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Northfield Girls Hockey Team Rides Momentum with Back-to-Back Wins

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 12th 2026 at 12:55 GMT by Southern Minn
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

NORTHFIELD, MN - January 12, 2026 - The Northfield High School girls hockey team is riding a wave of momentum following a successful week that saw them secure back-to-back victories over John Marshall and Mayo. These wins, coupled with consistent performance, are proving crucial as the Gators navigate the competitive Big Nine Conference.

The Gators currently hold a record of 9-6-1 overall, with a 4-4 mark in the Big Nine Conference. While not a dominant record, the recent two-game winning streak signals a potential turning point for the team, bolstering morale and demonstrating improved teamwork and strategy.

Dominating Performance Against John Marshall

On Tuesday, January 7th, the Gators journeyed to Rochester to face the John Marshall Cougars. The game concluded with a decisive 6-1 victory for Northfield. Senior captain Emma Kaczmarek spearheaded the offensive charge, delivering a remarkable performance with three goals and two assists. Izzy Amundson, also a senior, contributed significantly with two goals and one assist. Rounding out the scoring was junior Katelyn Harthun, who added a goal and an assist. In net, goaltender Josie Nielsen proved a stalwart, making 15 saves and keeping the Cougars' offense largely at bay.

Home Ice Advantage Fuels Victory Over Mayo

Continuing their winning streak, the Gators returned home on Friday, January 10th, to face the Mayo Spartans in a Big Nine Conference clash. The team capitalized on the home ice advantage, securing another 5-1 victory. The familiar dynamic of Kaczmarek and Amundson dominated the scoring, with Kaczmarek once again contributing two goals and two assists, and Amundson mirroring her performance with two goals and one assist. Harthun maintained her consistent contribution, adding another goal and assist. Josie Nielsen continued her strong goaltending, stopping an impressive 21 shots throughout the game.

Key Players and Team Dynamics

The consistent standout performances from Emma Kaczmarek and Izzy Amundson highlight the leadership and skill within the team. Their ability to both score and create opportunities for their teammates indicates a strong understanding of team strategy and a commitment to supporting one another. The consistent contributions from junior Katelyn Harthun also suggest a growing core of talented players poised to contribute to the team's future success. The steady and reliable goaltending provided by Josie Nielsen has been a critical factor in both victories, consistently denying opponents' attempts on goal. Her ability to make crucial saves under pressure offers the team confidence and stability.

Looking Ahead: Challenge Against Rochester Lourdes

The Gators' next challenge arrives on Tuesday, January 14th, as they travel back to Rochester to face Rochester Lourdes. Lourdes is known for their aggressive play and defensive prowess, making for what promises to be a closely contested match. The team's recent success will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster, but they will need to maintain their focus and execution to overcome Lourdes's strengths. The game will be a significant test of the Gators' ability to perform under pressure and maintain their momentum in a critical conference game.

Community Engagement & Local Support

The Northfield community has shown unwavering support for the girls' hockey team, creating a positive and encouraging environment for the players. The local news outlet, Southern Minnesota, provides regular updates and coverage, keeping fans informed and engaged. Readers are encouraged to sign up for the free daily sports newsletter on the Southern Minnesota website ([ https://www.southernminn.com/newsletter ]) to stay up-to-date on all local sports news and highlights.

The Gators' recent victories demonstrate the team's growing potential and dedication. As they approach the remainder of the season, fans will be eagerly anticipating their performance against Rochester Lourdes and beyond.