For the rest of Class AA Section 6, the girls hockey section tournament started this past weekend. For the HHS Royals, it starts on Wednesday against Wayzata.

The Royals are ranked as the top seed in the section. However, this means nothing to the Royals

“Our team does not pay attention to rankings. It doesn’t matter what other people think, it matters how we play,” said Ali Freie, senior.

The Royals are playing Wayzata for the third time this season, having compiled a 1-1 record against them so far. The Royals learned from that defeat, and know what they need to do to advance to the finals.

“We need to start the game out strong and be aggressive. If we score the first goal, it really ruins their momentum,” Freie said.

The section contains four of the top six teams in the state, most of which the Royals have played previously this season. They are well prepared to handle any team that they face.

“We know what we are going up against.  We know how good these teams are, and we are ready,” said Grace Bizal, junior.

Despite their successful regular season, the Royals are treating the section tournament as another season.

“Everyone steps up their level of play in sections.  Any team can win and make it to State. It is basically a different season,” said Corbin Boyd, junior.

Losing earlier this season to Wayzata has no effect on the Royals’ mindset.  They are confident in their ability to advance to the section finals, and the State tournament beyond that.

“If we play confident and don’t overthink it, we should be fine.  If we play how we know how to, we can beat anybody,” Boyd said.