Karley Sylvester of Warroad named Ms. Hockey

Karley Sylvester, a senior forward on the Warroad High School girls’ hockey team was named the winner of the 16^th annual Ms. Hockey Award by Let’s Play Hockey newspaper today 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, Sylvester helped the Warriors to a 27-3-0 overall record and their second consecutive state championship. One of the top playmakers in the state, Sylvester finished her senior season with totals of 30-47--77 in 27 games. She was named to the all-tournament team after scoring one goal and five assists during Warroad’s run to the title.

A member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s National Under-18 Team at the IIHF World U18 Championship, Sylvester was held without a point in only one game this season (Dec. 4 at Edina), and posted 19 multi-point and eight multi-goal games on the year. She notched three hat tricks, including a four-goal game in the 9-0 win over East Grand Forks in the Section 8A quarterfinal.

A four-time all-conference and three-time all-state honoree, Sylvester becomes the second player from Warroad to be named Ms. Hockey after Gigi Marvin won the award in 2005.

Following high school, Sylvester will continue her hockey and academic career at the University of Wisconsin.

“Karley is the hardest working practice player that I have ever coached,” Warroad head coach David Marvin said. “She puts forth that same effort during games, and that is why she has had four outstanding seasons for the Warriors. Karley takes her hockey very seriously; it would be hard to find a player more committed or dedicated to the game.”

Along with being an excellent hockey player, Sylvester is also a top-notch student. She holds a 3.725 GPA in a rigorous curriculum with courses such as AP Government, AP English and calculus. Sylvester volunteers to assist young skaters in the Skater Tot program, and through the National Honor Society, has worked with senior citizens on various projects. In addition, Sylvester is a decorated swimmer, advancing to the state meet three years as an individual and/or team participant.

“Karley is definitely a leader in our school,” Marvin said. “She makes wise decisions and is a positive role model for other students. Because of her pleasing personality and upbeat attitude, she has earned the respect of those who know her.”

The other finalists for Ms. Hockey were forwards Rachael Bona of Coon Rapids, Taylor Kuehl of Mound Westonka, Mehan Lorence of Irondale and defenseman Rachel Ramsey of Minnetonka.

Past winners include Bethany Brausen of Roseville (2010) Becky Kortum of Hopkins (2009), 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 16^th 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, Shock Doctor and DCS Image.