Let's Play Hockey June 2020 issue by Let's Play Hockey

Volume XLVIII • Number 13 • Issue 1275

Let

l ay Ho sP

’

June 18, 2020

Years 20 72 0 2 ✯

MR. HOCKEY

Blake Biondi looks back on a memorable high school career ... page 26

IN THIS ISSUE

2020-21 Tournament Calendar

HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY

ANDY NESS

Training for the off-season ... pg. 6

Dedication, leadership pays off for Strobel and Pioneers ... pg. 21

JOHN RUSSO

MARK BOHM A Father’s Reflections:

Shooting to Score: What are the Odds? ... pg. 14

Starting on page 30

The Final Season of Youth Hockey ... pg. 25

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” John Wooden

Mite/8U

Also school year opportunities: • Breakfast Club • Invicta Hockey Institute • Optimum Defense • Learn to Skate

Squirt/10U

PeeWee

12U/14U

Bantam

To discuss training options: Minnesota Made Hockey 7300 Bush Lake Road Edina, MN 55439 952-RINK RAT

June 18, 2020

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

FOR THE LATEST TEAM NEWS AND UPDATES, VISIT

WILD.COM/SIGNUP

GEAR UP AT THE HOCKEY LODGE FIND ALL YOUR FAVORITE MINNESOTA WILD GEAR AT

HOCKEYLODGE.COM

Official Minnesota Wild Apparel worn by Wild Forward Ryan Hartman

Jan16_Tradition_10.125x16.125_Ad.pdf 1 9/27/2019 4:20:52 PM

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

We’re on your team.

CMY

www.traditioncompanies.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

Motzko named Big Ten Coach of the Year

MINNEAPOLIS – Bob Motzko has been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year in his second season with the University of Minnesota, the conference announced on May 11 as part of its year-end awards presentation. In addition to Motzko’s Big Ten Coach of the Year honor, Ben Meyers, Jackson LaCombe and Jared Moe were named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team while Sammy Walker and Brannon McManus earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Meanwhile, Tyler Nanne was Gopher Hockey’s recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Motzko, who was also named as a finalist for this year’s Spencer Penrose Award as a national coach of the year candidate, led the Gophers to the Big Ten tournament semifinals for the second-straight year before the season was canceled due to COVID-19 public health concerns. A native of Austin, Minn., Motzko guided Minnesota to a tie for second in the regular-season conference standings after being predicted to finish fifth in the league. He owns a 310-222-60 career record including a 34-30-11 mark with the University of Minnesota. Earlier this season, Motzko earned his 300th career coaching win to become the third coach in program history to reach the milestone after Don Lucia (736 wins, 457 at Minnesota) and Doug Woog (388 wins, all at Minnesota). This is the first Big Ten Coach of the Year honor for Motzko and his fifth career conference coach of the year accolade after earning the accolade in the WCHA in 2006 and 2007 and the NCHC in 2014 and 2018. Motzko is the second University of Minnesota men’s hockey coach to earn Big Ten Coach of the Year after Lucia earned the honor in 2014. A native of Delano, Minn., Meyers tallied 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 37 games this season – tying for second among all Big Ten freshmen and tying for 11th among all NCAA freshmen in points this season. The forward ranked third among scorers for the Gophers while he was Minnesota’s best man on the draw this season with a .524 winning percentage (301 wins on 608 draws). Meyers was also one of three finalists for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year this season. A native of Eden Prairie, Minn., LaCombe tallied 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in his first season with the University of Minnesota. The Anaheim Ducks prospect led all Big Ten freshmen defensemen with 61 blocks and finished second among the group in scoring for the season. A native of New Prague, Minn., Moe was a unanimous selection for the Big Ten All-Freshman Team after posting a 7-5-1 record as a rookie with a .915 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.46. He led all Big Ten freshmen goaltenders in wins, save percentage, goals against average, saves (366) and shutouts (one). The Winnipeg Jets prospect was a key factor in Minnesota’s second half push, picking up wins in four of his last five appearances for the Maroon & Gold. Among the All-Big Ten honorable mention selections, Walker and McManus were Minnesota’s top scorers during the 2019-20 season as both forwards recorded their best offensive seasons with the Gophers. A native of Edina, Minn., Walker served as a sophomore captain and paced the Maroon & Gold with 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) to tie for ninth among conference scorers this season after earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors as a rookie. A native of Newport Beach, Calif., McManus recorded a career-high 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) as a junior for Minnesota. A native of Edina, Minn., Nanne served as a senior captain and closed out his collegiate career with a career-high 14 points and 10 assists while leading Minnesota with 68 blocked shots. The All-Big Ten hockey teams and conference awards are selected by league coaches and a media voting panel.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Alex Stalock nominated for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Twin Cities chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) announced the nomination of Minnesota Wild goaltender Alex Stalock for the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The trophy is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Stalock, 32 (7/28/87), posted a 20-11-4 record with a 2.67 goals-against average (GAA), a .910 save percentage (SV%) and four shutouts in 38 games played (36 starts) and became the fifth goaltender in franchise history to record 20 wins in a season. He set career highs in games played, games started, wins, shutouts (ranked T-5th in the NHL), minutes played (2,177), shots against (1,082) and saves (985). Per NHL Stats, the six-foot, 200-pound native of Saint Paul, Minn., is the seventh different Minnesota-born goalie to reach 20-plus wins in a single season. Stalock tied his career best making seven consecutive starts from Feb. 25-March 7, made a season-high 40 saves at San Jose on March 5 and recorded a career-high, four-game win streak Feb. 21-28. The left-glove netminder registered a 26-save shutout in his first start of the season on Oct. 14 at Ottawa, the second time in his career he recorded a shutout in his first start of a single season and became the fourth Minnesota-born goalie in NHL history to do so. He also reached his 100th career start on Dec. 1 vs. Dallas. Stalock is 61-49-18 with a 2.61 GAA, a .909 SV%, nine shutouts, four assists and three shots in 151 career NHL games (123 starts) in nine seasons with San Jose and Minnesota (2010-20). He ranks second in the NHL since 2010 in shots on goal and is the only Wild goalie in team history with a shot on net. He ranks fourth amongst goaltenders in franchise history in assists (3). This is Stalock’s second nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy as the Sharks nominated him following the 2013-14 season. A campaign that saw his first career NHL start (10/27/13 at OTT), a career-high 44 saves on a career-high 46 shots (12/21/13 vs. DAL), his first career shutout (1/16/14 at FLA), a Sharks franchise record for longest shutout streak (178:55, 1/5-1/27/14), his Stanley Cup playoff debut (4/24/14 at LA) and first playoff start (4/28/14 at LA). The winner of the Masterton Trophy is selected by a poll among the 31 chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season. NHL writers first presented the trophy in 1968 to commemorate the late Bill Masterton, who played for the Minnesota North Stars and exhibited to a high degree the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968, as a result of head injuries suffered during a game. Ryan Suter (2018-19), Matt Cullen (2017-18), Eric Staal (2016-17), Nate Prosser (2015-16), Devan Dubnyk (2014-15), Josh Harding (2013-14, 2012-13), Clayton Stoner (2011-12), Pierre-Marc Bouchard (2010-11), Guillaume Latendresse (2009-10), Kurtis Foster (2008-09), Aaron Voros (2007-08), Marian Gaborik (2006-07), Wes Walz (2005-06, 2000-01), Alexandre Daigle (2003-04), Dwayne Roloson (2002-03) and Richard Park (2001-02) were previously nominated for the award. Harding was named the 2013 recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy on June 14, 2013, to become the first player in Wild history to win a voted-on NHL Award. Dubnyk was also named the recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy on June 24, 2015.

Our PPar ar tner artner tnerss

Let’s Play Hockey 13 7th Street S. Let’sCentre, Play Hockey Sauk MN 56378 13 7th Street S, phone: (320) 333-3279 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 E-mail: bryan@letsplayhockey.com

Phone: 320-333-3279 E-mail: bryan@letsplayhockey.com E-mail team articles and photos to editor@letsplayhockey.com

Founded in 1972 by Bob Utecht ISSN 0889-4795 Publisher Bryan Zollman • (320) 333-3279

Publisher Bryan Zollman (320-333-3279)

www.stateofhockey.com

LPH is online at www.stateofhockey.com

l ay Ho sP

ISSN 0889-4795

E-mail team articles and photos to editor@letsplayhockey.com Founded in 1972 by Bob Utecht

LET’S PLAY HOCKEY (LPH) is a newspaper devoted to

covering Let’s Pall laylevels Hockey (LPH)LPH is isa published newspaper deof hockey. 21 times Laura Bromenshenkel, David Terry voted to covering all levels of hockey. LPH is pubper year. Deadlines for news and camera-ready advertislished 21Mondays times per year. Deadlines for news and ing are preceding each issue. Advertisements Assistant Editor Columnists camera-ready are office Mondays to be typeset advertising must be in LPH by thepreceding preceding Beth Kurtt Jack Blatherwick, Kevin Hartzell, each issue. Advertisements to be typeset must be Friday. All editorial copy, advertisements and photos reJohn Russo in LPH office by the preceding Friday. editorial main the property of LET Columnists ’S PLAY HOCKEY . LPHAll reserves the copy, and photos remain propJack Blatherwick, Kevin Hartzell, John Russo rightadvertisements to edit submitted stories and letters to thethe editor for Contributors ertylength, of Letgrammar, ’s Play H ockey. LPH punctuation andreserves clarity. the right to Dan Bauer, Tim Kolehmainen, edit submitted stories andissues lettersmay to be the editor for Contributors Additional copies or back purchased by Josh Levine, Mark Lichtenfeld, length, grammar, punctuation and clarity. Dan Bauer, Tim Kolehmainen, Josh Levine, Mark sending $3 to the LPH office. Send subscription inquiries, Kim McCullough, Andy Ness, Additional copies orpayments back issues Lichtenfeld, Kim McCullough, Andy Hal Ness,Tearse, Hal Tearse, address changes and/or to: may be purAndrew Vitalis, Pete Waggoner chased sending LET’SbyPLAY Andrew Vitalis, Pete Waggoner HOCKEY $3 to the LPH office. Send subscription inquiries, address changes and/or 13 7th Street S. Photography payments to: Photography Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Susan McPherson, Nayman, HOCKEY or callPLAY (320) 333-3279 with questions. Susan McPherson, GregGreg Nayman, Mike Thill, Christine LET’S Mike Thill, Christine Wisch, 13 7th Street S. Wisch, Nick Wosika Nick Wosika Sauk Centre, MN 56378 or call (320) 333-3279 with questions.

