Mariners hope to go one step further

Talk about it

After losing to Eveleth-Gilbert in section championship game last season, the Silver Bay-Two Harbors-Cook County girls hockey team will look to last year’s experience as a stepping stone for another successful run.

“We should be a top team in the section,” said head coach Mike Guzzo, adding the team has a tough schedule.

The Mariners open up there season at home against defending state champion Blake at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Hoping to get a victory against Blake will be senior captains and defenders Kirstin Sandstrom (53 points last season) and Jessica Solberg. Other seniors on the team include defender Stevi Rannetsberger and forward Andrea Lorntson.

“We don’t have a lot of depth,” Guzzo said.

Underclassmen helping the cause include juniors forward Natalie Krynski (29 points) and goalie Nikki Mealey. Sophomores on the team include forwards Taylor Guzzo (35 points) and Marina Carter, along with defender Shay Viola. Freshman include forwards Taylor Udenberg and Rachel Dilley, along with defender Rebecca Dilley. Eighth grade goalie Phoenix Lillis may also contribute to the team.

“Our young kids stepped it up last season and that will be a key this season [for success],” Guzzo said.

Guzzo, however, didn’t want to get ahead of himself after the success of last season.

“They are going to have to overachieve again,” he said.

A good season will have to come without goalie Alexi Warnecke, forwards Biz Huss and Leah Krynski and defender Kyla Thorne, all of whom were lost to graduation last season.

Assisting Guzzo this season will be Angie and Mike Hoff.

If you go

Mariners take on defending champs

- The Mariners open up their season in Silver Bay at Rukavina Arena, 129 Outer Drive, against defending state champion Blake at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Tags: two harbors, silver bay, girls hockey, sports