Carley Esse Choses Bemidji State For Academics and Hockey

Wes Vork-NSO

Nov 12, 2012

Kerry Rodd-NSO

The recent run of Cloquet-Esko-Carlton hockey players joining the Bemidji State Beavers will continue next season when Carley Esse joins the program. The Beavers were able to enjoy the services of Montana Vichorek for four years and are in the end of a four-year run for Sadie Lundquist, both of whom plied their talents in Cloquet prior to matriculating to Bemidji.

“I chose Bemidji State because of the overall good feeling I received from the campus community and the team,” state Esse, who is a senior defender for the Lumberjacks. “The coaching staff and team made me feel very comfortable.”

The fact that her former teammates had positive experiences with the Beavers also had an impact on the star defender.

“With Sadie and Montana going there, it helped me with my decision” commented Esse. “They both have had amazing experiences there, and being able to talk to them about the school and team really helped me. Everyone was so complimentary towards the school, team, and coaching staff that it would be hard for me not to go there. “

Esse has been a mainstay on the Jacks blue line over the past four or five seasons and has provided stability and a calming influence in tight games. Her overall game has elevated over the past two seasons and her ability to rush the puck, slow the game down, and to shoot the puck make her a Division 1 talent much like Vichorek and Lundquist before her.

As a defenseman, Esse had a breakout season as a junior, leading the Jacks in scoring during the regular season with 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points. She tallied 11 and 12 points respectively during her sophomore and freshman seasons.

“The University reminds me a lot of Cloquet, being a tight-knit, hardworking community. Bemidji hockey reminds me a lot of Cloquet Hockey because of the closeness of the team and how hard they work,” explained Esse. “Because I only have four years left to play hockey, getting to play right away as a freshman was huge for me. Bemidji feels I will be able to step in and play right away. Overall, the University just felt like the right fit for me.”

The Beavers have noticed Esse for years starting with her eighth grade season, and talks began to materialize in her sophomore season culminating in the announcement this past week.

“It is a huge relief being able to sign before the end of my senior year. I have been very stressed out trying to make my decision on where I want to go after high school and play and study, and to have finally made my decision is really exciting for me,” stated Esse. “I think this year is going to be a great year for our team and I am really excited to not have any stress about where I’m going to college. I really want to enjoy my last year playing as a Lumberjack.”

Esse was recruited by a number of DI schools and a ton of DIII schools before making her decision known last week. She also was quick to thank her youth coaches, family and others for helping her become the players she is today, especially her parents.

The Lumberjack’s star will plan on majoring in mathematics at Bemidji with thoughts on eventually becoming an Actuary.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com