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Proctor/Hermantown success is no Mirage

By Blue Hanson, special to the Girls' Hockey Hub, 11/20/14, 7:00AM CST

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The approach taken by Proctor/Hermantown girls’ hockey coach Glen Gilderman during his 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.” Gilderman said.

Last year’s mantra was “Hard Work Works,’ a theme that helped carry the Mirage to its second state appearance in its 16-year history. It was first since joining Class 1A 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.’’  The Mirage isn’t short on talent, despite losing point leader Reilly Fawcett to graduation. 

The first line  includes senior Jillayne Gilbert, junior Sophie McGovern and  sophomore Callie Hoff, who combined for more than 130 points last season. 

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. Gilderman is as excited about the young crop of players coming up as he is with the older more experienced players.:

“This is one of the deepest teams we’ve had in many years,’’ he said. “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.” 

In a Nov. 13 game against Moose Lake-Willow River, the Mirage scored seven goals with six different players against a scrappy Rebel team. The Mirage held the 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 a leader  for four years. Junior Reilly Albert sophomore Mikayla Kero -- , last year’s defensive point leader  --and a bevy of strong underclassmen fills out a strong defensive unit that can keep the Mirage in any game. 

At goaltending, the Mirage is transitioning from Kylie Hommerding, who graduated last year, to junior Amy Lemenager, who has a .75 goals against average going into Thursdays game against area rival Cloquet.  23 saves against Moose Lake-Willow River. She played in seven games last seaon and had three  shutouts.

When she’s not playing hockey, Lemenager competes aso a boxer with USA Boxing and is considered the top female in her weight class in the Midwest. 
Lemenager’s back-up is eigth-grader Ryan Gray, who coaches say has progressed quickly on a team that hopes to challenge for  the section championship.

 “We’re a family that works hard and plays hard,’’ senior forward Madison Baker said. “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.”

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