Kelsey Koelzer of the Metropolitan Riveters scored four goals for Team "Lev" in her first All-Star Game appearance. Not to be outdone, Hayley Scamurra of the Beauts also notched a hat trick in Team Ott's winning effort. The two would share MVP honors for a weekend they said will be difficult to surpass.
"The (local) hockey community is awesome," Koelzer said. "I think the speed of the game was amazing, especially 4-on-4, that's not something that we're necessarily used to in a normal game, so I think the atmosphere that the crowd brought and the cheering really just helped us kind of push through and get that extra gear."
In 2016, the NWHL held this event in Buffalo; in 2017, it moved to Pittsburgh. This is the farthest west the NWHL has ventured, despite
myriad connections to the State of Hockey
.
Corinne Buie, captain of the Beauts and an Edina, Minn. native, took part in her second-straight All-Star Game; this time, in front of a home crowd.
"The State of Hockey is so passionate about the game, so for them to get to experience what the NWHL is all about and for my family and friends to be able to come watch me this weekend … it means a lot to us and to women's hockey," Buie said.
As a member of Team Ott, Buie emerged with bragging rights. Scoring two goals in front of her cheering contingent was sweet, including one against Beauts teammate and usual goaltender Leveille.
"Last year was obviously really special in Pittsburgh, but to have it in my home state and with my family here, it couldn't have been better," Buie said. "To have the Minnesota Wild be a part of it too
- NWHL All-Star Game features plenty of Minnesota talent
