By John RittenhouseA member of the Luverne High School girls’ hockey program received a prestigious award during the team’s annual postseason banquet last week.Senior Alison Brands was taken by surprise when she received the Hobey Baker High School Character Award from head coach Dave Siebenahler.Hobey Baker was the ultimate athlete of his time.He entered Princeton University in 1910 and was named the captain of the hockey and football teams during his college years.Baker was a unique sportsman who would visit the opposing team’s locker room and shake the hand of every single opponent after every game."This is an award that doesn’t necessarily go to the best athlete. It goes to the best all-around person," Siebenahler said."This award was developed to recognize and reward exemplary character and sportsmanship in our high school hockey players. Alison is one of those players who showed character and sportsmanship on and off the ice."Brands played only one year of hockey for Siebenahler, but she quickly earned his respect.The coach was so impressed with her work ethic in practice and with the respect she showed to her teammates and opponents, he decided to nominate Brands to the committee that selects the winners of the HBHSCA.Four days prior to the hockey banquet, Siebenahler received a plaque indicating that Brands received the award.Brands proved to be a key member of the LHS girls’ hockey team last season.After being persuaded to play the sport for the first time by classmate Chessa Ossefoort, Brands became the team’s top goalie.She was in the net for four of the five games LHS won last season. Brands blanked Worthington during one of the wins."She came on pretty strong as a goalie," Siebenahler said."She did a great job. It’s too bad we have to lose her after playing for one season."