In his first season as head coach of the Hutchinson girls hockey team, Andy Tufto has set some simple goals.
But achieving them could lead to a lofty achievement.
“Goals for the regular season are to finish with an above-.500 record and be top two in the section,” said Tufto, who has been coaching hockey for 15 years. “Our keys to success are hard work, determination, trusting our systems and trusting each other. Our big goal is to win the section and get to the state tournament.”
The Tigers lost just one player from last year’s team, which finished 12-15 overall. That gives Tufto and the coaching staff a slate of experienced players up and down the lineup, which will be important as the Tigers pursue that year-end goal.
“We have a very solid returning core,” Tufto said. “We have a strong leadership core. We are focusing a lot on improving the special teams aspect of the game.”
Hutchinson has started the season with three wins in its first eight games, while also earning a 1-1 tie with Anoka Thursday.
In that game, the Tigers got a third period goal from Jolyn Hauan that looked like it might be enough for their fourth win of the season. But Anoka found the net with less than six minutes to play in regulation to tie the score. The teams finished tied in shots with 27.
Kaiden Fitterer made 26 saves for the Tigers in the game.
Earlier in the week, the Tigers fell 3-2 to River Lakes. Seniors Morgan Briggman and Audrey Hanson had the Hutchinson goals, with Isabella Berthiaume and Hauan lodging assists.
Tufto said he expects the team to evolve as players improve due to competition for playing time.
“Day in and day out, everyone competes for a spot,” he said. “We do not set anything in stone.”
