skip navigation

Erin O’Neil from Hopkins named 2014 LPH Senior Goalie of the Year

By LPH, 03/07/14, 11:30PM CST

Share

Erin O’Neil of Hopkins High School has been named the Let’s Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year, the newspaper announced today at the annual Ms. Hockey Awards Banquet. The award is presented annually to the top Minnesota senior goalie in girls’ high school hockey.

The owner of some of the best statistical numbers in the state, Erin O’Neil led Hopkins to a 21-5-0 overall record and the No. 4 ranking in Class AA. O’Neil compiled a 17-5-0 overall record, a.948 save percentage, a 1.25 goals-against average and seven shutouts. She ranked fourth in the state in save percentage and shutouts and fifth in goals-against average.

O’Neil allowed more than two goals in only three games this season. She was a two-time state tournament participant, and was all-state this season after earning honorable mention all-state laurels last season. O’Neil will play college hockey at Boston University.

“I believe Erin is the most improved player in the state, regardless of position,” Hopkins head coach Vin Paolucci said. “She is very composed, technical and reliable. She has strong positional skills and when needed, elite athletic skills. Her commitment to improve, her passion for the sport, and her internal desire to be the best leader possible sets her apart.”

Away from the ice, O’Neil owns a 3.552 GPA and is a three-time recipient of the Distinguished Academic Award. She was given the Minnesota Distinguished Family Service Award for her volunteer work with Special Olympics. A team captain on the ice, O’Neil also captains the Hopkins softball team.

“Erin is a great teammate that is respected by everyone,” Paolucci said. “She truly cares about others and has earned everything she has received. Nobody works harder that Erin O’Neil.”

The Senior Goalie of the Year Award is based on nominations from high school coaches and is selected based on votes from a panel of high school coaches and Division I and III women’s college coaches. The award is based on the following criteria: academics, community/ extracurricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

The other finalists for the award were Hannah Ehresmann of Minnetonka, Madi Galstad of East Grand Forks, Alex LaMere of North Wright County and Abbey Miller of Benilde-St. Margaret’s

This is the 16th year of the LPH Goalie of the Year award. Previous winners include Sydney Rossman of Minnetonka (2013), Erika Allen of Roseville (2012), Julie Friend of Minnetonka (2011), Kallie Billadeau of Hopkins (2010) Laura Bellamy of Duluth (2009), Alyssa Grogan of Eagan (2008), Ashley Nixon of Blaine (2007), Alannah McCready of Centennial (2006), Johanna Ellison of Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (2005), Emily Brookshaw of Hill-Murray (2004), Robin Doepke of Chaska (2003), Amber Hasbargen of Warroad (2002), Jody Horak of Blaine (2001), Shari Vogt of River Lakes (2000) and Katie Beauduy of Blaine (1999).

The award is sponsored by Let’s Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild and Shakopee Chevrolet.