The Sue Ring-Jarvi Girls Player of the Year Award is named after one of the pioneering figures in girls and women's hockey in the state's history. The Roseville native organized and played on the first University of Minnesota Women's Hockey Club Team in 1974.

Ring-Jarvi, daughter of Jane Ring, another matriarch of the girls' hockey scene in Minnesota, who helped form teams in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Burnsville, Mounds View, Bloomington, and Roseville.

With so many great players to choose from narrowing it to six players was very difficult. With the addition of a Girls High School Player of the Year award, these nominations are reserved for only youth players who have demonstrated elite talent, strong leadership skills, and unbridled passion for the game.   

Callinan could have two appropriate nicknames - “Anytime” and “Anywhere.” 

As in, Callinan will take on any opponent and play anywhere on the ice to get the job done. 

In true Sue Ring-Jarvi fashion, the Wayzata 12A player is the rare standout both in goal and skating out as a defender or a forward. Out of the crease, Callinan plays a staunch defender with a penchant for making the right play in a variety of situations. 

In goal, Callinan turned in some impressive numbers during the Trojans’ four-game stint at Regions. In three games played, Callinan stopped 73 of 82 shots, including a sparkling 32-save performance in a 4-0 loss to Chaska/Chanhassen that drew praise from the Trojan faithful and opposing fans alike.  

A two-time finalist for this award, Dutton is a prime example of just how much talent is on its way to the Alexandria varsity over the next couple of years.

Dutton tied for the team lead in scoring with three goals and five points for the Cardinals during their run through the Olympic Region. He also ranked among the leading scorers during the Centennial Super Chill and Alexandria’s Big Ole Tournament. Dutton totaled 10 points during the Super Chill and another six during Big Ole. 

This season, in events tracked by the GameSheet scoring app, Dutton has recorded 19 goals and 27 points in 19 games. 

Kelzenberg thrives as a defender or forward and, given her athleticism, could probably impress between the pipes as well. 

One of several standouts on a loaded Centennial/Spring Lake Park 12A squad, Kelzenberg has reached double-digits in two separate events this season. She had eight goals and 13 points during this year’s Centennial Girls Super Chill, then followed that performance with an eight-goal, 13-point outing as the Cougars romped to three wins in the East Region.

The Cougars will face Edina in the first round of the 12A State Tournament, and have a record of 51-6-5 for the season. 

If you entered Braemar Arena and thought you heard a cannon blasting or pine trees being chopped down, it could be Nelson practicing her shooting. 

Nelson is a powerful skater and a natural athlete, with ice vision and hockey IQ to match her otherworldly shot. This season, she has totaled 10 goals and 27 points in 22 games tracked by GameSheet, with her most productive event being the Cabin Fever Classic, where she scored three goals and added seven assists in five victories. 

The Hornets clawed their way out of a talent-heavy West Region with three wins, all by two or fewer goals. Nelson led the team in scoring during Regions with two goals and three points in four games. 

A slippery forward with some of the best hands in the state, Nichols leads a scorching Chaska/Chanhassen team into this year’s 12A State Tournament. Nichols led the Stormhawks to their three Region wins with six goals and seven points, netting two goals in each game. 

Nichols’ play has helped the Stormhawks to a record of 41-6-2, and are currently riding a seven-game winning streak. Four of Chaska/Chanhassen’s six losses have been by a single goal, and the Stormhawks have outscored opponents this season 276-58.