The opinions expressed in LET’S PLAY HOCKEY are not The opinions expressed in LET’S PLAY necessarily those of Let’s Play Hockey or Z Media, HOCKEY not necessarily those of Let’s Inc., but of theare individual columnists themselves. Play Hockey or Z Media, Inc., but of the indiNo articles or features may be reproduced without columnists themselves. thevidual permission of the publisher or the editor of Let’s Play No articles or features may be reproHockey.

’

Bryan Zollman (320-333-3279)

Graphic Design Graphic Design David Terry Laura Bromenshenkel,

Metro Delivery

Metro MetroDelivery Distribution Metro Distribution

Let

Managing Editor Managing Bryan Zollman •Editor (320) 333-3279

Years 0 ✯ 202

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Inside Minnesota Hockey www.minnesotahockey.org

Minnesota Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey, is the governing body of youth and amateur hockey in Minnesota and the premier developer of hockey players in the state. With over 67,000 registered players and coaches, it is the largest state governing body for amateur hockey in the United States.

5 Puck Handling Tips for Goalies There are some hockey coaches and fans who cringe each time they see a goalie leave the crease to play the puck. But once you’ve seen how much of an advantage it is to have a goalie who can handle the puck well, it’s hard to ignore how important of a skill it is for young goalies to develop. “At the older ages, it makes a world of difference,” said Steve Thompson, USA Hockey’s ADM Manager for Goaltending. “It’s like having a third defenseman.” “We all know the more time the puck is in your zone, the more trouble you’re in. If you have a goalie back there, that’s going to change the place of the dump in because they’re nervous about keeping the puck away from the goalie. It adds a whole other element to that chess match with the other team, their forecheck and your breakout.” Thompson acknowledges that goalies playing the puck frequently at young ages can come with some risk but points out examples like Spencer Knight and South St. Paul native Alex Stalock in which those risks eventually result in some of the game’s best puck handling goaltenders. A Consistent Hand Some of the most important components of a goalie’s ability to handle the puck starts right when players first put on goalie pads. “It starts off with the entry level for the position in the sense that we have a lot of goalies that are right-handed as a forward,” said Thompson. “That’s how they play when they play street hockey. That’s how they play when they play out. Then, we throw them in a left-handed catching glove because when you play baseball you throw with your right hand and catch with your left. We immediately handicap these kids from having the confidence and ability to play the puck well.” “If you are a right-handed shot, I would really encourage kids to try and

learn how to catch with their right so they can play the puck with their right.” In the same way, players who shoot left-handed while playing out are encouraged to catch with their left hand while playing goalie. “What would really help the process off the start is being consistent with which hand they play and how they catch,” said Thompson. Play All Positions For decades, teams have rotated goalie gear among players at the youngest age groups. While the primary benefit of the rotation is viewed as introducing as many kids as possible to the position, there are also a number of benefits for the kids who eventually play goalie full-time. “I would strongly encourage that everybody plays forward, defense and goalie,” said Thompson. “You play all the positions when you start playing hockey because there’s really no better way to experience the game and learn all the facets of it.” Players at those young ages are learning fundamental skating, puck handling, passing and shooting skills that

not only help forwards or defensemen but are also very beneficial for goalies. “If you’re a full-time goalie at nine years old, it limits the puck touches and puck handling opportunities you have,” said Thompson. “Make sure goalies aren’t forced to stay in one station with the net during practice. If the kids are all rotating and one of the drills is puck handling and passing centric, allow your goalies to participate in that too.” An Age-Appropriate Stick “One thing we recommend at our eight and ten-year-old ages is to not use a goalie stick,” said Thompson. “You can wear the QuickChange equipment but to actually use a forward stick. It’s so much lighter. It gives them the ability to play the puck better.” Much like using blue pucks at young ages, a lighter stick helps players develop proper technique and boosts confidence in their ability to puck handle, pass and shoot. “It is challenging,” admits Thompson. “Kids do like the way the goalie

Hockey development with social distancing

June 1st isn’t typically a holiday, but it felt like one this year for many kids. After a three-month hiatus from hockey and all youth sports, the opportunity to return to the ice has brought smiles to countless kids across the state already. Whether it’s hearing skate blades cutting through the ice, feeling the puck on your stick or getting to finally see your friends, that type of pure and simple joy leaves a lasting impression. As kids spend more time on the ice though, it’s only a matter of time before they want to crank up the competitive dial and start playing games. With the current social distancing guidelines though, the question becomes how do you maintain that level of enjoyment and physical distancing at the same time. “First and foremost, kids need to be safe, and then, you need to make it fun,” said Guy Gosselin, an ADM regional manager for USA Hockey. And when it comes to what we should be doing with our time on the ice, “it’s the same message just in a different format.” A New Look Gosselin, who is a Rochester native and two-time Olympian, is an ardent advocate for emphasizing habits and concepts through small area games and drills in practices, but even he admits practices will likely be a little different to start. “You need to understand what the practical applications are,” said Gosselin. “It’s really easy to talk the talk, but when you get out on the ice with hockey

– GOALIES –

– SOCIAL DISTANCING –

Park, South St. Paul and Woodbury. Minnesota District Playoffs for Youth 16U, Youth 18U and Girls 19U classifications are to be determined. All teams from the Youth 14U, Youth 15 and Youth 16U classifications

are scheduled to compete against national Tier 1 competition during the NAHL

continued on page 7

continued on page 6

CCM High Performance Tier 1 Leagues open registration Minnesota Hockey has announced the registration, tryout and competition schedules for the 2020 CCM High Performance Tier 1 Fall Leagues. TRIA Orthopaedic, UBS Financial and Jimmy John’s will be the presenting sponsors of the Youth 14U, Girls 14U, Youth 15 and Youth 16U Leagues this season. Given the evolving and uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, all CCM HP Tier I League events are subject to change according to city, state and national regulations and developments. Registration for the Tier I 16U (2004), Tier 1 15 (2005 birth year) and 14U (2006 & 2007 birth years) Fall Leagues are now open. Teams will be comprised of players from Minnesota Hockey Districts, except at the Tier I

16U level which will go by high school boundaries and will begin the tryout process in July. Competitive regular season weekends for 14’s and 15’s will begin Aug. 28-30 and host sites will include Alexandria, Blaine, Brainerd, Moorhead, and Plymouth. In addition, each team will be responsible for scheduling select league games to reduce travel and time commitment. League playoffs are scheduled for Oct. 2-4 and the Minnesota District Playoff weekend will take place the weekend of Oct. 10-11. The Youth 16U League will begin its league schedule Aug. 15-16, and its league playoff weekend is set for Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Host sites are set to include Blaine, Prior Lake, St. Cloud, St. Louis

– TIER 1 LEAGUES – continued on page 7

ice

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

Training for the off-season

So the off-season is coming, now what? We know we need to skate and train but what should we do? What should focus on? The first thing MN Wild Skating & that we have to Skills Instructor understand is that after a long season certain things start to happen in our skating. The most common technique flaws that start to show their head after a full season is lack of knee bend, choppy stride, and a skater being bent over at the waist. The majority of practices in the winter are designed to work power play, breakouts, forecheck, D-zone, etc. As the off-season approaches we must get back to working on our individual skills such as shooting, puck-handling, passing, and of course skating. What should we do first? As summer approaches we will have a number of pro and college skaters that will be doing privates and small groups. With these groups we will always start with edges and balance. Challenging edge and balance drills are the key. Getting

Andy Ness

the skater to build a strong base and have solid edges into the ice is the overall goal. The same applies with balance. We need to get the skater down low and get in a position in which they will eventually become comfortable lower than 90 degrees. Most of this can be done slowly focusing on just the technique. These skaters will not have to play competitively for a long time so getting back to the fundamentals is crucial. This will take some time and repetition, but it is key to begin building a strong skating foundation again. We will then progressively work all of the skating skills through at a very slow speed. The whole idea is based around technique. Throughout a one hour lesson, I will typically focus on three skills at a time and work ceaselessly on technique. The skater must make sure the pushes are in the right direction, the upper body is under control, the edges are solid into the ice, and most importantly the knee bend is low enough. Skating skills should be worked on progressively. What this means is that you would not teach a stride and then go to back crossovers immediately after. Picking and matching skills is always a good idea when starting to work technique. Continue doing this slow until the skater

CRYHA is seeking coaches for the 2020-2021 season! Coon Rapids Youth Hockey Association (CRYHA) has a strong need for Head Coaching Candidates at the Bantam, Peewee, and Squirt levels Our coaches are key contributors to our player development both on and off the ice. We encourage anyone with an interest in helping mentor and develop our young athletes to consider becoming a coach. Coaching is extremely rewarding and provides you with the opportunity to make a difference in our kids’ lives. The kids forget the games after the season is over but they remember the coach for the rest of their lives! Requirements: • This is a paid position and allows for 2 additional paid assistant coaching positions • Candidates must possess significant ice hockey experience • Candidate should not currently have a child playing hockey within CRYHA • Scheduling can be flexible for the right candidate, hockey events will likely include evenings and weekends as schedule and ice time allow • Ability to travel within the state of MN for out of town tournaments • Hiring is conditional on the successful completion of a criminal background check; applicants should also either possess or be able to attain required background clearances and necessary USA Hockey coaching certification.

