RiverHawks Players Fulfill Dreams at State Tourney

It was 10 p.m. on a school night, their team was down a handful of goals and the North Wright County RiverHawks' faithful were standing as strong as ever. 

Watching what would ultimately be the Hawks' first state tournament loss in its young history, the fans remained proud of their team. 

"We're here supporting the whole team," RiverHawks fans Katie Gruys, Colleen Alama and Brook Aeikens said between periods. "One of our best friends is Rachel Heiber (no. 22) but we support the team wherever and whenever they play."

Even the RiverHawks youngsters were showing their pride. Clad in STMA jerseys and waving signs bearing the names of their favorite varsity players, the youngsters beamed with a sense of pride that comes from being part of a history-making first trip to the state tournament.

"Hawks hockey is awesome!" one group of young girls shouted at a pitch just short of ear-splitting. "We love them. We look up to them!"

Like most of the girls on the varsity squad, Maddi Sjelin was fulfilling a lifelong dream Thursday. Whether the Hawks won or lost their first game against Coon Rapids was always going to be a secondary consideration. 

"(Maddi) has looked forward to this moment her entire career. She is just so excited to be here playing at the state tourney," mother Kim Sjelin said.

"Hockey is in Maddi's bloodline," explained family friend Diane Small. "Her dad and uncle played hockey. She's got five cousins and two brothers that also play."

Despite the obvious hockey influence in her life Sjelin's cousin and Buffalo native, Dan Bialke, takes a little bit of credit for getting her started in the sport. 

"I remember playing with her out on the ponds when she was young. We have played so many Christmases and family tournaments. She has always loved the game. Everyone in her family played so she really didn't have much of a choice," Bialke said. 

Playing for a club that has been in existence for a mere five years has not always been an easy task. Thursday's 6-1 loss will only foster seeds of doubt in the minds of the players that have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for their teammates and coaches.  

But the players needed only to peer into the stands to witness the pride and support they enjoy from their community. The red, white and blue signs being waved by so many fans reiterated these very sentiments.

On them were two messages: "Go Hawks" and "We Believe."

Keeping the faith.