Trio of Hill-Murray alums lead CSB hockey’s top line

The St. Ben’s hockey team currently sits at 9-12-2, 5-9-2 in the MIAC.

The Bennies top line includes senior forward/ captain Corrine Brown, first-year Shae Stinnett and junior forward Ava Stinnett.

Not only have these three been producing during the ranks of NCAA Division III, they also have grown up together in youth hockey and were star forwards for the Hill-Murray Pioneers.

Ava Stinnett has led the MIAC in faceoff wins with 290 in 23 games. She ranks third in points on the Bennie roster with 13 goals and three assists.

Stinnett said she has been overjoyed to play with her sister Shae and high school teammate Brown.

“I have played with Corrine (Brown) for seven years. From being Pioneers together until now, we understand each other on and off ice,” Ava Stinnett said. ”Playing with my sister has been extremely special. When I graduated from Hill-Murray, I didn’t think we would get a chance to play together again. Playing together at CSB is great; we push each other, and it is a fun sisterly competition.”

Growing up, Ava Stinnett was influenced by Shae Stinnett in many ways on and off the ice. They have always been with each other since the beginning and have been friendly competitors as well as best friends.

“We have both always supported each other at our different games. We each give one another constructive criticism. I believe we have a bond that really only sisters have,” Ava Stinnett said. “She has a wicked shot and really gained confidence towards the end of the season. [She] has contributed even more on the ice as the season has progressed.”

Outside of hockey, Ava Stinnett has cherished her CSB+SJU education and gives credit to both institutions for letting her further the love for nursing through academics and career development resources. Ava Stinnett has grown close with older students on this year’s team.

“I am a junior nursing major, and I plan to work as a RN in the Cities when I graduate. Our junior class has been a tight-knit group. We are supportive of each other, and I could not ask for a better class. We are always laughing and having a good time. We are the largest class on the team and strive for positive competitiveness on and off the ice,” Ava Stinnett said.

Shae Stinnett has learned from her sister over the years and is ecstatic about the ability to continue playing the sport that she loves at the collegiate level with her older sister.

“It is rewarding to play college hockey with my older sister; she’s a great role model on and off the ice to look up to. As sisters, we are both brutally honest with one another. This has helped us both grow as players, but also people. I look up to Ava for her selflessness and caring personality,” Shae Stinnett said.

Shae Stinnett is no stranger to Brown’s style of leadership. Brown was also her high school captain for the Hill Murray Pioneers when they made a state tournament run in 2020.

“Corrine has been a mentor to me. I have looked up to her since high school when she led our team to the state hockey tournament. She makes practices fun and leads by example. She makes sure that the team is always grinding, working hard and balances leadership,” Shae Stinnett said.

The first-year economics major said she has cherished attending CSB+SJU. She enjoys aspects that are very similar to attending Hill Murray, and her family has ties to the institution.

“There are many reasons why I chose CSB+SJU. I love the Catholic aspect of the school. I attend Sunday night masses with Corrine and Ava. I also was drawn to the school through family history. My mom, grandpa, aunt and uncle all went here,” Shae Stinnett said. “It is also peaceful knowing that Ava and I’s little brother is here with us at SJU in the monastery and still with us spiritually on these campuses.”

Brown has nothing but positive things to say when describing her relationship with the Stinnett sisters over the years.

“It has been very special to play with the Stinnett sisters in college. This is my first time playing with Shae, as I had an injury during my senior year when we made the state tournament. This year, it has been a great opportunity to be playing on the same line,” Brown said. Brown joins seniors Abby Nelson and Jamie Benzie in leadership roles by wearing the captain’s patches.

“Jamie, Abby and I all get along; our personalities match well. We work well in leadership roles for what we wanted to accomplish this season. We are different but also very similar, and this has helped us mesh very well,” Brown said.

Brown, a nursing major, plans to work in the emergency/trauma unit in St. Paul following graduation. Brown has taken pride in being a mentor and positive leader for the Bennie hockey team, especially as a senior.

“Being a senior captain has taught me so much. I am honored to be able to be a captain for two seasons. I am grateful to all we have accomplished and look forward to what the future holds for Bennie hockey,” Brown said.