Sheboygan North girls hockey player Kayla Dogs is a national champion

SHEBOYGAN — When most kids are still learning the fine arts of walking and talking, Kayla Dogs was on skates.

Dogs, a sophomore at Sheboygan North, began playing hockey when she was three-years-old following in the footsteps of her mother and older sister.

“Mom was a hockey player so she threw skates on me to see how I’d do,” Dogs said of how her career on ice began. “It’s been my main sport ever since.”

Last month, Dogs became a national champion when her club team, the Wisconsin Selects 19U, won the Tier II 2A USA Hockey National Championship 3-0 over the East Coast Wizards.

Dogs says the league is akin to a AA baseball team but the chance to become a national champion, regardless the level, was special.

“It was really exciting,” Dogs said. “Being surrounded by my teammates and doing something so special.”

The 15-year-old defenseman even got to do something she rarely does, score.

Dogs opened the scoring in the national championship in the first period on a power play and later in the contest added an assist.

“I was excited because it started the momentum,” Dogs said. “It helped us push for two more goals.”

On a team comprised of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors Dogs’ ability to shine comes from the inspiration she draws from her older sister Kendra.

“I look up to my sister,” Dogs said of the Sheboygan North senior. “She has a great hockey IQ and if not for her I don’t think I’d be in this position. When she does stuff downstairs it makes me want to work too. I’ve got that competitiveness to pass the bar she’s set for me.”

North doesn’t have a standalone hockey program, so both Dogs played for the Fond du Lac Warbirds co-op, comprised of 15 different high schools including North.

Dogs says the hour and a half round trip each night to practices isn’t ideal but is worth the effort.

“The drive is sometimes exhausting but worth it because my teammates are awesome,” Dogs said. “With all the camaraderie my teammates have become another family.”

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One lesson she’s learned over the years is consistency is key.

“You need to stay consistent,” Dogs said. “Doing the same pregame routine helps get you mentally and physically prepared. Stay in your routine.”

A three-sport athlete, Dogs plays golf in the fall and does track and field in the spring following her prep and club hockey seasons.

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Besides the family influences, Dogs says she was drawn to hockey because of the physicality.

“The physicality makes it more competitive since I’m competitive myself,” Dogs said. “I really like to play physical sports.”

While the collegiate recruitment won’t begin in earnest until next year, Dogs feels she’ll likely play at the NCAA Division III level in college.

“I see myself taking it to college,” Dogs said. “See where it goes from there.”

Contact Tom Dombeck at 920-686-2965 or tdombeck@htrnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Tom_Dombeck.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Sheboygan North girls hockey player Kayla Dogs is a national champion