For Immediate Release Feb. 22, 2015

Contact: Kevin Kurtt (952-944-0023, )

Frances Marshall of Thief River Falls named the

Let’s Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year

Frances Marshall of Thief River Falls High School has been named the Let’s Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year, the newspaper announced today at the annual Ms. Hockey Awards Banquet. The award is presented annually to the top Minnesota senior goalie in girls’ high school hockey.

For the better part of three seasons, it’s been Frances Marshall in the nets for the Thief River Falls Prowlers. Since her sophomore year, she has patrolled the crease, compiling a record of 79-13-5 with 25 career shutouts. This season, Marshall posted a 26-1-3 overall record with a 0.84 goals-against average, a .954 save percentage and eight shutouts. She led the state in wins and goals-against average, and ranked third in save percentage and seventh in shutouts.

Marshall played in every Prowler game this season and allowed more than two goals only once on the year. Her efforts led Thief River Falls to a 26-1-3 record and the program’s first state championship. Marshall will play college hockey at St. Thomas.

“Fran plays for the team,” Thief River Falls coach Whitney Restemayer said. “Each day she shows up to do her part, play her best and stop the puck. She knows if she does her job then the team can do theirs. The team depends on her because they know they can. She gives her all, but yet continues to strive to get better each and every day. We would not even be close to being the same team without her.”

Away from hockey, Marshall ranks first in her class with a 4.173 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is a member of the varsity tennis and track & field teams, while also playing in the school orchestra. Volunteer efforts have included giving her time to a local elementary school, the Special Olympics and the Park & Rec Student Council.

“Fran gives her all in everything she does whether it be hockey, school or any other activities or organizations she is involved in,” Restemayer said. “She is the most organized, dedicated, and committed student-athlete I have coached. She is someone you are proud to have on your team and in your life.”

The Senior Goalie of the Year Award is based on nominations from high school coaches and is selected based on votes from a panel of high school coaches and Division I and III women’s college coaches. The award is based on the following criteria: academics, community/ extracurricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

The other finalists for the award were Abby Cooper of Lakeville North, Hannah Goettl of Champlin Park, Emma May of Cretin-Derham Hall and Leah Patrick of Hill-Murray.

This is the 17th year of the LPH Goalie of the Year award. Previous winners include Erin O’Neil of Hopkins (2014), Sydney Rossman of Minnetonka (2013), Erika Allen of Roseville (2012), Julie Friend of Minnetonka (2011), Kallie Billadeau of Hopkins (2010) Laura Bellamy of Duluth (2009), Alyssa Grogan of Eagan (2008), Ashley Nixon of Blaine (2007), Alannah McCready of Centennial (2006), Johanna Ellison of Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (2005), Emily Brookshaw of Hill-Murray (2004), Robin Doepke of Chaska (2003), Amber Hasbargen of Warroad (2002), Jody Horak of Blaine (2001), Shari Vogt of River Lakes (2000) and Katie Beauduy of Blaine (1999).

The award is sponsored by Let’s Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild, STX and Shakopee Chevrolet.

-- LPH --