Taylor Heise, a senior forward on the Red Wing High School girls’ hockey team, was named the winner of the 23rd annual Ms. Hockey Award by Let’s Play Hockey newspaper today at the annual Ms. Hockey Awards Banquet. The award, presented to the top senior girls’ high school hockey player in Minnesota, is based on the following criteria: academics, community/extracurricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

Considered one of the top players in the nation in her age group, Heise helped the Wingers to Red Wing’s first state tournament appearance since 2015. Despite missing four games this season, Heise led state in scoring with totals of 74-30—103 in 26 games.

A two-year team captain, Heise posted 22 multi-point games and 20 multi-goal games, including 14 hat tricks. She was held without a goal just twice in 26 games this season. Red Wing’s first Ms. Hockey winner, Heise is a four-time all-conference pick and a three-time all-state honoree. 

Heise was a member of three gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s National Under-18 Team at the 2016, 2017 and 2018 IIHF World U18 Championships. She also trained with the U.S. Women’s National Team prior to the Four Nations Cup. Following high school, Heise will continue her hockey career at the University of Minnesota.

“Taylor is an exceptional hockey player,” Red Wing head coach Scott Haley said. “In addition to her exceptional hockey accomplishments, she is a leader and an example that, through hard work and a vision for oneself, the sky is the limit on fulfilling goals and accomplishments for yourself and your teammates.”

Owner of a 3.957 GPA, Heise has served given her time to a number of organizations, including student council, yearbook and Circle of Friends, a mentorship program with students who have disabilities. In addition, she has lettered with both the Red Wing soccer and track & field teams.

“Taylor is quick to volunteer, humble, and respectful of adults and coaches,” Haley said. “Taylor has done great things in hockey thus far. “However, I think she is capable and will do great things and leave an impressive mark in life.”

The other finalists for Ms. Hockey were defenseman Madison Bizal of Elk River/Zimmerman and forwards Gabbie Hughes of Centennial, Anneke Linser of Centennial and Emily Eden of Edina.

Past winners: Grace Zumwinkle of Breck (2017), Presley Norby of Minnetonka (2016), Taylor Williamson of Edina (2015), Sydney Baldwin of Minnetonka (2014), Dani Cameranesi of Blake (2013), Hannah Brandt of Hill-Murray (2012), Karley Sylvester of Warroad (2011), Bethany Brausen of Roseville (2010) Becky Kortum of Hopkins (2009), Sarah Erickson of Bemidji (2008), Katharine Chute of Blake (2007), Allie Thunstrom of North St. Paul (2006), Gigi Marvin of Warroad (2005), Erica McKenzie of Hastings (2004), Andrea Nichols of Hibbing/Chisholm (2003), Ashley Albrecht of South St. Paul (2002), Renee Curtin of Roseville (2001), Krissy Wendell of Park Center (2000), Ronda Curtin of Roseville (1999), Laura Slominski of Burnsville (1998), Annamarie Holmes of Apple Valley (1997) and Winny Brodt of Roseville (1996).

The 23rd annual award, selected based on votes from a panel of high school coaches and Division I and III college coaches from Minnesota and Wisconsin, is sponsored by Let’s Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild, GoodWood Hockey and OS Hockey.
 

Photo: Christine Wisch