If you are interested in coaching during the 2020-21 season, please direct inquiries to hockeyops@cryha.com. You can also contact Scott Brown (651-245-4498) or Todd Bushy (612-412-6670) with any additional questions.

is really getting comfortable with his/her form and technique. Remember, working on a skill incorrectly fast is only reinforcing bad habits. I use the analogy of a golf drive. Anyone can go out and swing a golf club as hard as they can over and over but if their technique is horrible, nothing is going to change and then you are only reinforcing a horrible golf swing. Practicing only makes permanent so make sure you are doing the skills properly. After I see that the skater’s technique is strong and efficientm we will then begin to start doing some overspeed. Overspeed has been a buzz word of late and is a fantastic tool if done properly. If you are doing “overspeed” you are skating out of your comfort zone. The idea is that eventually you will build a new comfort zone that is even faster and quicker. For example, if you are doing crossovers at full speed, you are trying to get your feet moving so fast that you may fall or lose the puck (if you are carrying one). The repetition of doing these skills will get you faster, but again, make sure technique stays sound at this speed. Finally, we will do what is called over-load. Over-load is similar to technique work but the drills that are done

are longer in duration with a few different skating skills implemented in one drill. With the older skaters we will add a weight vest (in the photo) to make sure the knees stay bent and focus on strengthening the skater’s legs. These drills typically last about 30 seconds; the skater is always striving to be at 90 degrees with their knee flex and exaggerating every push from their edge. At the end of the drill the skater will get about a 60-90 second rest depending on the number of skaters. This is how we alway finish our practice. We always save about 15-18 minutes at the end to do this, again a great way to work the skater at the end. Now you can have an idea of what skaters can and should do to improve their skating in the summer. Now is the time to work and really focus on getting better. Remember, all people are created with an equal opportunity to become unequal. The hard work will pay off.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

has.” Coaches of younger players could even mark off grids in the zones where kids need to stay within so they have visual cues. Add in a point system and rotating which group of three is in the middle, and you have a small area game that abides by social distancing guidelines. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Perhaps even more important than determining which drills to use will be implementing them on the ice with kids who have a tendency to forget safety messages upon seeing their friends or getting fixated on the activity itself. “You need to be really thorough when you explain a drill,” said Gosselin. “Say, ‘when we’re doing our scissor or our overlap, you need to stay six feet apart. If I’m steering a guy, I can’t close.’ It comes with telling them, but I think it comes with marking the ice as well. Putting the constraints on the ice, saying this is your area you can’t go out of it in this drill.” Pre-practice chalk talks and gathering the entire group at a white board are discouraged at this time so coaches will also need to be creative in delivering clear and concise instruction while maintaining physical distance. Potential options include sending videos of drills out in advance of practice, using more on demonstrations or explaining drills in smaller groups while the players are in a semi-circle, possibly with areas or numbers marked on the ice. Using the same practice plan two sessions in a row or certain drills frequently may also help increase efficiency on the ice and reduce time spent on explanations. “This is new for everybody,” said Gosselin. “We’re all trying to figure this out together, but it’s going to evolve into something good.” For drill ideas and examples of social distancing on the ice, visit www. minnesotahockey.org/covid19

continued from page 5

players, it’s a little hard. The one-on-one competitive stuff can’t happen in a close area.” Current restrictions for hockey include maintaining six feet of distance, pods of 10 and no contact, even in a practice setting. That means many small area games which have become such a common and important component of practices may need to be on hold for the time being. “The technical skills are obviously going to be easier than small area games, but we can still work on concepts and habits. We can work on outnumbering. We can work on decision making. “There are a lot of people out there that can design a drill with kids six feet apart, but we still want to incorporate the same good habits and concepts, just a little further apart.” Getting Creative The first few sessions on the ice are a great time to focus on technical skills as players shake off rust and build up their activity levels again. Then, it’s going to be time to think outside the box to provide kids with opportunities to compete against each other in safe settings. Gosselin shares the example of a 6-on-4 drill they have used at USA Hockey National Player Development camps that could effectively be adapted to social distancing: “You have three offensive players on the boards, three offensive players on the far boards and then you have three people in the middle who are trying to steal the puck and steer. The guys on the outside are trying to move the puck across the ice, and they can move it between themselves. The guys in the middle can only go to a certain point, and you can’t force inside the zone that kid

Andy Ness is the head skating and skill coach for the Minnesota Wild. He has also been an assistant skating instructor for the New Jersey Devils, the University of Minnesota men’s and women’s hockey teams and the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team.

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Maine’s Jeremy Swayman named 2020 Mike Richter Award winner Let’s Play Hockey announced that Maine’s Jeremy Swayman is the winner of the seventh annual Mike Richter Award. The University of Maine junior edged out a solid crop of contenders that included Matthew Galajda (Cornell), Spencer Knight (Boston College), Dryden McKay (Minnesota State) and Strauss Mann Jeremy Swayman (Michigan). Swayman, at 6’3” and 200 pounds, possesses a solid combination of size and skill. The Anchorage, Alaska native led the nation in saves with 1,099 and was second in the nation with a .939 save percentage. He played more than 2060 minutes and had three shutouts and a 2.07 goals against average. Swayman, 21, was a fourth round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2017 and faced 1,170 shots and allowed just 71 goals this past season. He stopped

more than 30 shots 25 times during the season, more than 40 twice and more than 50 (52) once. He allowed two goals or less in 23 of his 34 games played (1811-5). “Certainly Jeremy’s numbers this season are impressive and these speak for themselves,” said head coach Red Gendron. “The numbers provide evidence of his excellence but more than that, he provided our team with tremendous confidence because we all understood that he would make the saves we needed, whenever we needed them, ultimately leading to our team’s success. His work habits and disciplined professionalism rivaled other great goalies I’ve been privileged to be on teams with like Martin Brodeur and Jon Quick. These things can’t be seen by just looking at numbers, but everyone here understands how real it truly was.” Swayman is a Management major with a 3.38 GPA. He recently signed an entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins and will forgo his senior season at the University of Maine. The winner of the Mike Richter Award was selected by a committee of

GOALIES

ages coaches to try to make the drills as game-like as possible. “You have to add stress,” said Thompson. “Everyone at a certain level can make a tape-to-tape pass with no pressure. That’s not really what the game challenges of you.” Play, Shoot and Score It’s common for coaches, especially goalie coaches, to encourage goalies to wear their glove and blocker when puck handling or shooting off-ice, but it isn’t always necessary. Former Arizona State goaltender and current Ottawa Senators prospect Joey Daccord is a great example of why. His dad, Brian Daccord, is a well-known goalie coach and currently a consultant for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he hounded Joey about using his goalie equipment while shooting pucks. “Joey was always shooting pucks,” said Thompson. “He was using the same hand as his goalie stick, but he would be downstairs shooting shot after shot. His dad would get frustrated with him because he wasn’t wearing his blocker and glove. He wasn’t taking goaltending serious enough because he wasn’t wearing his glove and blocker. Sure enough, over time, Joey became an elite puck handler.” “Don’t be too scared to just go out and play hockey and have fun and enjoy it. Playing street hockey and pond hockey with your buddies. That is going to make you a better puck handler.”

continued from page 5 stick looks. It’s cool. Part of the appeal of being a goalie is looking the part. That’s kind of where the art of coaching comes in. Kids probably want to eat dessert three meals a day if they could, and they probably want to use a 25-pound stick because it looks cool.” The Coach’s Role Like any component of player development, coaches have an important role to play too. First, provide goalies with opportunities to practice playing the puck in practice, and second, use mistakes as opportunities to learn instead of worrying solely about the outcome. “We see a lot of prioritizing winning at a young age over development,” said Thompson. “That’s just another way to depreciate our kids’ skill sets too soon.” “Be very cognizant of, ‘how many puck touches did my goalie get today in practice?’ If it seems to be zero more often than not, it should not be too shocking that when they do have the defense-goalie exchange in a game, it’s not as clean as we would like it to be.” Two simple ways to add repetitions for goalies into practices are having your goalie start drills with a pass and dumping pucks to them during small area games so they’re the first one to play the puck. Thompson also encour-

TIER 1 LEAGUES

continued from page 5 Showcase in Blaine the weekend of Sept. 17-20. Girls 14U teams will participate in a National Invitational Tournament in Andover, Minn., on Oct. 16-18. In addition, Youth 14U, Youth 15 and Girls 14U leagues are set to form select teams to participate in the USHL Fall Classic in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Girls 14U August Showcase in Evanston, Ill. Minnesota Hockey’s Tier 1 structure was established in 2016 to enhance Minnesota’s community-based association and high school model by bringing together the most talented players from all over Minnesota for high-quality training, player development and highly compet-

itive League play as well as providing a path to compete in the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Championships. The League schedule is designed to allow participants to play for their association or high school team. Three teams from the 2019 CCM High Performance Tier 1 Leagues were set to represent Minnesota at the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Championships, prior to the onset of the pandemic. The Lakers of District 6 and Walleye from District 3 qualified for the Girls 14U Tier 1 National Championship, and the Blue Ox Youth 15 team advanced to the Youth 15 Tier 1 National Championships. Given the evolving and uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, all CCM HP Tier I League events are subject to change according to city, state and national regulations and developments. For tryout schedules, registration and more, visit www.minnesotahockey. org/tier1

University of Maine junior Jeremy Swayman is the winner of the seventh annual Mike Richter Award. He recently signed an entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins and will forgo his senior season at the University of Maine. coaches, scouts and members of the meJaillet (Denver), 2016 Thatcher Demko dia. (Boston College), 2015 Zane McIntyre Past winners include: 2019 Cayden (North Dakota), 2014 Connor HellebuyPrimeau (Northeastern), 2018 Cale ck (UMass-Lowell). Morris (Notre Dame), 2017 Tanner 2020

CARROLL GOALIE SCHOOL success between the pipes

Improves skills, confidence, consistency and game performance Four programs: Intro to Goaltending, Intermediate Skills, Tryout Tune-up, Advanced Skills

NEW IMPR AND OV DRIL ED LS!

