The Legacy-Bismarck girls’ hockey team entered the 2025 NDHSAA State tournament as the fifth seed. The girls approached the tournament with a 13-10 record to reflect the 2025 regular season, but a clean slate was in their hands as they entered the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota. With one goal in mind, to win three consecutive games and become state champions.
Competing against the best teams in the state on the biggest stage was nerve-wracking. The Ralph Engelstad Arena is the biggest in the U.S. that is not a National Hockey League arena, and the different atmosphere added some pressure. The team needed to eliminate any external pressure and focus on the task at hand by taking each game one at a time.
“Entering the state tournament, there was a mix of nerves and excitement. Stepping onto the big ice, we had the chance to prove ourselves and make every moment count,” explained Captain Ella Mortenson. “All season long, we had worked toward this goal. We approached each game with a simple mindset—one period at a time. Win the period, and we win the game,”
The girls came into the tournament as the #5 seed. They faced off against the #4 Mandan Braves and won 3-1. The girls then faced the #1 Fargo North/South Spruins. This thriller took 5 periods to be decided, going into double overtime. The Legacy/Bismarck girls came out on top, though it was not easy knocking off the #1 team in the state. This sent the girls to their first State Championship game in program history.
“We came into the tournament knowing we needed adversity, and we thought of it as business as soon as we entered the rink,” said Legacy/Bismarck Girls hockey winger Alyssa Krikorian.”
The girls took all of their blood, sweat and tears and put it on display during the championship game against West Fargo United. A night and atmosphere that the girls have been dreaming of is finally in the grasp of the hands of this program that has sought this since the beginning.
The Legacy/Bismarck girls gave an outstanding effort for an outstanding result. The Bismarck/Legacy girls hockey team won the 2025 North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) tournament for the first time in program history with a 3-0 win over West Fargo United.
“It feels so rewarding. It was a goal that I have had ever since playing. My teammates are truly the best. Winning a state title is a great way for me to end my hockey career. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending—sharing this victory with my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me along the way. It’s a moment I will cherish forever,” explained Mortenson. “I felt relieved; it was like a breath of air having a lead when it was needed the most and not having much time left to do so,” Krikorian added, scoring late in the game.
With this experience, the team looks forward to the future and using this momentum in the upcoming season. With so many talented and experienced seniors, a lot of knowledge and wisdom was passed down throughout the season.
“I believe this team has incredible potential in the coming years. Girls’ hockey is steadily growing and finally gaining the recognition these athletes have worked so hard for,” emphasized Mortenson. “I hope that winning the state title will inspire every player to keep pushing themselves, striving to achieve this goal again next season. I do not doubt that the girls I’m leaving behind are in good hands.”