Hi-Line Athlete Profile: She has no fear between the pipes

For years, the Havre Ice Hawks hockey program has given local skaters a chance to learn and a chance to shine. The program has won numerous state titles and given hundreds a chance to play the game they love.

One of the latest to benefit from the youth hockey program is Kinzee Peterson, the goalie of the Havre Ice Hawks high school team. Peterson has been playing hockey for a nearly a decade, and she has spent that time playing for the Ice Hawks.

Peterson, who didn't start her hockey career as a goalie, has spent the last few years playing the position and has already enjoyed success within the Ice Hawks program. She was part of the 2015 team that won the Bantam Class B state championship.

And this season, she has done well to transition her success at the youth level, to the high school level where she now finds herself competing between the pipes. Despite the fact that the Ice Hawks are 0-6, Peterson has had some stellar outings, like a 51-save performance against Missoula last week.

Yet, Peterson has does more as an athlete than just playing hockey, in fact, this past season, she was an All-Conference golfer for the Havre Blue Ponies. Remarkably, she also notched a hole-in-one at the Class A state tournament.

But right now, Peterson is focused on the Ice Hawks and their quest to fight their way into the Class A state tournament. Montana High School hockey is essentially split into two divisions for the state championship at the end of the year. And based on results, half the teams play for the Class A title, while the other half duke it out for the B championship. The Ice Hawks played at the B level last season and actually earned second place at the B state tournament. However, this season, Peterson and the Ice Hawks are focused on playing in the A tournament.

"Our coach is really focused on us getting to the A level," Peterson said. "So that's something he is focused on so I would say that is our biggest goal."

To do that, Havre will need to start winning and after being off because of Christmas break, the Ice Hawks will be back on the ice, inside the Havre Ice Dome, Jan. 6-7 to face off against Flathead. Before those games come next weekend, the Havre Daily News caught up with Peterson for five questions.

HDN: So what got you into the game of hockey?

Peterson: "We had some family friends that played and were into hockey, and they told us that we should give it a try and I really ended up liking it."

HDN: Have you always wanted to be a goalie and what do you enjoy about it?

Peterson: "I started out skating for a few years, but since then I have just been playing goalie. I think it's something fun and I like doing it. I enjoy it, and it's something different that nobody else does."

HDN: What do you think are the most important traits for a good goalie?

Peterson: "I think hand-eye coordination and being aware of everything are the most important things. I was probably a little scared and once I moved up to high school, I was a little more scared with the puck moving faster, but I think I have done pretty well."

HDN: What is your favorite thing about playing hockey for the Ice Hawks?

Peterson: "I would probably have to say it's probably just the team and getting to be around them. It's just so fun getting to play with all of these kids. I have played with a few of the kids every single year, and we have grown up together playing hockey. I love playing with the team that I've got."

HDN: What was the coolest Christmas present you got this year?

Peterson: "This year, I would have to say it's my new goalie helmet that I am getting. I am getting it custom painted and everything, so I would have to say that's one of the coolest."