Weekend sessions, June-Sept. Boys, girls, ages 6-15 Five Twin Cities locations (Blaine, Eagan, Edina, Richfield, St. Michael-Albertville) /carrollgs

@carrollgoalieschool register online

carrollgs.com 612-703-2449

26th annual s p o n s o r e d by

Brian’s Custom Sports

“Like” Let’s Play Hockey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/letsplayhockey

SCSU’s Ahcan signs pro hockey contract with Boston Bruins St. Cloud State University senior defenseman Jack Ahcan (Savage, Minn./Burnsville H.S.) signed a two-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Boston Bruins. The news was announced on March 27 by the Bruins’ General Manager Don Sweeney. Ahcan completed his fourth season with the Huskies in 2019-20 and finished the year with seven goals, 18 assists and 25 points. A 5-8, 184-pound defenseman, Ahcan served as a team captain for the Huskies in 2019-20. An All-America award winner in 2018-19, Ahcan earned All-NCHC honors in 2019-20 and 2018-19 and he was named to the All-NCHC Rookie team in 2016-17. In his four seasons with the Huskies, Ahcan set a team record for defensemen with 82 career assists. He also had 21 career goals and joined SCSU’s 100-point club with 103 points scored in 144 career games played at SCSU. He is one of just three SCSU blueliners to score 100-plus points during their collegiate career. Ahcan will join a long line of SCSU players who have continued their hockey careers after playing for the Huskies. Since 1933, SCSU has seen a total of 36 players play in the NHL and this list includes the following players (9) who played in NHL games during the 2019-20 season: Blake Lizotte (Los Angeles), Nic Dowd (Washington), Nick Jensen (Washington), Patrick Russell (Edmonton), Ryan Poehling (Montreal), Charlie Lindgren (Montreal), Dennis Cholowski (Detroit), Kevin Gravel (Toronto) and Jonny Brodzinski (San Jose).

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

Inside the NAHL The North American Hockey League • www.nahl.com

NAHL announces 2019-20 All-Rookie Teams

12 players recognized on All-NAHL Rookie Teams; Divisional rookie teams also named DALLAS, Texas – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced its All-Rookie Teams for the 2019-20 season in March, as voted upon and selected by the league’s 26 head coaches. The NAHL has also named All-Rookie Teams in each of the four divisions. NAHL players that have not played in a junior league or team prior to the 2019-20 season (any junior league or team in any location, foreign or domestic), or entered the season having played less than 10 NAHL regular season games, are considered rookies and eligible for All-Rookie recognition and honors by the NAHL. 2019-20 All-NAHL Rookie 1st Team Forward: Adam Eisele, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward: Will Hillman, Bismarck Bobcats Forward: Kyler Kleven, Minot Minotauros Defense: Owen Baumgartner, Minot Minotauros Defense: Mitchell Digby, Lone Star Brahmas Goalie: Andrew Miller, Bismarck Bobcats 2019-20 All-NAHL Rookie 2nd Team Forward: Ryan Coughlin, Corpus Christi IceRays Forward: Tiernan Shoudy, Austin Bruins Forward: Brayden Stannard, Maryland Black Bears Defense: Malik Alishlalov, Johnstown Tomahawks Defense: Tim Erkkila, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Goalie: Grant Riley, Janesville Jets 2019-20 Central Division All-Rookie Team Forward: Will Hillman, Bismarck Bobcats Forward: Kyler Kleven, Minot Minotauros Forward: Tiernan Shoudy, Austin Bruins Defense: Owen Baumgartner, Minot Minotauros Defense: Nico DeVita, Aberdeen Wings Goalie: Andrew Miller, Bismarck Bobcats 2019-20 East Division All-Rookie Team Forward: Tyler Cooper, Northeast Generals Forward: Isaiah Fox, Maine Nordiques Forward: Brayden Stannard, Maryland Black Bears Defense: Malik Alishlalov, Johnstown Tomahawks Defense: Brad Zona, New Jersey Titans Goalie: Alex Tracy, Johnstown Tomahawks 2019-20 Midwest Division All-Rookie Team Forward: Adam Eisele, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Forward: Lucas Kanta, Minnesota Magicians Forward: Parker Lindauer, Janesville Jets Defense: Tim Erkkila, Fairbanks Ice Dogs Defense: Grant Hindman, Janesville Jets Goalie: Grant Riley, Janesville Jets 2019-20 South Division All-Rookie Team Forward: Ryan Coughlin, Corpus Christi IceRays Forward: Alex Dominique, New Mexico Ice Wolves Forward: Devan Tongue, Amarillo Bulls Defense: Mitchell Digby, Lone Star Brahmas Defense: Aidan Metcalfe, Shreveport Mudbugs Goalie: Charlie Glockner, Amarillo Bulls

NAHL team in El Paso approved for the 2021-22 season

Growth of the NAHL continues in the South Division with the addition of the El Paso Rhinos DALLAS, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that its Board of Governors has approved the membership application for an NAHL team in El Paso, Texas. The El Paso Rhinos will compete in the South Division beginning in the 2021-22 season and play out of the El Paso County Events Center. The NAHL has had a team in the Southern part of the United States since 1999 and the South Division first was formed in 2003. The division currently has eight teams competing in the NAHL: Amarillo Bulls (Amarillo, TX), Corpus Christi IceRays (Corpus Christi, TX), Kansas City Scouts (Shawnee, KS), Lone Star Brahmas (North Richland Hills, Texas), New Mexico Ice Wolves (Albuquerque, NM), Odessa Jackalopes (Odessa, TX), Shreveport Mudbugs (Shreveport, LA), and Wichita Falls Warriors (Wichita Falls, TX). El Paso will be the ninth team in the South Division of the NAHL starting in the 2021-22 season. “We are excited to add a new team like El Paso to the NAHL footprint. We believe they have all the pieces in place for success, which includes great community support and involvement,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. “The growth of hockey in the South has played a large role in our league’s success and the addition of the new team in El Paso continues to solidify the footprint and will create many new and exciting rivalries. With the addition of their NA3HL team, who will begin play in 2020-21, they have a great foundation for player development.” The NAHL is a top destination league for players that are looking to earn an NCAA commitment and eventually play professional hockey. In the past five years, 1,400+ NAHL players have made NCAA commitments and 30 more with NAHL ties have been selected in the NHL Draft. In addition, 34 percent of all freshmen that played NCAA Division I hockey this past season, played in the NAHL. During this past 2019-20 season, 329 players have made NCAA commitments, 232 of which (70 percent) were NCAA Division 1 commitments. The Rhinos announced they will have a team in the NA3HL beginning in the 2020-21 season, which will be followed by the addition of an NAHL team in 2021-22. Founded in 2001 as a youth hockey team, the El Paso Rhinos played their first junior hockey game in 2006. Since that game, the Rhino staff has strived to improve every facet of hockey and business operations, develop players, and grow the program each season. “The Rhino franchise has modeled their objectives after the NAHL excellent level of play, commitment to players’ career advancement and personal development, and the league’s overall business professionalism. As an organization and ownership group, we believe that the step to the NAHL will facilitate the growth and development of the Rhinos’ program and athletes, and in turn, help the organization continue to expand and succeed in the years to come,” said Rhinos Owner and Head Coach Cory Herman. Over the past four seasons, 90 percent of all the El Paso Rhinos home games have sold out. Between 2017 and 2019, the Rhinos had 37 straight sellouts. Each game, over 15 off-ice officials volunteer to provide a professional experience for teams, referees, and fans. All off-ice officials previously worked for the semi-professional team, the El Paso Buzzards, and have volunteered with the Rhinos since the team’s inception. At the El Paso County Events Center, the Rhinos’ locker room contains 25 player stalls, a flat screen television, and a surround-sound system. Connected to the locker room is the bathroom, with five showers, and the training room, fully stocked with all practice and game-day essentials.

Head Coaches WANTED Moose Youth Hockey Association is looking for Non-Parent Head Coaches at the Peewee and Bantam levels.

This is a paid position with reimbursement for expenses.

PLEASE SEND RESUME TO:

Bobby Simon at bsimonhockey@gmail.com

www.stateofhockey.com

REED

LARSON

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Kaiser winner of Reed Larson Award State’s top defender is a UMD commit

–AWARD–

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Hockey Publisher Andover defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was recently honored as the top senior defenseman in the state when he received the Reed Larson Award at the March 4 Class AA banquet. Kaiser helped lead the Andover Huskies to the 2020 Minnesota State High School Tournament. Kaiser possesses top notch skating skills, puck control and on-ice awareness that set him apart from his competition for this award. The University of Minnesota-Duluth commit put up impressive numbers offensively by scoring 11 goals and adding 32 assists, but more importantly he was a top-notch defender, helping lead the Huskies to a No. 1 ranking and a berth into the Class AA State tournament. Kaiser is also ranked the 56th best skater in North America by the Central Scouting Bureau for players eligible for the 2020 NHL draft.

The 2020 candidates for the Reed Larson Award included: Cody Kelly (St. Michael-Albertville), Michael Scherer (Henry Sibley), Caden Rubischko (Lakeville South), Luke Gramer (Moorhead), Will Troutwine (Eveleth-Gilbert), Reid Bogenholm (St. Cloud Cathedral), Charlie Killian (St. Thomas Academy), Ben Dexheimer (Blake), Will Svenddal (Blake), Stevan Blauert (Academy of Holy Angels), Leighton Weasler (Faribault), Daniel Chalmers (Albert Lea), Preston Thelemann (Cretin-Derham Hall), Dusty Bergstrom (Pine City), Nate Schweitzer (Benilde-St. Margaret’s), and Evan Bushy (Thief River Falls). Reed Larson, a native of Minneapolis, played on the blue line for Minneapolis Roosevelt High School and the University of Minnesota, followed by 904 regular season games in the NHL, most notably as a captain of the Detroit Red Wings. He finished his career with 685 points and is now enshrined in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. The winner of the Reed Larson

PHOTO BY TIM KOHELMAINEN, BREAKDOWN SPORTS

Award is based on the following criteria: academics, community/extra-curricular activities, coachability and, of course, on-ice performance. Past recipients include: 2019 Mike Koster (Chaska), 2018 Luke LaMaster

(Duluth East), 2017 Dylan Samberg (Hermantown), 2016 Wyatt Aamodt (Hermantown), 2015 Jacob Olson (Hill-Murray), 2014 Luc Snuggerud (Eden Prairie), 2013 Jake Bischoff (Grand Rapids).

