Feature Story

Becky Kortum of Hopkins named Ms. Hockey

 

Becky Kortum, a senior forward on the Hopkins High School girls’ hockey team was named the winner of the 14th annual Ms. Hockey Award by Let’s Play Hockey newspaper at the annual Ms. Hockey Awards Banquet. The award, presented to the top girls’ high school hockey player in Minnesota, is based on the following criteria: academics, community/extra curricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

 

A team captain, Kortum led the Royals in scoring this season with 43-28--71 and helped Hopkins to a second-place finish at its first state tournament appearance since 1997. She was named to the all-tournament team after finishing tied for first among all scorers with four goals and three assists. Kortum had three- and four-point games in the tournament, and scored Hopkins’ final goal in the 5-3 loss to Stillwater in the championship game.

 

Kortum was held without a point in only two games this season and finished her high school hockey career with 212 points. In the 2008-09 campaign, she had 20 multiple-point and 11 multiple-goal games, including a six-point contest (1-5--6) in November. Kortum also notched five hat tricks on the year.

 

A four-time all-conference and two-time all-state honoree, Kortum was the Royals’ Offensive MVP for three consecutive seasons. Kortum becomes the first player from Hopkins to be named Ms. Hockey.

 

Following high school, Kortum will continue her hockey career at the University of Minnesota where she plans on majoring in pre-med.

 

“Becky is a very talented player and obviously one of the top players in the state,” Hopkins head coach Vin Paolucci said. “She is a responsible three-zone player that demonstrates strong skating and puck skills, and an excellent shot. Her knowledge, vision and passing ability are all top notch.”

 

Owning a 3.8 GPA and ranking in the top 20 percent of her class, Kortum is a four-time academic letterwinner and a member of the National Honor Society. She has been a youth hockey volunteer coach for four years and also donates her time at a local nursing home.

 

“Becky leads by example and demonstrates the attitude and work ethic to be a positive role model,” Paolucci said. “Her commitment defines her personality. The Gophers are lucky to get her and I know she will be a great addition to their team.”

 

The other finalists for Ms. Hockey were forward Margaret Chute of Blake, forward Sally Komarek of Blake, forward Alex Nelson of Andover and defenseman Kelsey Romatoski of Holy Angels.

 

This is the 14th season Let’s Play Hockey has sponsored the Ms. Hockey Award. Past winners include Sarah Erickson of Bemidji (2008), Katharine Chute of Blake (2007), Allie Thunstrom of North St. Paul (2006), Gigi Marvin of Warroad (2005), Erica McKenzie of Hastings (2004), Andrea Nichols of Hibbing/Chisholm (2003), Ashley Albrecht of South St. Paul (2002), Renee Curtin of Roseville (2001), Krissy Wendell of Park Center (2000), Ronda Curtin of Roseville (1999), Laura Slominski of Burnsville (1998), Annamarie Holmes of Apple Valley (1997) and Winny Brodt of Roseville (1996).

 

The 14th annual award, selected based on consultations with a panel of high school coaches, and Division I and III college coaches from Minnesota and Wisconsin, is sponsored by Let’s Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild and Reebok/CCM.