So, where is Andover? Seniors on the Huskies' varsity team got that question a lot as youth hockey players.w
"When people would ask, I'd just say, 'Next to Blaine,' " forward Luke Kron said. "Growing up, we didn't even play in Andover that much. Our home games were played at Super Rink 6 in Blaine."
Hockey success this winter raised the profile of the north metro school opened in 2002. The girls' program won its first Class 2A state title this season, accomplishing the feat on Feb. 22. Five days later, the boys earned their first state tournament appearance after two consecutive section final losses in overtime.
Winning big games allows for a little fun at the expense of neighboring communities.
"Now when they ask, 'Where's Andover?' I tell them, 'Just above Blaine and Coon Rapids — on the map and in the standings,' " said Mark Manney, coach of the boys' program.
Andover slingshot its way from unfamiliar to state tournament favorite. The top-seeded Huskies (24-3-1) open at 6 p.m. Thursday against St. Thomas Academy. Expectations are high, especially from their female hockey peers.
Standout senior defenseman Wyatt Kaiser received a text from younger sister Madison, a sophomore standout on the Huskies' championship team, that read, "You guys better go win it, too."
Depth of talent separates each program from the pack. On the boys' side, eight players have scored anywhere from 11 to 22 goals. Desperation helps, too. A year ago, the girls lost in overtime to Brainerd/Little Falls. Less than a week later, the boys' lost in overtime to Duluth East. Again.