It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Pond Mission gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Shakopee, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Zuppa Cucina or visit Chief Sakpe Statue, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Shakopee, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Shakopee, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Shakopee, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A Shakopee, Minnesota, man is sharing a unique talent with the public.Jerry Hackett uses toothpicks to painstakingly create detailed, scale-model replicas of historic Minnesota buildings.His latest masterpiece recreates Dakota County's first courthouse, which is in Hastings.He's previously built the courthouses in Steele County, Waseca County and Washington County.Hackett starts by obtaining blueprints of the building, then draws plans himself to use as a guide. Then he places each toothpick, one by one.&qu...
A Shakopee, Minnesota, man is sharing a unique talent with the public.
Jerry Hackett uses toothpicks to painstakingly create detailed, scale-model replicas of historic Minnesota buildings.
His latest masterpiece recreates Dakota County's first courthouse, which is in Hastings.
He's previously built the courthouses in Steele County, Waseca County and Washington County.
Hackett starts by obtaining blueprints of the building, then draws plans himself to use as a guide. Then he places each toothpick, one by one.
"It's tedious," Hackett said.
He's retired and says he might spend one to three hours a day working in his man cave.
Hackett keeps meticulous inventory of all his toothpicks and other pieces of balsa wood, organized by length and shape.
The Dakota County Courthouse replica is now on display in the county's administrative building after Hackett called and said he had something to give them.
"It's just an amazing gift from somebody who spent his time putting this together and just gave it to the public, so we're thrilled," Heidi Welsch, the Dakota County manager, said.
The model took Hackett three months and about 4,000 toothpicks.
"Probably doing the roof is the toughest part," he said. "With the courthouse, there's four towers, one in each corner. It's a lot of work figuring all that out and gluing the pieces together."
Before he got into Minnesota courthouses, Hackett's interest was in building bridges, windmills, a Ferris wheel and even the Eiffel Tower and the Space Needle in Seattle.
He has some behind-the-scenes construction experience in his life, but nothing that would seem to directly correlate with such engineering prowess.
Hackett says with a laugh that he doesn't consider himself an artist, because it's simply a hobby.
His next project will be the Blue Earth County Courthouse in Mankato. He plans to start as soon as he gets the blueprints.
David joined the WCCO team in April 2020, previously working at CBS 58 in Milwaukee. Prior to that, he worked in Las Vegas. While there, David covered several stories in the national spotlight, including the October 1 mass shooting and political visits from President Barack Obama and candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
SHAKOPEE — An annual tradition for Minnesotans is right around the corner. Another edition of Hockey Day Minnesota is set for Jan. 22-25 at ValleyFair in Shakopee.The action gets underway Wednesday and runs through Saturday.2025 Hockey Day Minnesota ScheduleWednesday, Jan. 22Main Gate and Hockey Village Opens. 2 p.m.Valleyfair/Route 76 Area ...
SHAKOPEE — An annual tradition for Minnesotans is right around the corner. Another edition of Hockey Day Minnesota is set for Jan. 22-25 at ValleyFair in Shakopee.
The action gets underway Wednesday and runs through Saturday.
Main Gate and Hockey Village Opens. 2 p.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Opens, 3 p.m.
Shakopee vs. Brainerd (JV Girls), 3:30 p.m.
Lakeville North vs. Rosemount (Varsity Girls), 5:30 p.m.
Eastview vs. Rosemount (Varsity Boys), 7:30 p.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Closes, 9 p.m.
Shakopee Junior Gold U16 vs Rosemount (Boys), 9:30 p.m.
Hockey Village Closes, 11 p.m.
On-site Parking Re-Opens, 2 p.m.
Main Gate and Hockey Village Re-Opens, 2:30 p.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Re-Opens. 3 p.m.
Northfield vs. Orono (Varsity Girls), 3:30 p.m.
Prior Lake vs. Eden Prairie (Varsity Girls), 5:30 p.m.
