Tigers look to build on last year’s success

by Pat Rupp

Last winter a young Farmington team turned in an impressive 15-9-3 season that included a fifth place finish (9-6-3) in the rugged South Suburban Conference and a run to the Section 1AA semifinals.

Coach Jon Holmes, in his 10th season behind the Farmington bench, lost only two seniors from that squad and is confident this year’s edition of Tiger girls’ hockey will be another successful one.

“We have a very competitive team and I am looking forward to competing for one of the top spots in our loaded conference and section,” he said. “Obviously we would like to win them both.  We know both will be very competitive and we feel like we can be a factor.”

Once again the Farmington roster will be top-heavy with underclassmen with only two seniors, forwards McKenna Cavanaugh and Kayla Schultz, listed among this year’s hopefuls.

Three returnees Ellie Moser (29 goals, 15 assists), Marissa Agerter (15 goals, 18 assists) and Bailey Kelley (18 goals, 9 assists) should give Holmes plenty of goal-scoring potential. Lexie Budensiek, Savanna Tucker and Jenna Gerold also bring valuable offensive experience to the table.

The Tigers bring back a wealth of talent in goal with Emily Auge (11-8, 1.96 goals against average) and Abby Bollig (4-1, 1.90) both expected to see action in the nets.

Moser and Auge each landed spots on the prestigious all-South Suburban team last season while Kelley and Agerter received all-league honorable mention.

On the blue line, Megan Bernu, Carly Simon, Kiley Braatz, Cassie Knutson, Taylor Anderson and Kiya Vincent should give Holmes much-needed depth.

Newcomers Jayden Seifert (forward), Carly Lancaster (forward) and Brenna Furhman (defense) are also expected to compete for varsity ice time as eighth graders.

 “We have lots of returning firepower in terms of goals,” Holmes said, “and we are very stout in goal with Emily and Abby…Our defensive core is young, but they have stepped up quickly with prior experience and a quick learning curve.”

Holmes said the South Suburban is loaded with talent again this winter. Lakeville South, last year’s undefeated league champs, and Eastview both made the state tournament field in 2016 with the Lightning taking home the consolation bracket trophy. Lakeville North should also field a veteran team and Eagan figures to be much improved.

“We are young but we have experience,” Holmes said, “so I am anticipating us being a solid team in the conference as well.”

Holmes returns a seasoned staff of assistant coaches. Jason Kohlbeck has been with the program since its inception in the mid-1990’s. Al Jenrich brings a decade and a half’s experience and Keith Revels, in his third season as an assistant, was the girls’ first head coach and guided them to three state tournament appearances.

Farmington jumps right into the South Suburban fray Tuesday night, Nov 15, when it makes the short trip to Hasse Arena to take on defending champion Lakeville South in the season opener.