Officially Speaking: Always room for improvement

Look, OS’s goal is not to invent devious new ways to attack USA Hockey. Truth is, Colorado Springs does great work for amateur hockey. But there’s always room for improvement. And that’s where OS comes in. See, through this column, OS points out various problems with the governing organization. And one must identify a problem in order to

Officially SPEAKING by MARK LICHTENFELD

remedy that problem. Take the March, 2020 issue of USA Hockey Magazine. On page 9, there’s an interesting column concerning officials’ flight from the game. Specifically, USA Hockey identifies an annual thirty percent turnover of officials and a whopping fifty percent attrition rate for first year refs. Tell us something we don’t know. USA Hockey goes on to

www.stateofhockey.com Follow Let’s PlayHockey on Twitter @LetsPlay_ Hockey

‘Like’ Let’s Play Hockey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ letsplayhockey

acknowledge two primary reasons for this alarming trend. First, the old “abuse of officials” excuse. Next comes lack of opportunities to obtain decent assignments, otherwise known as the “good old boys network.” The above reasons are absolutely correct. No dispute there. It’s just that the Colorado poo-bahs quickly overlook the other reason for attrition which has always resulted in more aggravation than anything else. The annual USA Hockey registration shakedown. Here’s how it goes. Joe Smith and Joe Smith, Jr. are Level 3 and Level 1 refs respectively. It’s late July and their email inboxes start welcoming them to another USA Hockey season. Reading on, both Joes flinch at the open book, closed book, safe sport, in-person seminar and additional fingerprinting prerequisites simply to fight through the old boys’ network for the privilege of being abused on the ice by house league coaches and team managers. “Dad,” rants Junior. “Remember that column in Let’s Play Hockey last year. You know, the piece about the criminal lawyer representing death row inmates.” “What up, son?” “Remember, how it said that a law-

yer appearing before the Supreme Court had less hourly annual bar registration requirements than we did just to become a USA Hockey official last season?” “Yup,” snorts the elder. “That’s insane, Pop. I don’t have twelve free hours next month. Not with football, debate club and LSAT prep classes. Just to get a game or two on the weekend. Not worth it dad. I’m out.” “Been thinking the same, son. Who needs this? Those schedulers pulling in nearly six figures assigning their buddies to the top games and your old man can’t even get a band slot in a low level JV contest. Not to mention the whining, complaining and unprofessionalism from coaches and beer league hacks.” “Yeah Dad. Rather save those twelve hours of registration requirements and take a couple fishing trips to the U.P. with Uncle Hank this fall.” Dad smiles. “That’s my boy.” Read that again USA Hockey. Then add it to the list of reasons for departing officials. See, OS just identified the problem. Now do something about it. Questions and comments can be sent to editor@letsplayhockey.com, via Twitter @OSpeaking or through the Let’s Play Hockey Facebook page.

June 18, 2020

What Might Have Been by DAN BAUER The ominous clouds were building in the distance. College athletics were under a tornado warning. The exact course and severity of the twister could not be predicted. Winter sport athletes prayed it would miss them. And then it struck, with blinding speed and overwhelming force, destroying everything in its path. It was the day college athletics stood still. “Sick to my stomach, heartbroken, lost, angry, betrayed, shocked,” was how UW-Eau Claire senior Emily Bauer described it. There was no shortage of adjectives to describe the grief. In the days that followed, as the country was advised to suspend their lives, every college athlete had ample time to reflect on what might have been. For NCAA D3 women’s college hockey, the conference playoffs were complete and the road to the Frozen Four was an eight horse race and a single win away. It was an especially difficult pill to swallow for the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds women’s hockey team, who after two near misses, were poised to make their first ever trip to the elusive Frozen Four. Rising from the Ashes Rewind five years and the idea of this program winning a national championship was unthinkable. Coming off a pair of 21 loss seasons and a fifteen year run of mediocrity (145-236-39) the Blugolds turned the program over to thirty-seven year old alumnus Erik Strand. A graduate of Bloomington Jefferson High School in Minnesota, his resumé included 104 games as a Blugold and eight seasons as an assistant coach for

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

the men’s team that included a National Championship in 2013. In five short years, the two times WIAC Coach of the Year has compiled an 89-39-14 record and three straight NCAA tournament appearances. Building a championship culture began the day he accepted the job, and his drive to achieve it has been the catalyst to the dramatic rise of the program. On a timeline not even he could have predicted, the Blugolds have become legitimate championship contenders. “I believed I could help build the women’s program into a national contender,” Strand admitted, “but I was not anticipating it happening as quickly as it did.” The Blugold’s ascension under Strand’s guidance recently earned him his first CCM/ACHA D3 Women’s Coach of the Year nomination. One of his biggest rivals, Joe Cranston at River Falls, wasn’t at all surprised by his friend’s success. “I think he is a great coach, and I have a great deal of respect for him,” said Cranston, who has guided his Falcons to eleven straight NCAA appearances and just recently won his 400th game. “He has definitely pushed me to be a better coach. We often joke that when one of us wins, we better be ready to lose the next game because it has become a chess match that we both really enjoy.” After nine consecutive NCAA and WIAC regular season titles by the Falcons, the Blugolds ended their decade of dominance this year with their first ever WIAC title. While there are many pieces to constructing a successful program, it is clear that Strand has been the engineer. After a modest 9-13-5 first year, his Blugold women have posted 18, 19, 21 and

The Class of 2020 and the Rise of Blugold’s Women’s Hockey

22 win seasons and finished this year ranked number three in the country. His passion, organization, teaching of the game and aggressive systems of play are his trademarks. If you spend five minutes talking to him or watch one of his practices, all will be evident. The “Blugold Way” is ingrained in his athletes from the first day they step on campus. It is a culture predicated upon blue collar work ethic and unselfishly giving yourself to the program. “Leaving the program better than you found it and thinking about what we could do for UWEC women’s hockey rather than what UWEC women’s hockey could do for us,” is how Emily Bauer explained it. Erin Connolly, now the winningest goalie in Blugold history, believes it starts with finding the right kind of players. “I think Strand had to rely a lot at first on finding hardworking players that were willing to put their nose to the grindstone and play hard for everyone else in the room,” Connolly explained. “I believe he found that with our senior class, and every year afterwards, more and more hardworking players came in and we all developed our talent together. We’re not a team of all-stars, and that is something that makes this program so special. We know we can rely on everyone to do their job.” The emphasis on effort and compete level is developed in every practice. From start to finish it is a competition, the score is kept in every drill or small game, and in the end a consequence for the losers. And while barrel rolls, reverse seal walk and build a mountain were disliked, there was one particular punishment they all loathed. “So it actually started junior year

when we played at Concordia Minnesota. Some of their girls were flowing (their hair) down for warmups and we were talking about it in the lockeroom,” reminisced Emily Bauer. “When Strand came in and overheard us talking about how gross that is, he thought it would be pretty funny to make us do it. So sure enough, the next week Wednesday’s punishment was flowing down all of Thursday’s practice. We absolutely hated it but he got a kick out of it.” Senior captain Sami Meister is clear about the influence her coach has had on her. “Coach Strand is hands down the most focused, driven, and passionate coach/person that I have ever met,” Meister said. “His style of coaching comes straight from his heart. You can just tell that everything he does is for his love of the game and his love for the team. I loved playing for him because he is the only coach that I have ever had who cared about things that I did off of the ice.” “He always was there to remind you of how good you are, even if you don’t believe it yourself and pushes everyone to their highest potential,” praised Senior Abby Roeser. “He is always pushing us to practice the way we would play in a game. He’s not afraid to say something to you, but he always does it in a supportive way.” Assistant Chris Lombardo joined the Blugold staff three years ago after the departure of Taylor Ward. Lombo, as he is affectionately called, sees the same characteristics in Strand. “The culture that he’s been able to

– BLUGOLDS –

continued on page 11

YOUTH HOCKEY COACHES WANTED Woodbury Area Hockey Club (WAHC) is accepting applications for non-parent PAID coaches for:

SQUIRT / PEEWEE / BANTAM GIRLS 12U / GIRLS 10U

All interested candidates should send a Letter of Interest to: • (For SQUIRT, PEEWEE, BANTAM) Tim O’Connor at coaching@woodburyhockey.com • (For GIRLS 10U & 12U) Scott Szybatka at girlsdirector@woodburyhockey.com

