Signing Day: Bustad Signs Letter of Intent to Play Hockey at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Sara Bustad signed her letter of intent to play Division 1 hockey at Minnesota State University-Mankato next year.

Sara is the daughter of Marcus and Jane Bustad, of Stillwater. She was born in San Antonio, Texas and raised in St. Paul and Stillwater.

She played boys hockey, including Peewees and Bantams, until she was selected to play Stillwater girl's varsity hockey as an eighth-grader.

Bustad is a 2-time USA Hockey National Camp attendee, as a U16 and U17 defenseman. In addition, she is a 3-year participant in the Upper Midwest Elite Hockey League, a 4-year participant in the Community Olympic/Athletic Development Program (CODP/CADP), and was selected as a member of the Minnesota U18 team for the 2012 Reebock High School National Invitational Tournament (NIT). Sara earned her team's Rookie of the Year award in 2008. 

In the last two years, Bustad has moved from defense to forward, and finished last season with 11 goals and 16 assists in 27 games.

Away from the rink, Bustad is a member of the women's high school Belle Chanter choir, and peer minister and summer camp counselor with her church. Up until last season, she played high school and AAA soccer as a goalie.

Bustad hopes to lead a very strong team back to the state tournament, having been there with the team in 2008. The Ponies ranked 10th in the statewide AP pre-season poll. They start their season on Nov. 15 at the St. Croix Rec Center, against Blaine. 

Bustad signed her National Letter of Intent Wednesday, to play Division I Hockey at Minnesota State University-Mankato, beginning in the fall of 2013.