Hill-Murray, Andover punch their tickets to girls state hockey tournament

The Pioneers rolled to a 5-1 victory in the Class 2A, Section 4 title game; the Huskies won Section 7 for their ninth consecutive state visit.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Hill-Murray Pioneers defeated the Woodbury Royals 5-1 in the Class 2A, Section 4 girls hockey championship game, punching their ticket to the state tournament. The Pioneers, led by a flurry of young scorers and a strong performance in net, are looking to repeat as state champions after winning the title last year. Meanwhile, the Andover Huskies won the Section 7 championship, earning their ninth consecutive state tournament appearance.

Why it matters

The Hill-Murray Pioneers are the defending state champions in girls hockey and are looking to repeat that feat this year. Their victory over the previously undefeated Woodbury Royals shows they have the talent and determination to make another deep playoff run. The Andover Huskies have also established themselves as a perennial powerhouse, qualifying for the state tournament for the ninth straight season.

The details

In the Class 2A, Section 4 title game, Hill-Murray jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Elliana Engelhardt and Hannah Rychley. Woodbury junior Bonnie Zhao scored to cut the deficit to 2-1, but the Pioneers pulled away in the later stages of the game to win 5-1. Despite a 36-save performance from Woodbury goaltender Alyssa Polaski, Hill-Murray's depth and skill proved too much for the Royals.

  • The Class 2A, Section 4 championship game took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Hill-Murray won the Minnesota Girls Hockey Class 2A state title in 2025.

The players

Hill-Murray Pioneers

The defending Minnesota Girls Hockey Class 2A state champions, looking to repeat their title this season.

Woodbury Royals

The previously undefeated No. 2 seed in the Class 2A, Section 4 tournament, who fell to Hill-Murray in the championship game.

Elliana Engelhardt

A junior forward for Hill-Murray who had a key assist in the Pioneers' victory.

Jaycee Chatleain

A junior forward for Hill-Murray who scored a goal in the win.

Hannah Rychley

A freshman who scored a goal to give Hill-Murray an early 2-0 lead.

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What’s next

The Hill-Murray Pioneers will advance to the Minnesota Girls Hockey Class 2A state tournament, where they will look to defend their 2025 championship.

The takeaway

The Hill-Murray Pioneers have proven themselves to be one of the top girls hockey programs in Minnesota, winning the state title last year and now returning to the tournament as the favorites to repeat. Meanwhile, the Andover Huskies have established themselves as a consistent contender, making their ninth straight state tournament appearance.