Shakopee vs. Brainerd (Varsity Girls), 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment: IV Play (Warming Tent), 8 p.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Closes, 9 p.m.
Shakopee 12UA vs Alexandria (Youth Girls), 9:30 p.m.
Hockey Village Closes, 11 p.m.
On-site Parking Re-Opens, 11 a.m.
Main Gate and Hockey Village Re-Opens, 11:30 a.m.
Mental Health and Addiction in Sports: A Conversation with Hockey Greats at Shakopee High School auditorium, 11:30 a.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Re-Opens, 12 p.m.
Shakopee 10UA vs Alexandria (Youth Girls), 12:30 p.m.
Orono vs. Delano (Varsity Boys), 3:30 p.m.
Lakeville South vs. Prior Lake (Varsity Boys), 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment: Jake Nelson Music (Warming Tent), 8 p.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Closes, 9 p.m.
Shakopee Bantam B2 Black vs Prior Lake Gold (Youth Boys), 9:30 p.m.
Hockey Village Closes, 11 p.m.
On-site Parking Re-Opens, 7:30 a.m.
Main Gate and Hockey Village Re-Opens, 8 a.m.
Eden Prairie vs. Hibbing (Varsity Boys), 8:30 a.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Re-Opens, 9 a.m.
University of Minnesota Gophers vs Bemidji State Beavers (Women’s), 11:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies, 2:15 p.m.
Shakopee vs. Maple Grove (Varsity Boys), 2:30 p.m.
Shakopee vs. Maple Grove (JV Boys), 5 p.m.
Calgary Flames vs Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center, 6 p.m.
Valleyfair/Route 76 Area of the Park Closes, 7 p.m.
Shakopee Bantam AA vs Eagan (Youth Boys), 7:15 p.m.
Shakopee Bantam A vs Blaine (Youth Boys), 9 p.m.
Hockey Village Closes, 11 p.m.
More 2024 Minnesota high school sports coverage
To get live updates on your phone - as well as follow your favorite teams and top games - you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
SHAKOPEE — An annual tradition for Minnesotans is right around the corner. This year's edition of Hockey Day Minnesota is set for Jan. 22-25 at ValleyFair in Shakopee.Over four days, 13 games will be played outdoors at the amusement park. The lineup features 11 high school games along with one collegiate and one alumni game. There’s plenty of talent takin...
SHAKOPEE — An annual tradition for Minnesotans is right around the corner. This year's edition of Hockey Day Minnesota is set for Jan. 22-25 at ValleyFair in Shakopee.
Over four days, 13 games will be played outdoors at the amusement park. The lineup features 11 high school games along with one collegiate and one alumni game. There’s plenty of talent taking the ice as 17 of the 18 high school varsity teams taking part in the celebration are ranked or received votes in the latest rankings.
The following a look at the top five boys and girls hockey players taking part in Hockey Day Minnesota Festivities.
Mia Miller (Northfield Raiders)
A playmaker is just one way to describe Northfield's Mia Miller. Whether it’s scoring herself or getting a teammate involved, Miller finds ways to impact the game.
Through 18 games, Miller has recorded 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists) for the Raiders. Her 44 total points rank tied for 12th most in the state regardless of class.
Miller is an electric player who can get going in a hurry and in bunches. She has seven games already this season in which she has finished with four or more points. Her biggest game of the season thus far came in a win over Rochester Century/John Marshall where she finished with three goals and three assists.
College Commitment: Minnesota State University Mankato
Zoe Lopez (Orono)
The Orono Spartans are once again a team to watch in Class A this season. The play of Zoe Lopez is a big reason why. A senior forward, Lopez has been on a tear to start the season for the Spartans.
In 20 games this season, Lopez has racked up 23 goals and 11 assists. She has seven multi-goal games already this season including a five-goal performance for Orono in their win against Chaska/Chanhassen. She’s recorded at least one point in all but four games this season.
College Commitment: Minnesota State University Mankato
Sophie Stramel (Rosemount)
Having a player who can do it all on your team is a big bonus. That’s what Sophie Stramel brings to Rosemount.
