Hopkins Billadeau Bids Adieu

ST. PAUL, Minn— There has been a constant for the Hopkins Royals for the past five years. Her name is Kallie Billadeau. Now a senior and playing her last high school hockey on the Xcel Energy Center ice, Billadeau has backstopped her team to two straight state tournaments including a runner-up finish last year and a third place trophy for the case this in this years tournament.

One of the best goaltenders in the state, Billadeau is a dynamic player on the ice, and a great leader off of it as well.

“I never thought I would actually get to this point,” said Billadeau reflecting on her high school career. “That game went by so fast. I wish it wasn’t over.”

Billadeau will go on to Syracuse to play her college hockey. She was a two-time all-conference selection and a two time all-state selection. Billadeau ends her high school career with 19 career shutouts including a 1-0 gem in the section 6AA title game against Minnetonka.

“The best way to say it from a coach perspective is that she gave us a chance to win every single game,” said head coach Vin Paolucci when asked what Kallie meant to the Hopkins program. “The kids believed in her, the coaches believed in her. I’ve seen her grow up right in front of my eyes.”

The team played in three straight section championship games and played in two consecutive state tournaments creating memories that Kallie will never forget.

“It has been a great journey and it ended the way I wanted to end,” said Billadeau.