Hopkins' Kortum named Ms. Hockey Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS ­­— Becky Kortum, a senior forward on the Hopkins High School girls’ hockey team was named the winner of the 14th annual Ms. Hockey Award by Let’s Play Hockey newspaper today at the annual Ms. Hockey Awards Banquet. The award, presented to the top girls’ high school hockey player in Minnesota, is based on the following criteria: academics, community/extra curricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

A team captain, Kortum led the Royals in scoring this season with 43-28--71 and helped Hopkins to a second-place finish at its first state tournament appearance since 1997. She was named to the all-tournament team after finishing tied for first among all scorers with four goals and three assists. Kortum had three- and four-point games in the tournament, and scored Hopkins’ final goal in the 5-3 loss to Stillwater in the championship game.

Kortum was held without a point in only two games this season and finished her high school hockey career with 212 points. In the 2008-09 campaign, she had 20 multiple-point and 11 multiple-goal games, including a six-point contest (1-5--6) in November. Kortum also notched five hat tricks on the year.

A four-time all-conference and two-time all-state honoree, Kortum was the Royals’ Offensive MVP for three consecutive seasons. Kortum becomes the first player from Hopkins to be named Ms. Hockey.

Following high school, Kortum will continue her hockey career at the University of Minnesota where she plans on majoring in pre-med.

“Becky is a very talented player and obviously one of the top players in the state,” Hopkins head coach Vin Paolucci said. “She is a responsible three-zone player that demonstrates strong skating and puck skills, and an excellent shot. Her knowledge, vision and passing ability are all top notch.”

Owning a 3.8 GPA and ranking in the top 20 percent of her class, Kortum is a four-time academic letterwinner and a member of the National Honor Society. She has been a youth hockey volunteer coach for four years and also donates her time at a local nursing home.

“Becky leads by example and demonstrates the attitude and work ethic to be a positive role model,” Paolucci said. “Her commitment defines her personality. The Gophers are lucky to get her and I know she will be a great addition to their team.”

The other finalists for Ms. Hockey were forward Margaret Chute of Blake, forward Sally Komarek of Blake, forward Alex Nelson of Andover and defenseman Kelsey Romatoski of Holy Angels.

This is the 14th season Let’s Play Hockey has sponsored the Ms. Hockey Award. Past winners include Sarah Erickson of Bemidji (2008), Katharine Chute of Blake (2007), Allie Thunstrom of North St. Paul (2006), Gigi Marvin of Warroad (2005), Erica McKenzie of Hastings (2004), Andrea Nichols of Hibbing/Chisholm (2003), Ashley Albrecht of South St. Paul (2002), Renee Curtin of Roseville (2001), Krissy Wendell of Park Center (2000), Ronda Curtin of Roseville (1999), Laura Slominski of Burnsville (1998), Annamarie Holmes of Apple Valley (1997) and Winny Brodt of Roseville (1996).

The 14th annual award, selected based on consultations with a panel of high school coaches, and Division I and III college coaches from Minnesota and Wisconsin, is sponsored by Let’s Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild and Reebok/CCM.

In addition....

MINNEAPOLIS ­­— Laura Bellamy of the Duluth Northern Stars and Duluth Denfeld High School has been named the Let’s Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year, the newspaper announced today at the annual Ms. Hockey Awards Banquet. The award is presented annually to the top Minnesota senior goalie in girls’ high school hockey.

A mainstay in the Duluth nets since a seventh grader in 2003-04, Bellamy led the Northern Stars to a top 20 ranking in Class AA with outstanding performances this season. Bellamy posted a 1.38 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage to go along with her three shutouts. Splitting time in the nets with sophomore Paige Turner, Bellamy helped Duluth to a 19-5-3 record.

On the season, Bellamy allowed two or fewer goals in 15 of her 17 starts and owned a 13-3-0 record. A five-time all-conference selection and a first team all-state pick this season, Bellamy registered 11 career shutouts. The Northern Stars fell one game short of appearing in their second state tournament, falling to Proctor/Hermantown/Marshall School in the Section 7AA final.

“Laura has a natural ability to lead others in a positive direction,” Duluth co-head coach Amber Fryklund said. “She consistently strives to become better and makes those around her better. As a goaltender, she is able to make key saves and provide our team with the opportunity to win.”

Away from the ice, Bellamy is an exceptional student, ranking first in her Duluth Denfeld High School class of 228 with a 4.0 GPA. A Harvard recruit, Bellamy was chosen as one of six female finalists for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award, which recognizes outstanding high school seniors nationwide who excel in athletics, academics and in the community. Bellamy also serves in her school’s student government and as the president of the National Honor Society.

The Senior Goalie of the Year Award is based on nominations from high school coaches and is selected based on consultations with a panel of high school coaches, and Division I and III women’s college coaches. The award is based on the following criteria: academics, community/ extracurricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

The other finalists for the award were Kaye Collier of Hibbing/Chisholm, Chelsey Froseth of Roseau, Jessica Havel of Grand Rapids/Greenway and Jessica Newstrom of Cambridge-Isanti/Mora/Pine City.

This is the 11th year of the LPH Goalie of the Year award. Previous winners include Alyssa Grogan of Eagan (2008), Ashley Nixon of Blaine (2007), Alannah McCready of Centennial (2006), Johanna Ellison of Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (2005), Emily Brookshaw of Hill-Murray (2004), Robin Doepke of Chaska (2003), Amber Hasbargen of Warroad (2002), Jody Horak of Blaine (2001), Shari Vogt of River Lakes (2000) and Katie Beauduy of Blaine (1999).

The award is sponsored by Let’s Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild and Reebok/CCM.