A senior forward, Stramel has been producing all season long for the Irish. She’s tied for 12th in the state with 44 total points. She’s recorded 22 goals to go along with 22 assists. Heading into her matchup on Hockey Day, Stramel has four games this year with three or more points.
College Commitment: Minnesota State University Mankato
Brooke Frey (Shakopee)
It’s bound to be a special week for the Shakopee community and that includes Brooke Frey. Being able to play on Hockey Day MN as her town hosts it, Frey is just one player that deserves attention heading into the game.
The lead goalie for the Sabres, Frey has turned in a big season for her team so far. She comes into the matchup with an 11-6 record and a saver percentage of 90.8 percent. She’s closing in on 400 saves for the season and has one shutout on the year. Her 11 wins so far this year ranks tied for 22nd in the state.
Sophie Cappiello (Prior Lake)
Another key goalie to keep an eye this weekend is Prior Lake’s Sophie Cappiello. A junior, Cappiello has the Lakers off to a strong start as they have had her steady presence between the pipes.
She comes into the festivities with a 12-8 record for Prior Lake and a save percentage of 90.6. She’s closing in on 500 saves already this year and boasts six shutouts. Her six shutouts are tied for third-most in the state.
Jackson Knight (Orono)
Looking to compete against the state’s best once again this year, the Orono Spartans are a team to keep an eye on this year. A big reason for that has been the play of Jackson Knight.
A junior forward, Knight has been on a tear to start the season. He’s racked up 21 goals and 21 assists already this season as he’s able to score himself and get his teammates involved. His 21 goals are tied for 13th most in the state. Knight has 12 multi-point games this season so far and has recorded at least one point in all but four games.
Tate Swanson (Hibbing/Chisholm)
Hibbing/Chisholm has secured themselves as one of the top teams in Class A this year and Tate Swanson has a big part to do with that. The junior forward has been impressive all year long for his team as he’s recorded 38 points already in just 18 games.
Swanson enters the matchup on Hockey Day MN with 12 goals and 26 assists already. He’s as consistent as they come as he’s recorded at least one point in all but one game this year.
Cade Shermann (Rosemount)
In a loaded Class AA field once again, Rosemount has put their name in the mix. The Irish have been consistent all season long as they feature a ton of talent which includes Cade Shermann.
The junior forward has been stellar all year long for the Irish. He’s approaching 40 points on the season already tallying 18 goals and 20 assists. He’s coming off a massive six-point performance (two goals, four assists) in a win over Apple Valley/Burnsville.
Cooper Simpson (Shakopee)
There will be a little extra hop in the step when Shakopee takes the ice for Hockey Day MN. Off to a strong start, the Sabres have to feel pretty confident every time they take the ice with Cooper Simpson as part of their team.
Simpson has already surpassed the 40 point threshold this season for Shakopee. In 19 games, he’s tallied 25 goals and 18 assists. He’s recorded at least one point in every game but one this season for and comes into this game with 12 multi-point games.
College Commitment: North Dakota
Zach Price (Maple Grove)
The Maple Grove Crimson will be part of the festivities and that means people will get to see Zach Price in action. A senior goaltender, Price has been on a tear for his team this season.
He comes into Hockey Day MN with an 8-6-1 record and a save percentage of 89.7. He’s racked up 367 saves and already has two shutouts this year with a goals-against average of 2.77.
More 2024 Minnesota high school sports coverage
To get live updates on your phone - as well as follow your favorite teams and top games - you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
Goaltender Owen Lunneborg made 32 saves in the section final, propelling the Sabers to state for the first time.The Minnesota Star TribuneBoys hockey state tournament brackets will be revealed at 10 a.m. Saturday morning on NSPN.tv. (Minnesota Hockey Hub)Shakopee hockey teammates didn’t see junior goaltender Owen Lunneborg before their Class 2A, Section 2 title game against Holy Family on Thursday at Edina’s Braemar Arena.“Before the game, we don’t even find him,” senior forward Coope...