www.woodburyhockey.com

www.stateofhockey.com

BLUGOLDS continued from page 10

establish in just a few years is amazing, said the New York native. “One word that comes to mind when I talk about Coach Strand is passion. The passion he has for the game and, more importantly, the passion he has for his players. He truly cares about each and every one of them.” The two coaches made an immediate connection and together have pushed the Blugolds to new heights. “Working with Erik has been so much fun,” said Lombardo, who left his job as head coach at Mahopac High School in New York. “He and I are almost always on the same page. Even though he oversees everything as the head coach, he lets me do my thing with the defense. It’s nice to be an assistant coach when the head coach has that kind of confidence in his staff.” “Coach Lombardo has been an excellent fit for us,” offered Strand. “[He] does an excellent job of adding ideas or suggesting solutions if we are struggling on a concept. His passion for the game and helping our program have success is hard to quantify.” The Fab Five - Senior Class of 2020 There is a time tested adage that you judge a new coach after they have had time to make their roster their own. The graduating class of 2020 was Strand’s first batch of recruits. Eleven players came into the program with unknown expectations and even some reservation. None, with the exception of goaltender Erin Connolly, the reigning Miss Hockey in Wisconsin who had been contacted by a few other schools, were highly sought after. As the competition for playing time increased and success of the team soared, so did the attrition rate. Four years later, only five remained. Perhaps the most unexpected of the original eleven was defenseman Sami Meister. After unsuccessfully exploring colleges as a junior, she made the decision in her words, “to go to school and be a normal student.” She chose Eau Claire mostly because two of her siblings and her mother were Blugold graduates. She arrived on campus with no intentions of playing. Meister recalled her apprehension. “I didn’t really want to be a part of a team that lost more games than they had won,” she said. Then the phone call from Strand came that caused her to consider the possibility of playing. “He told me that if I was interested I could join the team as they needed another defenseman,” said the Wayzata, Minn., native. “I thought about it and I decided, why not? I could just try it out, make a couple of friends, and if I didn’t like it or it wasn’t fun, I could just quit and become a normal student. I did not know what was coming, but I am sure glad I told him yes.” Meister, a three time Honorable Mention WIAC defenseman, quickly established herself as a disciplined and dependable asset on the blue line. Named captain as a senior, she has quarterbacked one of the team’s power plays since her sophomore season and has been a key component of the team’s nationally 4th ranked penalty kill. Always preferring the pass over the shot, Meister finished her career with 12 goals and 37 assists. Assistant coach Chris Lombardo has nothing but praise for Meister. “Sami has been such a mainstay on the blue line and as a leader, she is so irreplaceable,” he offered. “I will miss being able to call out her number.” “Sami is the epic example of the nature and spirit of a hockey player,” praised Strand. “She is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She has a true compassion for people and a heart of gold. On the ice however, a switch flips and she transformed into the ultimate warrior, smart, competitive and

Let’s Play Hockey rarely ever on the losing side of a battle.” As their highly successful career with the Central Wisconsin Storm was ending, there were no college coaches calling for twins Elizabeth and Emily Bauer. It was only after sending out inquiries to coaches did they garner some interest. It was Strand who came out to watch them play in Eau Claire and immediately told them he wanted them to become Blugolds. His pitch was strong, but the decision for both to become Blugolds remained in limbo with Emily decidedly choosing Eau Claire, while her sister leaned toward Stevens Point. After months of debating, it was the persistence and enthusiasm of Strand that tipped the scale. One of Strand’s tenets is based on finding players with high hockey IQ’s. When it came to the Bauer twins, Strand struck cerebral gold. He describes it as, “players being able to play within our system, but also know when to be hockey players and play outside of it.” “I do not say this lightly. Elizabeth (Biz) may be the smartest hockey player I have ever coached,” said Strand, offering to include his days on the men’s side. “I think she sees the ice and what plays are available at one of the highest levels I have seen.” Elizabeth jumped on the Blugold freeway and quickly ascended the team’s depth chart. She would go on to achieve Honorable Mention and two First Team WIAC honors while setting the school record for single season assists (26) and career (66). Amassing 103 points, the two year captain finished second all-time on the Blugolds career scoring list. Her success even surprised her head coach. Bauer recalls her exit meeting after her junior year when Strand told her, “I thought you were going to be good, I didn’t think you were going to be this good.” The admiration was mutual as Elizabeth, the eldest Bauer twin by a mere minute, credits Strand with transforming the program simply stating, “I think the key was Coach Strand.” For Emily it was a completely different story. After a productive freshman year of five goals and four assists, she struggled through numerous healthy scratches as a sophomore and finished with just two points. Following a very successful high school career, including leading the state of Wisconsin in assists as a senior, not playing while her sister flourished was beyond frustrating. It is a situation many young college athletes are ill-prepared to handle. As a junior and senior she found her place and played in every game, compiling 29 points and plus/minus of +36. Her perseverance had paid off and despite the rough stretches she endured, she holds the utmost respect for her head coach. “He is so invested in each team he coaches,” remarked the Wausau East graduate. “He always wanted us to leave everything out there each night so we had nothing to regret. He had high expectations for us. Each year the bar went up a little higher and he always held us to the highest standards because he believed we were good enough together, to achieve any goal we wanted.” Emily’s struggles didn’t go unnoticed by her head coach. “No doubt her sophomore year wasn’t easy to go through, but not only did she battle through it, she grew in a way that elevated her play and she earned an extremely important role for us her junior and senior year,” praised Strand. “Emily’s passion and compete as a player are off the charts,” he continued. “So many of the little plays she is so good at making aren’t the ones that show up on the stat sheet; she is smart and so good with her passes. I’ll always be impressed with her work ethic.” For Erin Connolly it was love at first sight when it came to the Eau Claire program. The Homestead High School graduate was impressed by Strand’s persistence and drive to build a winning program. Recalling her choice to become a Blugold, Connolly reflected, “What ce-

mented my decision was largely Strand’s coaching philosophy and approach. He made it clear we were going to be a blue-collar, hardworking team, finding success through accountability and buyin to the program. That was something I was looking for in a team.” Connolly immediately and seamlessly transitioned from her decorated high school career, two time First Team All-State and Miss Hockey her senior year, into the backbone of a team that would establish itself as a suffocating defensive machine. The DNA of the Blugolds swarming philosophy evolved from Strand’s time as an assistant with the men’s team. “I came to realize how important time and space is because of all the battles I coached in and prepared for against St. Norbert College (Five National Championships),” Strand acknowledged. “They have always been one of the best at limiting time and space. Worst case scenario if we don’t have success, we’ll be able to say we went down swinging and I’m 100 percent okay with that.” With Connolly in net, the Blugolds finished this season with a 1.00 goals against average per game – the 4th best in the nation. Connolly would go on to play 102 of the 115 games over her four years and set virtually every Blugold goaltending record, including GAA (1.38), Save percentage (.930), shutouts (22) and wins (70). All four years she was named to the WIAC First Team and as a senior was honored with the Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete Award. Just recently Erin was nominated for the Laura Hurd Award, given annually to the best NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey player in the country. As a threetime AHCA All-Academic selection, she has maintained a 3.86 GPA. In Connolly, Strand had found the perfect backstop to his “firewagon” defensive system. “Her focus, her dedication to her craft, her compete level and her passion for hockey is phenomenal,” remarked Strand. “She has this innate ability to keep her teammates confident and calm. They all knew she had their back and they could play as hard as they wanted and make as many mistakes as they wanted because in our end of the rink they knew Erin was there waiting to help.” Much like her classmate Sami Meister, Abby Roeser came to Eau Claire not expecting to play hockey. From Cottage Grove, Minn., she was aware of the Blugolds track record “I knew the team wasn’t very good,” she said. After reaching out to coach Strand she decided to play. “I was just happy to keep playing hockey.” She struggled through a freshman year that saw her play in just eleven games. As a sophomore she made the line-up, but still wasn’t getting much playing time. Strand remembers that tough start. “She battled some adversity her freshman and sophomore years, but it only made her more determined,” he said. Emily remembers those early seasons when she and Abby watched from above. “Looking back, it was hard to not play, but Abby and I made the best of the situation and had some fun,” she said. “We always felt like we were still part of the team. For a lot of players it is just part of the transition from high school.” Abby’s perseverance paid off and she became an important piece of the Blugold puzzle. It was all a part of Strand’s master plan. Through his playing and coaching, he learned the value of a deep roster that can wear other teams down. He seldom varies from his four line rotation. “We’re built with the idea of creating multiple lines that may not be very flashy,” said the head coach, “but they compete hard, they are smart and all of them have the ability to be on the score-

June 18, 2020

sheet on any given night.” As the number three ranked team in the country, you won’t find any Blugolds in the nation’s top scorers. In fact, you will have to scroll down to number 85 to find the team’s top scorer Hanna Zavoral with twenty-five points. Their “on any given night” balance is exactly how the Blugolds win. Roeser was one of eight players to score eight or more goals this season, and the top goal scorer, Elizabeth Bauer, had only 11. An East Ridge High School grad, Roeser made her name with a unique blend of speed and toughness. “Statistically, Abby may not jump off the page, but she was an extremely pivotal player for us,” related Strand. “She has exceptional speed and was the best net front forward in our league taking away the other team’s goalie’s eyes.” Named as a captain her senior year, she served as a role model for a large class of incoming freshmen. “She was a tremendous example of what our compete level and daily battle looks like,” said Strand. Recruiting high school athletes is at best a gamble in identifying character at a very unpredictable age. How players will handle the challenges of managing their academics and time and how they adjust to living away from home are often difficult to accurately assess. This inaugural class was no different, but Strand saw something in each that fit his evolving culture. “I had ideas about what the potential was for each of these players,” he recalled, “but I knew that at the very worst, if they didn’t reach their potential, that they were going to be excellent examples of what dedication and determination looks like.” As the seniors move on to make room for the incoming “Nugolds” next fall, as Strand calls them, his Class of 2020 has become the player blueprint for all the classes to follow. ”I think every one of our seniors has a lot of similar characteristics that are needed for a program to have success,” he said. “They are all good people off the ice, hard working in the classroom, very competitive, committed, have a high hockey IQs and are very passionate about the game.” NCAA Horror Show While the list of Blugold accomplishments and broken records over the past three seasons is extensive, it is what might have been that likely keeps them awake at night. It began back in 2018 when Eau Claire earned its first ever bid to the national tournament. They went on a nine game unbeaten streak, capped by their first O’Brien Cup tournament championship, a 3-2 double overtime victory at River Falls, to finish the season. They were rewarded with the first ever NCAA D3 women’s play-in game on the road at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. When Emma Peterson scored just over a minute into the third overtime, another milestone had been achieved: their first NCAA Tournament victory. Connolly was brilliant in goal stopping 60 shots for the Blugolds. The NCAA, short on foresight, sent Eau Claire back on the ice less than twenty-fours later to face the well-rested Hamline Pipers, who had no play-in game. The physically and emotionally drained Blugolds came out flat and fell behind, 3-0. Out shooting Hamline 20-11 over the final two periods, they closed to within a goal, but fell short of an NCCA Frozen Four trip, 3-2. Realizing their lack of judgment, the NCAA has now moved the play-in games to Wednesday, so teams have two days of rest between games. For the Blugolds it was too little, too late. Unfortunately, nobody in Eau Claire realized then that the horror show was just beginning. Eau Claire continued their surge up the college hockey polls in 2019 and earned their second NCAA appearance.

