Photo by: Craig Olson
Welcome to the Pack - Ellie Andersen
9/17/2021 4:00:00 PM | Women's Hockey
St. Cloud State Women's Hockey welcomes five newcomers to the program in 2021-22, with one transfer and four true freshmen. Our next edition of "Welcome to the Pack" features forward Ellie Andersen, a freshman from Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Andersen joins the Huskies after an extremely productive prep career at Fergus Falls High School. The forward piled up 142 points, second-most all-time at Fergus Falls, on 78 goals and 64 assists. She ranks third and fourth respectively in her school's record books in the two categories. Andersen went 24-27-51 as a sophomore, 19-12-31 as a junior and closed her senior campaign with 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points.
Huskies Athletics: Why did you choose St. Cloud State University?
Ellie Andersen: I chose St. Cloud because of the campus and its location close to home. The friendly people and strong hockey program helped me decide. I like that it is part of the ultra-competitive WCHA conference.
HA: When did you decide you wanted to play collegiate hockey?
EA: It has been a dream of mine since I was little. I often watched college hockey and went to games when I was young. I decided this is what I wanted to do and set my mind to it.
HA: Your name is etched in the history books at Fergus Falls High School, graduating with 142 career points, second-most all-time in program history. What are some of your favorite memories from your time playing as a prep?
EA: There have been many great moments, but the highlight has to be making it to the state tournament with a talented group of teammates. Growing up and playing with the same group of girls provided fun memories and team chemistry. Our power play contributed to our many successes over the years.
HA: As a sophomore in 2019 you helped lead Fergus Falls to the MSHSL State Tournament by winning the Section 6A Championship and tallying 51 points on 24 goals and 27 assists. What was that experience like, and how incredible was the experience at State?
EA: It was huge to finally defeat Alexandria and become the Section 6A Champions. I will never forget the energy and excitement that filled the arena before and after the game. Competing in the State Tournament was a goal and memory that will last a lifetime. The Xcel and TRIA rinks were perfect venues. We had a successful tournament and ended the season as Consolation Champions. The support of the local community was second to none.
HA: Fergus Falls is just a short ride up Interstate 94. What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to play collegiate hockey so close to home?
EA: It is great playing hockey close to home. My family and friends are already planning to attend many of the home games.
HA: What are some of your favorite things to do back home in Fergus and the surrounding area?
EA: I love spending time in the lakes area. I enjoy wake surfing, jet skiing, fishing, and golfing. Playing hockey on the lake is one of my favorite winter activities.
HA: Who is an/are some important person/people in your life that has helped you reach the Division I level?
EA: My parents have been incredibly supportive throughout the years with my dad coaching and giving helpful advice. Tim Lill, Todd Hershner, and Nikki Kaasa, my high school coaches, have made a big difference. I'm grateful for Coach Kaasa who helped with summer weight training and provided advice to further prepare me for college hockey.
HA: What career field are you interested in?
EA: I am currently undecided, but enjoy anything that is related to sports.
Quick Checks
Favorite hockey team: Minnesota Wild
Dream job: Work for a professional hockey team
Favorite book: Conspiracy 365
Go-to karaoke song: Springsteen
Favorite movie/TV character: Miracle
Coolest place you've traveled to: Burlington, Vermont
Favorite practice drill: Power Play Game
Personal pregame ritual: Put on left skate first
Andersen joins the Huskies after an extremely productive prep career at Fergus Falls High School. The forward piled up 142 points, second-most all-time at Fergus Falls, on 78 goals and 64 assists. She ranks third and fourth respectively in her school's record books in the two categories. Andersen went 24-27-51 as a sophomore, 19-12-31 as a junior and closed her senior campaign with 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points.
Huskies Athletics: Why did you choose St. Cloud State University?
Ellie Andersen: I chose St. Cloud because of the campus and its location close to home. The friendly people and strong hockey program helped me decide. I like that it is part of the ultra-competitive WCHA conference.
HA: When did you decide you wanted to play collegiate hockey?
EA: It has been a dream of mine since I was little. I often watched college hockey and went to games when I was young. I decided this is what I wanted to do and set my mind to it.
HA: Your name is etched in the history books at Fergus Falls High School, graduating with 142 career points, second-most all-time in program history. What are some of your favorite memories from your time playing as a prep?
EA: There have been many great moments, but the highlight has to be making it to the state tournament with a talented group of teammates. Growing up and playing with the same group of girls provided fun memories and team chemistry. Our power play contributed to our many successes over the years.
HA: As a sophomore in 2019 you helped lead Fergus Falls to the MSHSL State Tournament by winning the Section 6A Championship and tallying 51 points on 24 goals and 27 assists. What was that experience like, and how incredible was the experience at State?
EA: It was huge to finally defeat Alexandria and become the Section 6A Champions. I will never forget the energy and excitement that filled the arena before and after the game. Competing in the State Tournament was a goal and memory that will last a lifetime. The Xcel and TRIA rinks were perfect venues. We had a successful tournament and ended the season as Consolation Champions. The support of the local community was second to none.
HA: Fergus Falls is just a short ride up Interstate 94. What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to play collegiate hockey so close to home?
EA: It is great playing hockey close to home. My family and friends are already planning to attend many of the home games.
HA: What are some of your favorite things to do back home in Fergus and the surrounding area?
EA: I love spending time in the lakes area. I enjoy wake surfing, jet skiing, fishing, and golfing. Playing hockey on the lake is one of my favorite winter activities.
HA: Who is an/are some important person/people in your life that has helped you reach the Division I level?
EA: My parents have been incredibly supportive throughout the years with my dad coaching and giving helpful advice. Tim Lill, Todd Hershner, and Nikki Kaasa, my high school coaches, have made a big difference. I'm grateful for Coach Kaasa who helped with summer weight training and provided advice to further prepare me for college hockey.
HA: What career field are you interested in?
EA: I am currently undecided, but enjoy anything that is related to sports.
Quick Checks
Favorite hockey team: Minnesota Wild
Dream job: Work for a professional hockey team
Favorite book: Conspiracy 365
Go-to karaoke song: Springsteen
Favorite movie/TV character: Miracle
Coolest place you've traveled to: Burlington, Vermont
Favorite practice drill: Power Play Game
Personal pregame ritual: Put on left skate first
