Bemidji Girls Hockey Unbeaten Early Season, Eyes Playoff Run

Bemidji closed the first portion of its schedule with a 5 0 start, a level of early success the program has achieved only once in the past 25 years. The Lumberjacks also held two wins and no losses in Section 8AA play, putting them in a favorable position for seeding as the season moves toward district and section competition.

The team returned most of its roster from a year ago, led by captain and team leading scorer Bailey Rupp. Rupp scored 33 goals last season and had already recorded 13 this season, a total tied for the third most in Minnesota through the team’s first five games. Captains Megan Berg and Millie Knott also returned, each bringing 16 goals from last year and contributing to nine years of varsity experience shared among the three leaders.

The growing depth and chemistry have been evident in schedule strength and results. "The past couple years have been kind of, we’ve been building up towards this year and we’ve been handed some great opportunities playing some of the top teams in the state this year," said Knott. "We just want to make the most of every opportunity we’re given."

Questions about the goaltending position were answered by junior Lily Lauer, a club hockey transfer from Colorado who provided steadiness between the pipes. "One of the bigger questions for the Lumberjacks coming into this year was at the goalie position, but that question has been answered in the form of junior Lily Lauer, a club hockey transfer from Colorado who has only allowed six goals and has a .935 save percentage through Bemidji’s first five games."

For local residents, the Lumberjacks’ hot start is a boost to community pride and to the local sports economy as home attendance and youth program interest tend to rise with winning programs. It also places Bemidji on the map within the state playoff picture, where early section results can influence matchups and travel for postseason play. The Lumberjacks were scheduled for a top 25 test at Warroad on November 25, a matchup that would further clarify Bemidji’s standing against the state’s elite and shape expectations for the remainder of the season.