Blake Girls Hockey Team in Championship Game, Playing for Late Coach

It goes without saying that every team at the Minnesota State High School Hockey Championships wants to win, but for one group of girls who have already come so far, they have something else on their minds.

Last spring, Blake's long time coach Brano Stankovsky passed away from a stroke at age 56. This year, the team has rallied in his spirit, and is now in the state championship game.

"He had this one quote that he wrote on our white board right before he died last year," recalls captain Kate Fraley. "It said, 'If you're not going to go all the way, why go at all?'"

We wish both Blake and their opponent, Warroad, the best of luck Saturday in the championship game at noon. The game will be broadcast on KSTC 45TV.

Tweet