Centennial’s dynamic duo of Gabbie Hughes and Anneke Linser were looking for a dream end to their senior season Saturday night. That dream just fell short as the lost 2-1 to Edina in the Class AA championship game.
But while their dream ending came up a bit short, they were both reflective of their season and time at Centennial.
“We are proud of what we did,” said Linser, postgame. “At the beginning of the season, our goal was to get to state. As the season went on we knew we could do something really good at state.”
But as she went on, Linser held back tears and added, “The hardest thing is letting go of this team because they are a bunch of my best friends.”
Sitting right net to Linser was her linemate and future college teammate Hughes – both are committed to playing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth next year – and said that Anneke could not have said it any better.
In their Centennial varsity careers, the duo combined for 587 points. Hughes totaled 316 while Linser finished with 267. Both will leave a lasting impact on Centennial’s girls hockey program, helping the school reach its first title game in program history.
Class AA Award Winners
All-Tournament Team:
Jamie Nelson, Forward – Andover
Kayla Vrieze, Defense – Eagan
Taylor Anderson, Forward – Eagan
Alexa Dobchuk, Goalie – Eden Prairie
Anneke Linser, Forward – Centennial
Gabbie Hughes, Forward – Centennial
Hannah Backman, Defense – Centennial
Mackenna Stoterau, Goalie – Centennial
Brooke Tucker, Defense – Edina
CC Bowlby, Forward – Edina
Emily Olsen, Forward – Edina
Sophia Doll, Defense – Edina
Herb Brooks Award Winner: Anneke Linser, Forward – Centennial
Class AA Third Place: Eagan 3, Eden Prarie 0
Class AA Consolation: Lakeville South 5, Andover 4 (3OT)
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