Midgets Girls' hockey seniors find strength in unity, despite season's end

Feb. 22—DICKINSON — The Dickinson Midgets girls' hockey team faced disappointment as they closed their final season, missing out on the postseason after a string of losses. Despite the challenges, the team of six seniors leaned on each other for support.

Reflecting on the season, Midgets head coach Lance Knudson emphasized the importance of finishing strong. He noted that although the scoreboard didn't reflect it, the seniors' attitudes and team spirit set a high standard for the program's legacy.

"I was able to coach them for three years, and I am really happy for the experience that I had been able to have with them," Knudson said. "I think they have all helped raise the standard for the hockey team, and I think that will be their legacy that they leave for the program."

The team suffered a 4-2 defeat in their final home game against Williston on Saturday, Feb. 17, followed by a 4-0 loss in Minot on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Despite the defeats, family and friends gathered to capture memories and support the seniors.

Jaicee Vogelsang, who has been involved in hockey for eight years, encouraged her younger teammates to persevere.

"It's been five tough years, but we have come so far as a team and we have such a strong bond that it is so hard to walk away from," Vogelsang said. "I think you just have to keep pounding that rock. It doesn't always crack right away, but as long as you keep pounding away, it is going to break at some point."

Jenna Decker, a three-sport athlete and leader on the team, expressed optimism for the program's future.

"It means a lot to be part of this team," Decker said. "We have a really good bond, and we are like a family."

Ashlyn Barkley highlighted the camaraderie formed during overnight trips and the trust built among teammates.

"We all became a family and really trusted each other and just made really good friendships," Barkley said. "They helped me to be more confident and open up."

Harper Skaare, despite joining the team more recently, found a sense of belonging and growth through the sport.

"Transition from figure skating to hockey was definitely a big change, going from sparkling dresses to breezers and a helmet," Skaare said. "But I have made so many friends because of it and I have had so much fun and I fell in love with the sport that I otherwise would have never considered."

As the season came to an end, the seniors acknowledged the lessons learned and friendships formed, recognizing that the gains outweighed the losses.

"I have learned so much from hockey and being on this team, especially battling through adversity," Decker said. "It is definitely one of the most physically and mentally challenging games I have ever played but it has made me so much stronger as an athlete and I am thankful for that."