvement and leadership standard as well. Simply put, her impact on our community has been immeasurable."

Bona capped her varsity career by leading the Cardinals to a third-place finish at the 2011 Class 2A state tournament. A first-team Star Tribune All Metro selection as a senior, Bona found another gear in the playoffs. She scored hat tricks in three consecutive section playoff games.

A senior forward and co-captain for the Gophers this season, Bona is aiming for a third NCAA title. Her contributions to the program helped the Gophers amass a 62-game winning streak and two national titles.

As a junior last season, Bona was named one of 10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalists after ranking second in the nation with 38 assists and third with 61 points.

The Maple Grove boys' hockey team defeated Andover 4-1 last week for a third consecutive victory. A tough nonconference schedule played a role in the Crimson (3-4) starting the season 0-4.

… Not to be outdone, the Elk River/Zimmerman girls' program also boasts a five-game winning streak.

… Maple Grove and Eden Prairie (10-0-1) are the last two undefeated girls' hockey programs in Class 2A.