West Fargo United wins North Dakota girls hockey state title

Goals from seniors Payton Stocker and Rachel Spanier lift United to 2-1 victory over Grand Forks

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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West Fargo United's girls hockey team won the North Dakota state championship, defeating Grand Forks 2-1 in the title game at Scheels Arena. Second-period goals from seniors Payton Stocker and Rachel Spanier were the difference, while goaltender Reagan Wilson made 23 saves to preserve the victory. This is United's first state title since the co-op was formed, and the program's third championship overall.

Why it matters

The win marks a significant achievement for the West Fargo United girls hockey program, which has been building towards this championship after a long drought. The co-op team, formed from players across the West Fargo school district, has now captured its first state title, showcasing the strength of the combined roster and the development of the program.

The details

United jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second period on goals from Stocker and Spanier. Grand Forks mounted a late comeback attempt but was unable to find the equalizer, as Wilson stood tall in net for United. The victory gives West Fargo its third state hockey championship, the first since 2014 when the team still competed as the West Fargo Packers.

  • The state championship game was played on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Scheels Arena in Fargo.
  • West Fargo United last won the state title in 2014.

The players

Payton Stocker

A senior forward for West Fargo United who scored one of the team's two goals in the state championship game.

Rachel Spanier

A senior forward for West Fargo United who scored the other goal in the state title victory.

Reagan Wilson

The goaltender for West Fargo United, who made 23 saves to preserve the 2-1 win over Grand Forks.

West Fargo United

The girls hockey co-op team representing schools across the West Fargo school district, which won its first state championship since the co-op was formed.

Grand Forks

The runner-up in the North Dakota girls hockey state tournament, falling 2-1 to West Fargo United in the championship game.

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What’s next

The West Fargo United girls hockey team will look to defend its state title next season, as the program aims to build on this championship victory.

The takeaway

West Fargo United's first state hockey title as a co-op program is a testament to the strength of the combined roster and the hard work put in by the players and coaching staff to develop the team into a champion. This victory marks an important milestone for the West Fargo girls hockey community.