Warriors Embrace New Season Under Coach Tony Couture

The Brainerd/Little Falls Warriors are set for a new chapter as they embark on the 2024-25 girls’ hockey season under the leadership of Tony Couture, who began his tenure as head coach last week. With 28 years of coaching experience, Couture expressed optimism about the team’s early progress and the players’ adaptability to his coaching style.

“Our first week of practice went well,” Couture stated. “We scrimmaged on Saturday in Minneapolis, and the girls performed admirably.” The focus during this initial phase has been on building fitness levels and fostering a strong work ethic. Couture emphasized the importance of hard work, enjoyment, and developing a gritty mentality among the players.

The Warriors face challenges this season, particularly due to a roster that includes only seven seniors. Couture recognizes the need for players to not only learn his coaching methods but also to gain experience in varsity hockey. Notably, young talent is stepping up, with ninth graders Kaylie Glas and Ellie Houle making a strong impression during practice and scrimmages.

A significant concern for the Warriors is the search for a reliable goalie. Last season, Ericah Folden handled most of the goaltending duties, achieving a 2.39 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. Currently, the team has three goalies vying for the position, with Madi Ginter and Sydney Aylward leading the competition. Couture noted that both goalies have shown promise, despite lacking extensive varsity experience.

“They all have a strong desire to win and are eager to prove themselves,” Couture remarked. In recent scrimmages, the Warriors demonstrated solid defensive play, allowing no more than two goals in each game. However, scoring remains a critical area for improvement, as the team needs to enhance its offensive capabilities.

Returning players Levi LeMieur and Marcella Timmons are expected to play pivotal roles in scoring, with LeMieur leading last season’s points with eight. The coaching staff is looking for a combination of forwards who can consistently find the back of the net. Couture stressed the need for a balanced attack, stating, “We’re looking for a goal scorer, or several, or a line that can score.”

Couture intends to implement a strategic approach to the game, focusing on effective forechecking and improving communication on the ice. The coaching staff has identified three solid lines to rotate during games, emphasizing that every line brings its strengths to the match.

“Our defensive core is in good shape,” Couture said. The team plans to utilize six defenders this season, allowing for greater depth and experience on the blue line. Players like Annika Halvorson, who stands over six feet tall, are expected to make significant contributions to the team’s defense.

The Warriors’ schedule is packed, with their first game set for November 6 against Buffalo at 19:00. As the season progresses, Couture and his team will strive to build a competitive and cohesive unit capable of achieving their goals in the Central Lakes Conference.

With the mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, the Brainerd/Little Falls Warriors are poised to make a statement in this hockey season. The commitment to hard work and improvement will be crucial as they look to establish themselves in a competitive landscape.