Coming into the 2021-2022 season, Sophia Johnson had faced a grand total of 19 shots through two years of high school hockey.
For two seasons, Johnson rode the bench behind the ultra-talented incumbent, current Cornell goaltender Brynn Dulac, seeing action that could be described charitably as "sparingly."
Loaded with future Division I talent at forward and on defense, the primary question mark for the Skippers would be in goal.
Johnson answered every question and then some with her performance, leading the Skippers to a runner-up finish at this year's Class AA State Tournament while playing in 28 of 31 games. Johnson posted a 21-7 record to go along with a goals-against-average of 1.74, save percentage of .915, and six shutouts. Of those seven losses, five were by a single goal, including three defeats at the hands of Class AA state champion Andover.
While Minnetonka's offensive firepower was on full display throughout the season, Johnson's ability to keep the Skippers in games early and make the critical saves when necessary should not be overlooked or ignored. Her play was instrumental in Minnetonka's run to the state finals.
Abby Pajari, Proctor/Hermantown
Player | 2021-2022 Team | Level |
---|---|---|
Finlay Engfer | Prior Lake | 12A |
Sophia Johnson | Minnetonka | GHS |
Cejay LaValley | Bemidji | 12A |
Maggie Malecha | Northfield | GHS |
Emma Matack | Wayzata | 12A |
Abby Pajari | Proctor/Hermantown | GHS |
Anna Rader | Mankato East | GHS |
Haley Solnitzky | Stillwater | 12A |
Kayla Swartout | Andover | 15A |
Taylor Thompson | Forest Lake | 15A |
Maggie Malecha (center), Northfield
Two-time winner Uma Corniea in 2017
Year | Player | Team | Level |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Jordan O'Kane | Alexandria | GHS |
2020 | Uma Corniea | Edina | GHS |
2019 | Olivia King | Brainerd/Little Falls | GHS |
2018 | Skyler Vetter | Lakeville North | Bantam AA |
2017 | Uma Corniea | Edina | PeeWee A |