Britta Curl returns to Bismarck after helping US to a Gold Medal at IIHF U-18 Women's Tourney

By Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Bismarck St. Mary’s senior Britta Curl – one of the top prep girls hockey players in North Dakota – has returned stateside after three weeks of international competition.

Curl was named to the United States Women’s National 18 and Under Hockey Team that competed at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championships in Dmitrov, Russia on January 6-13.

The United States skated to a gold medal finish, the teams’ fourth straight gold medal at that competition.

“It was one of the best hockey experiences I’ve ever had,” Curl said. “I met and got to play with so many great players. It was really fun.”

Curl, a University of Wisconsin commit, had an outstanding tournament. Curl finished the event with four goals and four assists in five games played. She was tied for second in points scored on her team.

“I was hopeful I’d have a successful tournament,” Curl said. “I didn’t know what my role was going to be on the team coming into practice. The pace of play was very fast and you have to make quick decisions with the puck.”

Curl was named player of the game in the United States’ 5-3 win over Russia in the preliminary round on Sunday, Jan. 7. Curl scored two goals and had one assist in the game.

The United States defeated Sweden 9-3 in the gold medal game on Saturday, January 13.

“It’s really special,” Curl said of the gold medal victory. “To win a gold medal with the teammates that I got to know really well playing over there was fun especially after all the hard practices we went through and the close games we played.”

Curl has returned home and is hoping she can carry over the momentum as she transitions back to playing North Dakota high school hockey.

“I learned a lot about myself,” Curl said. “I learned I have another level I can play at and I have to push myself to get there. I’m hoping I can bring that work ethic here and play at that speed the rest of the season.”

Curl is now focused on finishing up her decorated prep hockey career that includes three state championships playing for the Bismarck Blizzard.

Bismarck currently sits in third place in the girls statewide standings. Bismarck is 12-3-0 overall and 10-1-0 in statewide competition. The Blizzard play a six point game against Jamestown on Friday, January 19.

Curl has scored 11 goals and seven assists this season. In her prep career Curl has 163 goals, 106 assists (269 points).

Bismarck has eight more games prior to the state tournament set for February 22-24 at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

“I think the biggest thing for us will be to keep getting better as a team each practice and each game,” Curl said. “We can’t peak right now. We’re hoping to be playing our best hockey at the end of February.”

Follow NDHSAA on Twitter at @NDHSAA and visit www.ndhsaanow.com for the latest NDHSAA sports and activities news from around the state.