Northland Sports Online

Mirage Opens Season with Win

DSC_0360 (640x426)

Blue Hanson – NSO

 

Photos By: George Bailey

 

Abe Lincoln once said The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time. Glen Gilderman, Head Coach of the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage couldn’t agree more. His approach during the 16 years of coaching the Mirage has always been to emphasize a hard work mentality that doesn’t look too far in the future. “It’s a long season, and we work towards getting better each time we are on the ice.” says Coach Gilderman. Last year’s mantra was Hard Work Works. This theme helped carry the Mirage to its second State appearance in its 16 year history, and the first since joining Class A and dropping private school Marshall from its Co-op four years ago.

This year’s theme is None of us are as strong as all of us. It’s a clear definition of the attitude this team has towards its pool of players. The Mirage isn’t short on talent, despite losing perennial point leader Reilly Fawcett to the D1 Bemidji Beavers. Strengthened by a first line that includes Senior Jillayne Gilbert, Junior Sophie McGovern and newcomer Sophomore Callie Hoff; combined these three amassed over 130 points last season. Impressive as it is, the Mirage isn’t a one trick pony either. In last year’s section final win against Hibbing, current Junior Brielle Larson’s two goals were a perfect example of why the Mirage is considered to be a deep threat.

2014-2015_TEAM_PHOTO_large

Coach Gilderman is as excited about the young crop of players coming up as he is with the older more experienced vets: “This is one of the deepest teams we’ve had in many years. We’re actually a pretty young team with only three seniors—but our young players are experienced. They’ve been to the state tournament and have worked very hard in the off-season to improve because they want to go back.” Last night’s game against Moose Lake is a perfect example, with the Mirage scoring seven goals with six different players against a scrappy Rebel team. The Mirage held the ever dangerous twin tandem of Jessica and Jamie Bird to one assist, despite the Rebels outshooting the Mirage 24 to 22.

The Mirage defense is just as deep as its forwards. Senior Hannah Johnson has been one of the leaders on the Mirage defense for four years and is no stranger to what it takes to help keep the opposition’s scoring opportunities low. Throw into the mix Junior Reilly Albert, last year’s defensive point leader Sophomore Mikayla Kero along with a bevy of strong underclassmen, and you’ve got the recipe for a strong defensive unit that can keep the Mirage in any game.

Another area to watch this season will be goaltending. The Mirage has a history of strong goalies, and is transitioning from last year’s graduate Kylie Hommerding to Junior Amy Lemenager. Lemenager isn’t a stranger to the role however, backing up Hommerding last year with a solid performance in the seven games she played, three being shut-outs. Lemenager’s second sport is an amateur boxer with USA boxing, and is considered the top female in her weight class in the Midwest. Needless to say she’s accustomed to a challenge and is up to the task, as demonstrated by the 23 saves she recorded last night. Lemenager’s back-up is 8th grader Ryan Gray.

DSC_0368 (640x426)

Gray has proven to be a talent in her youth years and is transitioning to the Varsity level “remarkably fast” according to the coaching staff. All indications are that she will be an important cog in the gear that many consider to be a team that should be perennial challengers to the section championship. Senior forward Madison Baker sums it up this way: “We’re a family that works hard and plays hard. Together we can do anything we put our mind to. We’ll never give up, and we know what it takes to get to where we want to go.” Time will tell if the Mirage will have back-to-back state appearances, but if their desire and depth are any indicators, they’ll be right in the mix of things come February.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply