Hepp's tops Tradition

Edina, MN - An epic game played out at Braemar Arena Thursday night between Hepp’s Salt Co. and Tradition Mortgage and Dangle League action.  Hepp’s Salt Co. hung on to beat a fast charging Tradition Mortgage team 3-2.  Featuring a ferocious pace, quick passing, intense defensive play, some untimely turnovers that led to breakaways, and some huge saves from the goaltenders, the game entertained those in attendance and those viewing online.  

The win maintained the perfect record for Hepp’s (3-0) as they hold sole possession of first place in the Dangle League standings. Goalie Layla Hemp (Minnetonka) opened the night in goal for Lake Cowgirl of the Celly League and played a half in that game with her on Braemar South and then joined her Hepp’s team for the second half of the game. 

Hemp made 16 saves in the second half as she relieved Ida Huber (Dodge County) made 20 of 22 saves that held up for her to earn her third win in goal.  Ruby Rauk (Minnetonka) had back-to-back goals that erased Whitney Horton’s (Edina) goal that opened the scoring for Tradition.  Bella Finnegan (Minnetonka) leveled the game at two midway through the first half and the eventual game winning goal was scored by Ellie Zakrajschek (Minnetonka). Ella Pasqua (BSM) sent the initial shot toward the net and Zakrajschek pulled the rebound and buried it for what would be the final goal of the game. 

Tradition had several breakaways of turnovers and Hemp turned them all aside in the second half.  There were plenty of scoring chances as the game wound to a close and Hemp shut the door as well.  She was facing her teammate Ashlynn Hazlett (Minnetonka) who played the full 60 minutes and made 27 saves. 

The night was special for Hemp who was able to play up with the college players in the Celly League for the first half, filling in for league leading goaltender Sedona Blair (UNH).  She also was able to play with her older sisters Josie (Vermont) and Peyton (Minnesota) while father Jason was on the bench for the first time in a game that was not on the pond.  

“I was really nervous,” Layla Hemp said with a chuckle, referring to her Celly League debut. “My nerves playing with the older girls I was actually intimidated,playing with like Petyon (Hemp) especially because I never played a game with ever. It was a lot different I feel like.” 

Hemp has had a nice run through the summer after a successful high school campaign and a 5-0 run at the WJC-18 this past season. “I am really just focusing in for my senior season,” Hemp said of her summer work. “I am just training as hard as I can be the best that I can be for my senior season and be ready for college.  It’s been really good, always ups and downs, I struggle a couple of times especially like that game (the Celly game) I have to be comfortable and was just kind of getting used to it.  I feel like it’s going really good, just trying to do my best. 

The summer has been going quite well for Hemp who faced off against her teammate Ashlynn Hazlett (Minnetonka).  Hazlett made 27 saves in goal for Tradition Mortgage.  The two goaltenders  make up an impressive duo in goal for the Skippers.  

Half the games have been decided by one goal (3-6) so far this year with two others decided by 2 goals and only one game has been a blow out among these talented and balanced teams.