Goaltender Owen Lunneborg made 32 saves in the section final, propelling the Sabers to state for the first time.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
Boys hockey state tournament brackets will be revealed at 10 a.m. Saturday morning on NSPN.tv. (Minnesota Hockey Hub)
Shakopee hockey teammates didn’t see junior goaltender Owen Lunneborg before their Class 2A, Section 2 title game against Holy Family on Thursday at Edina’s Braemar Arena.
“Before the game, we don’t even find him,” senior forward Cooper Simpson said. “He is somewhere getting locked in.”
But they heard him after the first period.
“Goaltending is the hardest position in sports,” Sabers coach Calvin Simon said. “After the first period, he was throwing up. He was like, ‘I do it all the time,’ so I wasn’t going to get mad. I just told him to get a drink of water.”
Lunneborg resumed being Shakopee’s rock. He stopped all 12 Holy Family shots in the first period and stayed on point for the game with 32 saves, leading Shakopee to a 4-0 victory and the first state tournament appearance in program history.
The Sabers will learn their seed Saturday when the state tournament brackets will be revealed at 10 a.m. on NSPN.tv
Shakopee (21-5-1) scored three times in the first period. Senior forward Zach Docteur scored at 8:18 of the opening period, his seventh goal this season. Senior defenseman Jack Kultgen added a power-play goal at 14:22 for a 2-0 lead. Simpson added his 47th goal of the season and fourth of the playoffs at 16:41. He was recently named a Mr. Hockey Award semifinalist; the award goes to the top senior skater in the state.
Neither team scored in the second period. Victoria-based Holy Family (20-8) pulled its goalie for an extra skater and first-year coach Zack Friedli used his timeout wisely.
A year ago, Friedli was on Chanhassen’s coaching staff and helped secure the Storm’s first state tournament appearance in program history. But Lunneborg wouldn’t be beaten Thursday. He continually doused the Fire’s flames.
“We had winning it in the backs of our minds,” Lunneborg said. “All the games leading up to this, we worked on championship habits. It was a great game. The boys made it easy for me.”
Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to celebrate five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting impression on our community.Patch In Town, Patch StaffSports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Shakopee area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments ...
Patch In Town, Patch Staff
Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Shakopee area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.
Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.
A standout athlete at Shakopee High School, Olivia Pawlicki excelled in both basketball and tennis, earning the school's Athena Award for top senior female athlete. On the basketball court, the 6'1" forward surpassed 1,000 career points and helped lead Shakopee to a Section 2AAAA title and a Class 4A state tournament appearance. Post-graduation, she continued her basketball career at Colorado State University, joining a program with three consecutive 20-win seasons.
A versatile Special Olympics athlete from Shakopee, Drew Hennen has competed in a variety of sports, including basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, and snowshoeing. A 2023 graduate of Shakopee High School, he played adaptive varsity sports and is part of the Minnesota United FC Unified Team. Hennen will represent Special Olympics USA in snowshoeing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, continuing his passion for competition.
Raised in Shakopee, Jamal Abu-Shamala played college basketball for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, earning a scholarship after an impressive freshman season. He went on to play professionally in the NBA Development League and internationally for both the Jordanian and Palestinian national teams. Known for his sharpshooting, Abu-Shamala has made an impact at multiple levels of the game, both locally and globally.
Shakopee native Amy Menke became a standout hockey player at the University of North Dakota, scoring 108 career points and serving as team captain. She later won an Isobel Cup with the Minnesota Whitecaps and played professionally in the Russian ZhHL, securing a championship with Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays. Dedicated to growing the sport, Menke also previously coached the Shakopee High School girls' hockey team.
Scott Ferrozzo, also of Shakopee, is a former heavyweight mixed martial artist who competed in the early days of the UFC. Known for his strength and toughness, he secured a notable victory over Tank Abbott before retiring from professional MMA. Ferrozzo's aggressive fighting style made him a memorable competitor in the sport’s early tournaments.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
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