The Jori Jones Award is based on nominations from high school coaches and is selected based on votes from a panel of high school and college coaches.  The award is based on the following criteria: academics, community/extracurricular activities, citizenship, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance.

This year's semifinalists include Claire Bronson (Lakeville South), Kaitlin Groess (Centennial/Spring Lake Park), Olivia Hansen (Prior Lake), Ana Jyrkas (Fergus Falls), Gretchen Paaverud (Anoka), Kayla Simonson (Delano/Rockford), Dani Strom (Maple Grove), Tegan Swanson (Eden Prairie), Lily Timmons (Stillwater), and Grace Zahn (Hill-Murray).

The 10 semifinalists will be narrowed down to five finalists with the winner being announced at the Ms. Hockey Banquet Feb. 25 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Banquet tickets will go on sale Monday, Feb. 11. The award is sponsored by Let's Play Hockey, the Minnesota Wild, Tradition Companies, and the Minnesota Girls Hockey Coaches Association.

Last year's winner was Uma Corniea of Edina.  Previous winners include: Maggie Malecha of Northfield (2022), Brynne DuLac of Minnetonka (2021), Anna LaRose of North Wright County (2020), Calla Frank of White Bear Lake (2019), Alexa Dobchuk of Eden Prairie (2018), Breanna Blesi of Maple Grove (2017), Jenna Brenneman of Breck (2016), Frances Marshall of Thief River Falls (2015), Erin O'Neil of Hopkins (2014), Sydney Rossman of Minnetonka (2013), Erika Allen of Roseville (2012), Julie Friend of Minnetonka (2011), Kallie Billadeau of Hopkins (2010), Laura Bellamy of Duluth (2009), Alyssa Grogan of Eagan (2008), Ashley Nixon of Blaine (2007), Alannah McCready of Centennial (2006), Johanna Ellison of Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (2005), Emily Brookshaw of Hill-Murray (2004), Robin Doepke of Chaska (2003), Amber Hasbargen of Warroad (2002), Jody Horak of Blaine (2001), Shari Vogt of River Lakes (2000) and Katie Beauduy of Blaine (1999).

Here is a closer look at this year’s 10 semifinalists for the Jori Jones Award: