Injuries. Every team suffers them. The difference is often how players and coaches respond to the adversity that goes with them.

When White Bear Lake head coach Jerry Kwapick learned the girls' hockey team would be without Sam Hanson -- star defenseman, senior captain and North Dakota recruit -- for the season, he addressed his senior class.

"I kind of looked them each in the eye and said, 'It's your final year. It's a chance for you to show leadership and take on a little more accountability,'" Kwapick recalled. "Across the board, they've risen to the occasion."

Together, the Class 2A No. 8 Bears have compiled a 15-3-2 record without the Division I recruit, who had accumulated nearly 100 points as a varsity defenseman. Hanson is back on skates after undergoing surgery this fall. She suffered long-term lower-body injuries playing a preseason soccer game for the Bears. Kwapick does not expect her to return by season's end.

That's tough for teammates -- and friends -- to hear. Senior captain Hayley Hill misses her on the ice but realizes none of their opponents will sympathize.

"People are going to think, 'Oh, this is our opportunity to capitalize on White Bear,' but we've definitely shown that we can step up to the plate even without her," said Hill, who will play at Bethel next year.

Hill is just one teammate leading those efforts. The natural playmaker and point producer has racked up nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points through 20 games this season, including three assists in Monday's 6-0 shutout at Woodbury.

"As a forward, you love to play with her, because as long as you get open, she'll find you," Kwapick said of Hill.

Opposing teams key on Hill, often leaving teammates open. Deceptively strong with great vision, hands and touch, Hill sets up teammates for crucial goals. Captain Taylor Thompson has 14 points in 20 games. Junior Kristi Longendyke leads the team with 11 goals.

"She's a workhorse and she digs for the puck really hard," Hill said of Longendyke. "I can see her in front of the net working; I can just get it to her, and that's how she scores most of her goals."

The Bears knew their winning formula would come in close, low-scoring games. That wouldn't be possible without sophomore goalie Angie Hall. After surprisingly taking the reins last season as a freshman, Hall has gained confidence, strength, skill and poise.

Hall has recorded all 15 Bears victories, and has a .930 save percentage, 1.50 goals-against average and four shutouts. She was on pace for three more shutouts before the Bears changed goalies in some lopsided games.

The next three challenges -- Park, Stillwater and Roseville -- are no easy affairs. They are rivals in the Suburban East Conference, which has four teams ranked in Class 2A's top 13.

It will all come down to the 2A Section 4 tournament, which includes No. 5 Roseville, No. 13 Stillwater and No. 3 Hill-Murray. Kwapick's not intimidated.

"When our girls are clicking -- when they're on -- they can win those games. I'm looking forward to playing those teams," he said. "When we're hitting all cylinders, we're right there with them."