High Plains Hockey League

     The 2020 High Plains hockey season is one that we will never forget, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons.  Although we didn't get the chance to take the ice and enjoy the comradery of our friends, teammates, and coaches, we would like to take a moment to recognize and honor our High Plains Hockey League Seniors for their accomplishments and the culmination of their amazing high school careers.

     We at High Plains would like to extend our apologies for the heartbreak that you all have had to endure during your final days of high school.  We know it was not the ending that you had hoped for, but we are also here to applaud your courage and resiliency during these harsh and uncertain times.

     I wish there were some words of wisdom or enlightenment that I could bestow upon you Seniors to ease the frustration as you close this chapter of your lives in such an ominous manner, but the truth is none of us have been here before.  

     The class of 2020 has overcome something that we have never been through during our lifetimes, and that will only make you stronger.  The perseverance  and determination to overcome that you all have displayed is inspiring and we have taken notice, so thank you.  Thank you for your strength.  Thank you for your resolve.  Thank you for showing us all the same determination and persistence that we saw from you on the ice during your careers.  And thank you for making High Plains the fun and amazing league that it is because of all of you.

     We begin our recognition of our High Plains Seniors with those from the girl's division.  We have 16 girls graduating from four different teams, many of whom will be furthering their hockey careers at the next level.  We commend them for their hard work and look forward to seeing what their future holds.

Isabella ‘Bella’ Borski - Black Widows

High School: Eagle Valley High School

Position: Defense

Favorite hockey player and team: Brad Marchand: Boston Bruins

What do you like best about playing hockey?

I like the quick tempo of the game with constant transitions that force you to have to react quickly.

Why do you like playing High Plains Hockey?

The casual feel of Post season AAA hockey. Able to play hockey against and with so many people I have played with over the years.

What are your future plans?

Playing NCAA DIII Hockey and Soccer for New England College in N.H

Ellie Brewer - Monarch Coyotes
 

High School: Nederland High School

Position: Forward
 

Favorite hockey player and team: Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche

What do you like best about playing hockey?

I love the connection you get with your teammates and coaches through hours of hard work and going through wins and losses together as a family. I also love practicing a move or shot for hours off the ice and in practice and seeing it come together with your teammates in a game.

Why do you like playing High Plains Hockey?

I love that High Plains gives players who don’t play on the same club teams a chance to skate together and work with younger players to develop a team that stays together over four years.

What are your future plans?

Next year I plan to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and skate on their Division III hockey team!

Kassia 'KC' Brooks - Polar Bears

High School: Pine Creek High School

Position: Defense/Forward

Favorite hockey player and team: Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Redwings

What do you like best about playing hockey?

It's extremely fast and so much more complex than any other sport.

Why do you like playing High Plains Hockey?

Playing with or against my friends that are in my area.

What are your future plans?

Play D1 hockey at Providence College in Rhode Island.

Jackie Teteris - Black Widows

High School: Golden High School

Position: Defense

Favorite hockey player and team: Sam Girard, Colorado Avalanche

What do you like best about playing hockey?

The best thing about hockey is that nothing else matters when you are on the ice. You just get to play and forget everything else that is happening around you. 

Why do you like playing High Plains Hockey?

I like playing High Plains because of the comradery that exists. It doesn’t matter what team we played for during the season, we come together to play and just have fun playing a sport we love. Also, it is a lot more laid back than during the regular season. 

What are your future plans?

Next year, I will be attending the University of Northern Colorado and pursuing a degree in Business management. I plan to try out for their club hockey team as well as continue all of my other extracurriculars including music and biking.

Laney Martens - Mountain Militia

High School: Aspen High School

Position: Forward

Favorite hockey Player and team: Tyson Jost and the Avs

What do you like best about playing hockey? 

I love the traveling, meeting new people and I just love the game.

Why do you like playing High Plains Hockey?

 I like that I play different people, and have the opportunity to play with other girls from the mountains. I have played in this league starting with it's inaugural team my freshman year and really have enjoyed making new friends and I love the coaches (Karen, Wren and Jackie).

What are your future plans?

I plan to study Pre-Med at Lawrence University (Wisconsin) and will be playing on the Women's Hockey Team (D III) (NCHA hockey conference)

Nia McGregor - Monarch Coyotes

High School: Fossil Ridge High School

Position: Forward

Favorite hockey player and team:

Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche

What’s your favorite thing about hockey?

I love the people you meet playing hockey.  Everyone I meet shares the same love of the game which allows us to connect and make friendships that last a lifetime.

Why do you like playing High Plains hockey?

I like playing High Plains because after a season of everyone playing at different clubs we get to come together to form a team from more than one organization.  It allows for friendly competition, as often you are playing against  one of your own teammates from your own club.

What are your future plans?

I will be attending Brown University and studying Applied Mathematics. 

Anastasia 'AK' Fuentes - Mountain Militia

High School: Aspen High School

Position: Center

Favorite hockey player and team: 

Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadians

What’s your favorite thing about hockey?

I like the competitiveness of the sport and that you are able to have a lot of fun with your friends.

Why do you like playing High Plains hockey?

I like playing High Plains because it keeps me playing hockey through the spring and I can play against my old teammates.

What are your future plans?

Playing D3 hockey at New England College.

Sophia Fondl - Mountain Militia

High School: Summit High School

Position: Center

Favorite hockey player and team:

Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche

What’s your favorite thing about hockey?

Traveling around Colorado with my teammates.

Why do you like playing High Plains hockey?

I get to play with new girls from all over the western slope.

What are your future plans?

I am attending Montana State University for Nursing.

Leilu Towery - Polar Bears

High School: Chaparral

Position: Left Wing

Favorite hockey player and team:

Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche

What’s your favorite thing about hockey?

The working on a team and how fast the game is.

Why do you like playing High Plains hockey?

The people.

What are your future plans?

Going to CU Boulder to major in Asian Studies and hopefully playing on the women's hockey team.

Name                                 Team                              School                              

Allison Barrett                     Black Widows                    Dakota Ridge

Georgiannna Rowland          Black Widows                   Columbine

Elizabeth Zurfluh                 Black widows                   Arvada West

Melina Atwood                    Monarch Coyotes             Ralston Valley

Kyra McFarland                   Monarch Coyotes              Monarch

Diana Jones                         Polar Bears                       Chaparral

Ava Norrison                       Polar Bears                       Cherokee Trail