Grand Forks KnightRiders Prepare for State Tournament with Momentum

The Grand Forks KnightRiders’ girls hockey team is entering the North Dakota state tournament with a record-tying **19 wins**, showcasing a strong defense and a roster of promising young talent. As they prepare for the tournament in Fargo, the KnightRiders, who hold the **No. 2 seed**, are looking to leverage their experience from a season filled with tightly contested matches, including **seven one-goal games**, where they achieved a commendable **5-2 record**.

The KnightRiders will face **No. 7 Mandan** in the opening round on **March 15, 2024**, at **17:00** at Farmers Union Rink in Scheels Arena. Grand Forks senior defender **Bitty Balek** emphasized the competitive nature of the league, noting the importance of not underestimating any opponent. “All the games are close and all the teams are good,” Balek stated. “For us, it’s not who you play; it’s how you play.”

Grand Forks has faced tough competition this season, including losses to the **No. 3** and **No. 5** seeds in the state bracket. Their resilience was tested in a **1-0 matchup** against the tournament’s top seed, **Fargo North-South**, which remains a strong contender. Coach **Kelly Kilgore** highlighted the value of their experience in one-goal games, stating, “The girls know what that feeling is like and know those situations.”

Team Strategy and Key Players

Kilgore attributes the team’s success in tight games to a “blue-collar style” of play. “It’s a lunch-pail attitude,” he said, emphasizing the necessity of hard work and grit. The KnightRiders aim to outwork their opponents and score goals from challenging positions on the ice. This approach has been effective, given the team’s speed and defensive capabilities.

In goal, **Kylie Schmaltz** has been a standout player, boasting a **1.76 goals-against average** and a **92.4% save percentage**. Her performance has been crucial, as Kilgore noted that a solid defense allows forwards to thrive. The defensive core, which includes Balek, **Elizabeth Kilgore**, **Keira Botnen**, eighth-grader **Hazel O’Connell**, and **Kendra Kuznia**, has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities while maintaining a robust defensive front.

The KnightRiders’ scoring prowess is bolstered by young talent, particularly **freshman Alaina Marto**, who leads the team with **19 goals and 7 assists**. Senior **Chesney Sigdahl** follows closely with **13 goals and 11 assists**, while sophomore **Ella Yahna** and freshman **Ella Bry** have also made significant contributions. Balek shared her perspective on team dynamics, stating, “Seniority and age don’t matter in our locker room. We’re in it together.”

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

The KnightRiders have shown promise in previous tournaments, finishing **third** two years ago and **fifth** last season. Their current record of **19-4-0** positions them as a strong contender, yet they remain focused on the present. With the tournament set to unfold, the team is eager to showcase their skills and teamwork.

As the tournament progresses, the quarterfinal matchups will include **No. 1 Fargo North-South** against **No. 8 Minot United** at **11:00** and **No. 4 Bismarck Century** facing **No. 5 West Fargo** shortly after. Following the KnightRiders’ game, **No. 3 Bismarck Legacy** will compete against **No. 6 Fargo Davies**.

The championship game is scheduled for **March 16, 2024**, at **16:30**. The KnightRiders have yet to secure a state title, having participated in five state championships, the last being in **2017**. With a determined roster and a solid strategy, Grand Forks is poised to make a mark in the upcoming tournament.