– BLUGOLDS –

continued on page 12

June 18, 2020

BLUGOLDS continued from page 11

A 3-1 loss at Lake Forest in early January sparked the team to a 12-1 record the rest of the way and a second consecutive O’Brien Cup. Drawing the top seeded St. Thomas Tommies, in the quarterfinals in South St. Paul, Eau Claire took a 2-1 lead into the third period. Emily Bauer scored a power play early in the third period to give the Blugolds a 3-1 lead and the Tommies appeared to be reeling. Then it happened, after reporting the goal, the referees gathered at center ice and the nightmare was back on. After over five minutes of deliberation and a conference with the local goal judge, the goal was nullified by a controversial ruling that the net had been moved prior to the goal. It was the second chance wake-up call St. Thomas needed and they rallied for a 4-3 win. Anger and frustration boiled over in the locker room with feelings that another Frozen Four trip had been unfairly taken away. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Strand took the high road following the game. “The officials did not lose the game for us; we had plenty of time to finish and win the game,” he said following the loss. “This is the hand that we are dealt, not sure why right now, but everything happens for a reason. We will definitely rise from this stronger and more determined.” The season would also bring a couple of major milestones. Senior Courtney Wittig became the first DIII player to ever be selected in the NWHL draft. The Green Bay native, who transferred from Marian College as a sophomore, had fueled the Eau Claire offense, putting up 57 goals and 92 points in three seasons. Wittig and teammate Holly Turnbull became just the second and third First Team NCAA All-Americans in Blugolds history, following Kristin Faber in 2011. The team’s rocketing success was parlaying into individual recognition. “You obviously hope for the best for your players and want their dreams to come true,” Strand said. “When you get a chance to see that actually happen and be a part of it, that’s why you coach.” As rewarding as the Blugold’s rapid ascent was, to Strand he knew the real work laid ahead. While attending the ACHA Convention early in his coaching career he heard Michigan State’s Rick Comley speak after the Spartan’s 2007 National Championship season. Comley recalled how difficult it is to stay on top once you get there. Strand explained, “Here is a coach that has won 738 games in his career sharing his experience about how hard it is to have continued success. That talk struck me for some reason and even though we have yet to win a NCAA Championship, the success we have enjoyed gives players a false sense of security that all you need to do is show up and the winning just happens. It is the furthest thing from the truth. I have found that it takes A LOT of work to have success to begin with, but it takes even more hard work to maintain that level of success.” He continued, “We focused a lot less on who we were playing and more on our work ethic and what we control and how we prepare and how we play.” Unlike every other D3 women’s conference in the country, the WIAC is not eligible for an automatic bid, achieved by winning the conference tournament. Instead they must qualify as one of three ‘at large’ berths. It leaves little room for error during a long season. There is no definite win and you are in game in March. While other teams can rally from a slow start or rebound from a mid-season slump, teams in the WIAC have to maintain their “A” game all season long. A huge challenge awaited the Blugolds as they opened the 2019-20 season, and for the senior class of 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

it meant they were down to their last strike. It also meant saying goodbye to eight seniors including Wittig and Turnbull. But perhaps even more importantly it was welcoming in fourteen freshmen. A return trip to the NCAAs was anything but guaranteed as they took the ice in October. The seniors embraced the challenge of making the freshman comfortable in their new environment and teaching them the Blugold way. “First priority was getting the freshmen up to speed as quickly as possible,” Emily admitted. “And not just with drills and systems – though those were important – but buying into our culture.” Did they ever question their return to the NCAA Tournament? “Going in, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of NCAAs this year,” Roeser recalled. “We all just tried to take it day by day and focus on the games in front of us and not too far ahead. Everyone really pulled together from the start.” “I never had doubt about the team because I knew with Strand and Lombo, our success would be there,” reassured Meister. Her faith was not misplaced as the team bolted to an 8-1-1 start. Not only did the freshmen adapt, they excelled. When the Blugolds defeated River Falls to win their first WIAC regular season championship, Strand demonstrated his mindfulness and made sure the parents of this group were included. The team and parents gathered at “the arch” on campus to get a collective photo. It was important to him to recognize the support parents have provided for their daughters and the program. Strand explained, “Our parents are without a doubt our biggest supporters and fans. I know they are there behind the scenes and are equally as emotionally invested in our season as the players and our staff are. They are not the ones getting up early lifting weights or going through our practices, but they may be the first person that gets the call after something wonderful happens for their daughter. They are definitely there helping pick up the pieces when their daughter may have a bad day on or off the ice. So if we would have left the parents out of this historic moment, we would have left out a large part of the support system that helped make this dream a reality for all of us.” The Blugolds broke their record for wins again and for the third straight season earned a trip to the NCAA tournament. The stage was set and for the seniors, after coming up short the past two seasons, the motivation was high and the goal was clearly in sight. For Erin Connolly, the disappointment of the past two seasons hadn’t faded. “Those final games stuck with me throughout the summer and definitely helped motivate me in the gym and on the ice to go a little harder when I thought I couldn’t. I didn’t want to leave anything to chance in our last season.” Elizabeth echoed the motivational factor. “I think going through those two tough losses when it felt like we lost because of things we couldn’t control, but we knew deep down that we needed to be better.” The End of a Dream On Monday, March 9, the Blugolds gathered in their locker room to confirm what they had expected – a third straight NCCA berth. After a pair of tight losses to UW-River Falls to close the season, the possibility of being in the play-in game was real. However, their strong regular season landed them in the quarterfinals awaiting the winner of the River Falls-Gustavus Adolphus match-up. As the week progressed, the concern over the spread of the Coronavirus had grown into a national crisis. It was announced that the play-in game between Amherst and Norwich was not going to allow any fans. Rumors began to spread as quickly as the virus itself and then word came that the quarterfinal

game the Blugolds would host would be played with families only allowed. Wednesday night River Falls disposed of GAC, 4-1, and a third straight weekend match-up against the Falcons was set. Parents waited for word on how many tickets they would be allowed. As the pandemic intensified and the NBA announced it was suspending its season, Saturday could not come fast enough. The Blugolds went to practice on Thursday. It would the last time they stepped on the ice together. Sami Meister had just left practice at Hobbs Ice Arena and was at the WR Davies Student Center studying for an exam. “At the exact moment I found out about the season ending, I had also found out about school being canceled. The building erupted with students cheering because they didn’t have to go to school anymore. And yes, this meant that I didn’t have to take my exam, but this also meant that I would never get to play competitive hockey again,” she explained remorsefully. “Like I had done all of these things, worked hard every day, and then just like that, it was all gone. It just ended, and I didn’t have a say in it at all. I wanted to point my finger at someone and just scream, but there was no one to blame. I felt empty.” The announcement that afternoon that the NCAA was canceling, not postponing the season, crippled the eight teams waiting for their chance at a National Championship. The tornado had struck and spewed not debris, but a malaise of heartbreak and disbelief. “I felt incredibly helpless,” said Connolly. Head coach Erik Strand was in his office collecting the names of the six family members that each player requested for the quarterfinal ticket list. Strand called the news and the job of addressing his team, “the toughest meeting I have ever had, ever.” And for his seniors, it was a third NCAA tournament nightmare. “It’s like a Hollywood movie and you’re thinking no way this keeps happening to the same main character, yet here we are again,” he said. Elizabeth Bauer, like every athlete, had been in that last game locker room many times before, but this was different. “We are all used to having our seasons end with the heartbreak of losing and not being good enough,” she lamented, “but the heartbreak we experienced, by not even having the chance, was way worse than anything I’ve ever experienced.” Unprepared for what had just transpired and his team scattered around the campus, Strand scheduled a meeting for Friday. Battling raw emotions is something all coaches learn to deal with during tough losses and the unexpected adversity that every season brings. The temporary failure of losing a game is something you learn to deal with. You learn to understand that injuries and bad bounces are part of the contract you signed when you decided to play. When you play the game, you get a say in the outcome, you discover that sometimes your best won’t be good enough, and yet your best is all you can give. But this, like stopping a game after two periods, the unknown of a bracket that will never be filled out, was completely different. “For the first time ever, I really struggled with what I was going to say to the team,” said an emotional Strand. “The meeting itself was raw emotion. The last time I cried that much was probably when my mom had passed away. The message to the team was one of appreciation for the work and dedication they all put in. I also asked that any time any of them started to focus on how our season ended, that instead they focus on what we had achieved.” He reminded them, “Very few teams get a chance to have the season we just did and even though there was not a true finish, we still had a magical journey!” In locker rooms across the nation,

www.stateofhockey.com coaches struggled to find the right words. “It was really hard to see him so broken,” said Meister. Emily Bauer also saw the pain. “He was emotional; it was hard for him to put into words how disappointed he was that it was over. He knew how unfair it was that we played our last game and had our last practice without even knowing it.” He told us, he wished he could do anything to change the outcome,” Elizabeth added. Not Looking Back All the teams affected by the NCAA shutdown will be challenged over the rest of their lives to not look back at something they had no control over. That will, for most, be an exercise in futility. The closer you get to your dream, the more difficult it is to see it end. For the Blugold class of 2020, there will be days when they will still question their three near misses and wonder just how close they were to achieving their dream on March 12, 2020, they day their hockey careers came to an abrupt end. “I will always have the what-if in my mind,” admitted Emily. “What if we had a day between games, could we have beat Hamline? What if they hadn’t called the goal off? We go up 3-1 in the third period, would we have let them come back? Again we will never know the answer.” Connolly agreed. “Of course, I get caught up in thinking about the what-ifs. Making it to the Frozen Four and battling for a national championship is something all of us had been dreaming about and working towards since our freshman year. It hurts knowing we won’t ever find out how far this group could’ve gone this year,” she said. The class of 2020 will go down as the winningest class in school history with 80 wins. Based on the trajectory of the program, it may not be a record they hold for long. They will be remembered for being the catalyst of the program’s remarkable turnaround. Four years ago Erik Strand took a chance on five seniors, but also knows they did the same. “I just want to thank them for taking a chance on me and for giving the program and me everything they had,” he said. “Individually and collectively they have demonstrated what sacrifice, hard work and putting the program first looks like by living this lifestyle every day. I do not believe they have asked any Blugold to do anything more than what they themselves where willing to do themselves.” When they gather to reminisce with teammates, they will remember that locker room when they learned of their first NCAA bid, Mariah Czech’s overtime game winner to secure their first O’Brien Cup, Elizabeth’s acrobatic overtime goal versus Adrian, Connolly’s stellar 60 saves and the goal that wasn’t at St. Thomas. But it won’t be just the wins and losses that stay with them. They will recall singing on the bus ride after a big win, the “terrible” Blugold idol skits, the team dinners, Strand’s “Hell of a Day to be a Blugold”, morning practice, chili cookouts, and the great friends they made along with way. They might even venture into the memory of the sophomore Superior meltdown. Connolly reflected, “I think I’m going to miss the little things the most, though, cause they made up some great memories.” For Abby Roeser, “I will remember the friendships and relationships that I built with my team, hands down.” But in the end they will always come back to the question of what might have been. “It’s hard to not think about what could’ve been,” concluded Roeser. Dan Bauer is a free-lance writer, retired teacher and hockey coach in Wausau, Wis. You can contact him at drbauer13@gmail.com.

