Laura Hurd Award celebrated achievement for Callie Hoff

Establishing herself as one of the greatest to don the jersey of the Wisconsin River Falls Falcons, the 2021-22 season served as affirmation of Callie Hoff’s brilliance. Finishing the season as the Falcons all-time leading career scorer, amassing an exceptional 197 points (97 goals, 100 assists), Hoff’s efforts in 2021-22 were essential for a Falcons team that soared to elite status.

With an astounding 67 points, resulting in the WIAC scoring championship, Hoff, hailing from Hermantown, Minnesota, was the offensive catalyst in a successful season for the Falcons. In addition to a program record 27 wins, Hoff and her teammates hoisted their seventh O’Brien Cup since 2014. Fittingly, she recorded the Cup-winning goal versus the Eau Claire Blugolds.

Following it up with a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament, Hoff gained acclaim as the recipient of the 2022 Laura Hurd Award. Joining 2017 Award winner Dani Sibley as the only Falcons in program history to gain the prestigious honor, the conclusion of Sibley’s career a bridge to the beginning of Hoff’s journey, both are now intertwined among the most celebrated Falcons to have graced the ice in Division III,

“I am so blessed and grateful to receive the Laura Hurd award for National Player of the Year. Receiving this award would not have been possible without my coaches, teammates and parents, who have always pushed me to be my best on and off the ice. I like to say that this award is not just for me, it is for all of them as well. My team put so much into this last season and I wouldn’t have succeeded if I didn’t have them with me on the journey.”

From December 8, 2021 onwards, Hoff assembled an impressive 18-game scoring streak. Equally impressive, she logged five points in a game four fantastic times. The last five point performance took place in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, as eight different Falcons logged at least one point in a convincing 7-0 tally versus the Aurora Spartans.

Capturing the WIAC Player of the Year Award in consecutive seasons (2021, 2022), Hoff also gained recognition as an AHCA West First Team All-America selection. 

Joined by teammate Abigail Stow as a First Team selection, the selection accentuated one of the finest seasons in Falcons history. Of note, Stow started her season with a seven game scoring streak, later enjoying a nine game streak from December 8, 2021 to February 4, 2022.

In addition, goaltender Sami Miller and Kara Torkelson earned Second Team All-America honors. Miller posted a 16-2-0 mark while Torkelson, a co-captain, led the nation with an impressive 10 power play goals. 

Some of the proudest achievements for the highly skilled Hoff go beyond the scoresheet. Bestowed the honor of the team captaincy, her achievements were just as prevalent in the classroom. Named an All-American scholar, testament to a tremendous work ethic, her brilliant career embodied the potential of student athletes to excel as true leaders.

“I am very proud to be named captain and I did not take the leadership role lightly. I knew that if our team was going to succeed then they needed to have strong leaders and mentors to guide them. 

Being a student-athlete comes first so I always strive to be my best in the classroom and on the ice. I was grateful to receive the All-American Scholar honors as well.”

While Hoff’s skills dazzled and inspired the Falcons faithful, the feeling of appreciation was always reciprocated. Forever proud to have worn the Falcons jersey, adding a new legacy to its expanding history, Hoff is prouder of the culture created.

A sense of enjoyment enhanced by loyalty and dedication, the mutual respect resulted in a winning spirit that enveloped the entire program, made the experience itself more relevant than the statistical prowess. With praise for all involved in her journey, Hoff, who rode a supernova of success, retained an admirable humility, pleased in the process.

“I have enjoyed playing for a program that has everything you could ask for. Every girl on the team shows up and works hard because we know we can be successful. We are doing it for the love of the game, not money. 

The coaches give everything they have and we play in some of the nation’s nicest D3 facilities. We also have amazing support from our athletic staff and the fans which makes for a great atmosphere in Hunt Arena! I could not have asked for a better program to play for throughout the last five years.” 

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”