Christmas season means hockey in South St. Paul

November 30, 11:22 AMSouth St. Paul ExaminerRob Shirk

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South St. Paul Hockey

South St. Paul has always had it's roots in hockey. Sure, we've been successful elsewhere and have an appreciation for other sports, but none as passionate as pucks.

The boys have made an appearance at the renowned Minnesota State Hockey Tournament twenty eight times since 1947, the last in 2004, sadly having never won the championship trophy.

The climax of the Christmas season is the annual Premier Tournament from Dec. 26-29 held at historic Wakota Arena at the corner of I 494 and Concord.

The girls host the Kaposia Classic Tournament Jan.1-3, also at Wakota Arena.

Over the last decade it has been the girl's teams that have brought state championships to our town and their schedule which started on Nov. 25 shapes up to be a team strong on defense. It remains to be seen who will emerge as scoring threats as the teams attempts to make it to the state tournament for the tenth straight year

We will have only one senior.  We will be strong defensively with our top 4 defensemen in 8th and 9th grade.  Who will stop the puck and who will score for the Packers will be the key question - Coach Dave Palmquist

Coach Palmquist says the favorites for the section this year will be South St. Paul and Totino-Grace.

The boy's team is coached by longtime coach Jeff Lagoo who sees goal tending and defense as their strength while hoping forwards will emerge as the year progresses for scoring.

We lost a talented group of forwards last year to graduation but return senior center Ryan Miller (10g, 12a) he will be looked at to provide the scoring up front for us this season.  He is a speedy skater and tenacious fore-checker who can score.  Juniors Tim Kohlman and Trevor Mikacevich along with newcomers Austyn Young and Jessie Poznikowich should provide some scoring.- Coach Lagoo

The coach sees defense as an overall strength that may be dominating,at times.

[We] return four solid defensemen lead by senior Zach Palmquist (9g, 28a).  Zach is one of the top defensemen in the state and a Division 1 recruit.  He is a great skater, great vision, great puck movement and can score from the blue-line.  Jake Ogilive, Adam Barlow, and Colin Brezny are proven defensemen who will help anchor a solid group of defense.

Those of us who just like to skate can look forward to all seven town hockey rinks to be open the third week in December.