Mankato, Minn - Coming from a hockey family, the Roeske sisters always had a dream of playing together at a higher level. Kianna has been at Minnesota State for three years, and this season, she gets to lace her skates with her sister, Kaydence.

"We come from a crazy hockey family, and it's so cool to be able to play with Kaydence in high school and play with her now," said Kianna. "It's been a dream of ours to play together at a higher level, and it makes it easier on our parents to wear strictly purple and gold every weekend."

The sisters have been surrounded by a supportive hockey community back home, and bringing that bond to the collegiate stage is a special experience for them.

"It's very meaningful to have their support," Kianna said.

THE SISTERS' JOURNEY

As Kianna enters her senior season, she reflects on her time at Minnesota State and the impact it has had on her life.

"The journey has been nothing but awesome," she said. "I absolutely love it here at Minnesota State. The people make the place, starting from our team, our coaching staff, to the community. It's been a blessing, and I'm very grateful for it."

For Kaydence, joining the Maverick program was not a predetermined plan, but the opportunity to play another year with her sister was too good to pass up.

"Minnesota State was one of my top schools going into the recruiting process, and I was fortunate enough to take up the opportunity to play another year and the next level with my sister," she said.

THE TRANSITION INTO COLLEGE HOCKEY

Transitioning into college hockey can be challenging, but Kaydence has embraced the changes and found her footing on the team.

"The transition has not been too bad," she said. "Coming down here over the summer and getting a feel of how lifts and workouts go was so helpful. There are still a few adjustments from high school, such as all the players being very talented and skilled and fast. But overall, it hasn't been too surprising."

One of the key lessons Kaydence has learned is the importance of time management with school and hockey.

LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH

As a leader on the team, Kianna has taken on the responsibility of guiding not only her sister but also the other freshmen who have joined the program.

"Being a leader on this team is so rewarding," she said. "We have such a great group. It's so fun to lead with Taylor Otremba, and it's encouraging to see how each of us has grown as players and people."

Kianna's leadership extends beyond the ice, as she strives to connect with her teammates and create a positive and competitive environment.

"The freshmen are such a lively group; they bring enthusiasm and show up every day to compete," she said.

Second-year head coach Shari Dickerman praises Kianna's development as a hockey player and leader during her time at Minnesota State.

"Kianna has developed into a great hockey player and incredible leader," she said. "She continues to set the standard in her approach to everything she does every day and provides an example for the team to follow. We are excited to see where her leadership will take us."

Through six games this year, Roeske has 12 blocked shots (tied for the team lead), three assists and a plus-four rating. She has appeared in 117 career games, and has 22 points (7-15—22) to go with 94 blocked shots.

A PROMISING FUTURE

Kaydence, as a freshman goaltender, has already made a significant impact on the team. Dickerman is excited to see her continue to develop and contribute to the team's success.

"Kaydence is an athletic goaltender who has adjusted nicely to the speed of college hockey," she said. "We are excited to see her develop her game and focus solely on hockey after a stellar high school career in three sports. She competes for every puck and has been a great addition at the goaltender position."

Kaydence has seen action in net in one game this season, picking up a 3-2 win over Lindenwood on Oct. 4, recording 18 saves in the win.

The Roeske sisters' journey at Minnesota State is a testament to the power of family, determination, and passion for the game of hockey. With Kianna's leadership and Kaydence's promising future, they are making their mark on the ice and leaving a lasting legacy at Minnesota State.

Up Next:

The Roeske's and their teammates travel to Duluth, Minn., this weekend for a key WCHA tilt against Minnesota Duluth.