The Glacier Avalanche varsity girls earned second place at the state tournament last weekend, hosted at home at Stumptown Ice Den.  

Glacier Hockey Association Coach Bobee Hyland said that for the Lady Avs, their strength lies in playing for the girl standing next to them. 

“This season was defined by a selfless culture where every player was equally valued, fueled by genuine friendships that make us just as tight knit off the ice as we are on it,” Hyland said. “We've prioritized team success over individual accolades, and our biggest wins came from the trust we have in one another.” 

After a strong performance at the state tournament, five local girls made the Montana All-State team.  

Making first team is Marlis Nargi, a junior on defense who had 14 goals and four assists for 18 points overall, and Baylee Hyland, a freshman who had 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points overall.  

Earning second line is Kyndle DeMarco, a senior who tallied seven goals and nine assists for 16 points overall. 

Also qualifying for first team from the valley is Flathead Fusion’s Tara Herne, a forward and senior, who had 30 goals and 12 assists for 42 points overall; and Chelsey Hart, a goalie and junior, who had a 0.908 save percentage and 2.64 goals against average. 

The Avs had strong leadership in five seniors: Lovey Gallagher, Natalie Reilly, Grace Wentzel, Tilly Daniels and Kyndle DeMarco.  

Gallagher is a fierce enforcer who is nearly impossible to move from the front of the net. She is the ultimate protector, playing with intensity as she looks out for her teammates.  

Reilly plays with such a relentless passion, that she seems to be everywhere on the ice at once. She is driven by pure instinct and a motor that never quits.  

Wentzel is a team captain who is an offensive powerhouse with a natural scoring touch. She’s known for lifting spirits with a quick sense of humor and incredible baked treats. 

Daniels is a team captain and a compassionate leader. Her genuine sweetness and care for her teammates has created a supportive culture on the team.  

DeMarco is a team captain and has a grit that defines the team’s identity. Her versatility on the ice is matched only by her deep respect for her teammates and her drive to improve. 

A DEFINING MOMENT for the Avs this season was traveling to Calgary in November for Wickfest, where the team triumphed as champions in a field of elite international talent.  

“That momentum carried us all the way to the state tournament that culminated in a high-stakes showdown against our cross-town rivals, the Flathead Fusion,” said Coach Hyland.  

“After a regular season where we hadn't quite solved them, losing once and tying once, we delivered our best performance when the pressure was highest, beating them in the state tournament, proving that this team knows how to win when it matters most.” 

“We couldn’t have done it without our team sponsor, Humla Health,” Hyland added.  

After the cross-valley duel, the Avs lost to the Missoula Bruins in the final to finish second in the state.  

    Fusion's Tara Herne (3) narrowly escapes the Avs goalie for a successful shot. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Glacier Avalanche Bianca Walker on Saturday, Feb. 21. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    The Glacier Hockey Avalanche U-19 varsity girls team faced off against the Flathead Fusion Flames during the state tournament at Stumptown Ice Den on Saturday morning. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Glacier Avalanche Marlis Nargi plays against Flathead Fusion on Saturday. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Glacier Avalanche Baylee Hyland plays against Flathead Fusion on Saturday. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    The Glacier Hockey Avalanche U-19 varsity girls team faced off against the Flathead Fusion Flames during the state tournament at Stumptown Ice Den on Saturday morning. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Glacier Avalanche Mackenzie Grant during the state tournament at Stumptown Ice Den on Saturday morning. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)