A Leader in Front of the Net For Storm ‘N Sabres, Clare Minnerath is an All-Star Student [VIDEO]

SARTELL - Described by coaches as a great student, a great goalie and an even better person, Sartell senior Clare Minnerath has been a mainstay in net for the Storm ‘N Sabres for years.

"The biggest thing as a goalie is that you have to do your best to give your team the best chance to win. You just have to do what's best for the team," Minnerath says.

Clare's hard work is paying off, she played a huge role in getting the team to the recent state tournament. The Storm N’ Sabres fell to Hill-Murray 5-0, but Clare put in an outstanding performance with 45 saves. She's ready to continue her hockey career at Providence in the fall.

The team put in countless hours of practice, but she says it can be even more challenging to prepare for big games mentally.

"There's a lot of pressure [on a goalie] but you kind of have to put it aside. You just do your best and nothing else really matters."

Hockey quickly became a family activity early for Clare. She started playing in1st grade with her older brother and quickly gravitated to the front of the net.

"I tried it one time and I liked it. So I was like: 'can I do it again?' Eventually my older sisters team needed a goalie and I thought 'why not?'"

Coach Marty Anderson says Clare (a captain on the team) is one of the hardest working players to ever come through their program. However when asked, she’s quick to give credit to the entire hard work of the team.

"It's obviously important to know everyone really well off the ice too. We just really have a great group here inside and out."

Away from hockey, Clare is also a leader for the Sartell-St. Stephen girls' soccer team and has earned three academic letters. She also volunteers as a youth group member for her church.