2025 | Minnesota | GIRLS

Bloomington Jefferson | Jaguars | GIRLS

In my 15 Hobey Baker entries as a head coach for high school hockey in Minnesota, Kendall Elmquist is the most deserving player representing the legacy of the Hobey Baker Award I have had. Kendall took our team leadership by storm. She was not necessarily our go to for a game winning goal, but she would leap, jump, and dive to make a hockey play. She sparked our team more with her actions and effort than a goal would. Kendall had the highest spirits for all her teammates over and above herself even while her shifts were shortened by a power play or penalty kill. Kendall was present for each and every game, even live streaming one or two while she was ill, and took notes for us to pass along her teammates, which showed her dedication to the team and sport of hockey.

Off the ice, Kendall goes even further with her leadership in placing her teammates first. Kendall included everyone with countless team gatherings and activities, drove players to and from events, and even notified me when a player was sad or there were things going on outside of the rink. Kendall always kept her teammates to the highest degree of importance.

Kendall is not only our leader, but she is also a leader at Jefferson High School. Her peers see Kendall as their go to for just about anything. Kendall is the Student Council Co-President, Secretary of the Letters of Love and the Spanish Club, and she is also a “Pathfinder” for freshmen. Kendall’s academics is amongst the top in the school, and she was voted a recipient of the Homecoming Queen.

Kendall Elmquist’s accolades are exactly what this Hobey Baker Award stands for. I was one of the coaches standing at the Xcel Energy Center with our player as the recipient of the very first Hobey Baker Award. I 100% see Kendall Elmquist in the same sentence as Molly MacDonald representing this award. I feel Kendall should be in the mix at the Girls State Hockey Tournament.

I appreciate your consideration,
Mark Johnson