Northfield Hockey: A Tradition of Excellence

field hockey has a long tradition of excellence. From our humble beginnings in the mid-1930s, we have become one of the top hockey programs in the nation.

Introduction

field hockey has a long and rich tradition of excellence. For more than 50 years, the Field hockey program has been one of the premier programs in the state of Minnesota. Over that time, Northfield has won 12 State Championships 12 conference championships and has had numerous players go on to play college and professional hockey

Field Hockey is more than just a team; it is a family. The bond between players is unrivaled, and the sense of community that surrounds the program is second to none. From the young player just starting out to the senior captain leading the team, every player in the program is part of something special.

If you are a Northfield hockey player you are part of a tradition of excellence that extends far beyond just winning games You are part of a family that will support you and push you to be your best both on and off the ice. You are part of something truly special.

The Early Years

The Field Hockey program was founded in the early 1900s and has been a tradition of excellence ever since. The program has produced many Great players including Hall of Famers Frank Brimsek and Chuck Norris. Northfield has won numerous state championships and is widely considered one of the top high school hockey programs in the country.

The 1950s

During the 1950s, Field hockey established itself as a force to be reckoned with. The team won several championships during this decade and produced many great players Some of the team’s standout players from this era include Bob Laing, who was named to the All-American Team in 1959, and goaltender Ken Dryden, who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NHL. The 1950s were a golden age for Field Hockey and the team’s success laid the groundwork for future decades of excellence.

The 1960s

In the 1960s, Field Hockey enjoyed a period of great success. The team won the state championship in 1960 and 1961, and was runner-up in 1962 and 1963. In addition to these four consecutive trips to the State Tournament Northfield also qualified for the tournament in 1967 and 1968. The team’s success was due in large part to the leadership of Coach Ed Tuohy, who guided the team to an impressive 225-50-15 record during his tenure.

The 1970s

Under the leadership of new Head Coach Ross Brooks, the 1970s were a decade of great success for field hockey The team won five State Championships and two National Championships cementing their reputation as one of the premier high school hockey programs in the country. With a strong core of talented players and a commitment to excellence, the field hockey program continued to thrive in the 1970s.

The 1980s

The 1980s were an era of great change for field hockey The decade began with program icon Joe Pye resigning as head coach after 21 seasons at the helm. Pye’s resignation opened the door for new Head Coach Bill Bicknell, who would go on to have a profound impact on the program in his own right.

Bicknell, who had been an Assistant Coach under Pye, brought a new level of intensity and competitiveness to the team. He led the Raiders to their first ever state championship in 1982, and followed that up with another state title in 1984. The Raiders also made it to the state semifinals in 1985 and 1986, before finally falling short in 1987.

Despite the team’s success on the ice, the late 1980s were marked by some off-ice problems. In 1988, star player Eric Lindros was involved in a highly publicized contract dispute with his junior team, the Oshawa Generals. Lindros ultimately refused to sign with Oshawa, choosing instead to play for the Canadian national team This set off a legal battle that dragged on for months, and ultimately ended with Lindros being traded to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

The Lindros saga was a black eye for the program, but field hockey bounced back in 1989, when Bicknell led the Raiders to their third state championship in four years. The late 1980s were a golden era for Field Hockey and laid the foundation for future success in the 1990s and beyond.

The 1990s

The 1990s were a decade of continued success for the field hockey program. The team won conference championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995. In 1996, the team made its first appearance in the State Tournament and in 1997, the team won its first State Championship The team also won State Championships in 1998 and 1999.

The 2000s

Field Hockey enjoyed great success in the 2000s, winning several conference championships. In 2003, the team won the state championship defeating Duluth East in the final game This was followed by another State Championship in 2005. The team also made it to the state tournament in 2006 and 2007, but were defeated in the first round both times.

In 2009, Northfield once again won the state championship this time defeating Eden Prairie in the final game. This was followed by another State Championship in 2010. The team also made it to the state tournament in 2011 and 2012, but were defeated in the first round both times.

The 2010s

The 2010s were decade of continued success for the Field Hockey program. The team won league championships in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. In 2010, the team made it to the state tournament for the first time in school history, and in 2011, the team won the state championship. The team also had successful seasons in 2012 and 2013, making it to the state tournament both years.

Conclusion

Since its founding in 1922, the Field Hockey program has developed a reputation for excellence. The program has produced numerous All-State, All-Conference, and All-American players and has won multiple State Championships The field hockey program is committed to providing a challenging and competitive experience for its players, and to helping them develop the skills and character needed to succeed in life.