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

June 18, 2020

USA Hockey announces 2020 individual awards

– NOTEBOOK – Jake Sanderson named Dave Tyler Junior Hockey Player of the Year

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jake Sanderson (Whitefish, Montana), a defenseman who played for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in 2019-20, has been named the recipient of the Dave Tyler Junior Hockey Player of the Year Award it was announced June 4 by USA Hockey. The honor is presented annually to the most outstanding American-born player in junior hockey and is named after Dave Tyler, who served on the USA Hockey Board of Directors for 32 years and played an instrumental role in the development and growth of junior hockey in the United States. Skating in 47 games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team of the NTDP, Sanderson led all defensemen with 29 points (7-22–29) across USHL, NCAA and international play. Sanderson was selected to play in the 2020 BioSteel All-American Game which features top American-born NHL Draft eligible players. He had two assists in the contest and was named the game’s most valuable player. Internationally, Sanderson recorded eight points (4-4–8) in eight games during the 2019-20 season. He helped Team USA win the Five Nations Tournament in Sundsvall, Sweden, in November, and then in February in Chomutov, Czech Republic, led the Five Nations Tournament with seven points (3-4–7). Sanderson is committed to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota for the 2020-21 season.

Dustin Wolf named Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Backstopped Everett Silvertips; Named to 2020 U.S. National Junior Team COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Dustin Wolf (Gilroy, Calif.), who was recently named the 2019-20 WHL Goaltender of the Year while playing for the Everett Silvertips, has been named the recipient of the Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year, it was announced June 3 by USA Hockey. The recipient of the Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Award is chosen from the pool of American-born goaltenders who play at the junior level each year. The award, presented by Bauer Hockey, is named in honor of the late Dave Peterson, a passionate leader in goaltender development who twice coached the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Appearing in 46 games with Everett, Wolf led the WHL in save percentage (.935), goals-against average (1.88) and shutouts (9), in addition to tying for the league-lead in wins (34). Wolf currently ranks in the top-5 in all-time Silvertips career goaltending stat categories for wins, shutouts, save percentage, goals-against average and games played. In addition, Wolf currently ranks tied for third all-time in WHL shutouts with 20. Wolf was named to the U.S. National Junior Team for the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship and backstopped Team USA to a 6-3 win over Germany with a 17-save performance. He also represented the U.S. on the international stage in 2018, finishing 2-1-0-0 with one shutout in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Wolf signed an entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames on May 1 after being selected by the organization at the 2019 NHL Draft in the seventh round, 214th overall. NOTES: Wolf is the first California native to win the Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Award... The two most recent award winners, Dustin Wolf and Isaiah Saville, were teammates on the 2020 U.S. National Junior Team.

Dave Andrews named recipient of Distinguished Achievement Award Award recognizes outstanding contributions to hockey in America

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Dave Andrews (Longmeadow, Mass.), longtime president and chief executive officer of the American Hockey League, has been named the recipient of USA Hockey’s 2020 Distinguished Achievement Award it was announced June 12. Created in 1991, the award is presented annually to a United States citizen who has made hockey his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions, on or off the ice, to the sport in America. Having recently completed his 26th and final season at the helm of the AHL, Andrews has overseen the expansion and development of the league since 1994. Over his nearly three decades of service, the AHL has grown from a regional 16-team format to a 31-team league in diverse markets across the country. “Dave Andrews has played a significant role in helping advance hockey in our country,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “As we know, when professional teams arrive into a market, that has an influence in growing the game at the grassroots level and beyond. While we’re sad to see Dave retire, his legacy and impact will be felt for generations to come.” Andrews played an integral role in the implementation of innovative rule changes and increased player safety initiatives throughout the league during his tenure. He also developed corporate and broadcast partnerships to establish strong platforms for viewership of league games and events which has played an important role in added visibility of the sport. In recognition of his contributions to hockey in the United States, Andrews was also awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy in 2010, and has been inducted into both the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame (2005) and the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame (2006).

Elizabeth Giguere wins 23rd Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Clarkson University junior forward led nation in goals

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Elizabeth Giguere (Quebec City, Que.), a junior forward from Clarkson University, was named the recipient of the 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award on March 27. The award is presented annually to the top player in the NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey by The USA Hockey Foundation. Giguere was selected from the top-three finalists that also included sophomore forward Alina Mueller (Winterthur, Switzerland/Northeastern University) and senior forward Abby Roque (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich./University of Wisconsin). “It would be hard to say that any one player has elevated their game or put their team on their shoulders more than Elizabeth has this year,” said Matt Desrosiers, head coach of the Clarkson women’s ice hockey team. “We have been fortunate to have had some great players come through our program, but Elizabeth has displayed the ability to do things on the ice that just make you shake your head in amazement. One of the best attributes she has shown is the capability to make everyone around her better.” The Clarkson superstar has been a gamechanger since joining the team in 2017 and closed out the 2019-20 season as the NCAA’s most dominant goal-scorer (37), including 10 game-winning goals, which tied for tops in the nation. Giguere, who helped lead Clarkson to a 25-6-6 record, was second in the nation with 66 points and her 1.78 points per game average was third best in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey in 2019-20. ECAC Hockey’s Player and Forward of the Year, Giguere led the conference this season in goals (23), points (41) and points per game (1.86). She twice earned ECAC Hockey Player of the Month Award honors and was also a two-time ECAC Hockey Player of the Week honoree. Giguere also earned distinctions as the Windjammer Classic MVP and NCAA First Star of the Week in 2019-20. Giguere will enter her senior campaign next season with 210 career points, just four points shy of breaking the school record held by Loren Gabel, who captured the 2019 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. NOTES: Giguere is the 23rd receipient of the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and the third Golden Knight to earn the honor, joining last season’s winner Loren Gabel and Jamie Lee Rattray, who claimed the honor in 2014 ... The 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner and the top-three finalists were chosen by a 13-person selection committee made up of NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey coaches, representatives of print and broadcast media, an at-large member and a representative of USA Hockey, the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States. The independent accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, tabulated the ballots.

John Helsdon named 2020 Chet Stewart Award winner South Dakota native has been officiating for more than 40 years COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced June 9 that John Helsdon (Rapid City, S.D.), who for more than 40 years served as an on-ice official and today continues to mentor young officials in South Dakota’s Rushmore Hockey Association, is the recipient of this year’s Chet Stewart Award. The honor recognizes the achievement of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to USA Hockey’s officiating education program at the grassroots level during many years of service as both an official and volunteer. The award is named in honor of the late Chet Stewart, who for many years served as USA Hockey’s Referee-In-Chief. Although his reputation as an official surpasses many due to his expansive knowledge of the game, it’s his passion and commitment to help mentor the next generation within the Rushmore Hockey Association community that puts Helsdon in a league of his own. Helsdon began his officiating career with USA Hockey in the mid-1970s and his broad experience has helped contribute to his wide vision for how to facilitate growth in the officiating community. One of Helsdon’s passions is mentoring young officials and he continues to volunteer countless hours to help teach the fundamentals of the game to up-and-coming officials. Those closest to him laud Helsdon as one of the game’s most knowledgeable officials, noting he can still today essentially recite the rule book by heart. Helsdon is always working regularly to help grow the number of officials for the Rushmore Hockey Association house program and spends time providing feedback to young officials both before and after games to help them grow in their craft. Thanks to his boundless energy and commitment, the Rushmore Hockey Association continues to attract new officials to the sport each and every year.

– USA HOCKEY AWARDS – continued on page 18

MARCH 5-6, 2021 St. Paul RiverCentre

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

Shooting to Score: What are the Odds? Over the years, I have seen a considerable number of videos and other aids and devices to help hockey players shoot better and score more. Many video tapes, stick weights, weighted pucks, wrist exercises and shooting schools exist. One video, “The Shooters Edge,” from several years ago provided some of the statistics and concepts that help learn where and how to shoot to optimize scoring. Great shooters still spend hundreds of hours in the garage or basement practicing against an empty net, however. Some key concepts are as follows: Statistics: • 65%-70% of all goals are scored in the bottom 12 inches of the net. There is more room down low. This is especially important for defensemen. • 50%-55% of successful shots are released within one second. • 80% of goals are scored with little or no windup. • 25% of all goals are scored in the 5 hole; between the goalie’s legs. • Only 20% of high goals are scored over the goaltenders blocker – 80% over the catcher. • Only 6% of one-timers scored in

COACHES’ CORNER by JOHN RUSSO

the top 12 inches of the net. • About half of goals are scored from within 10 feet of the net. These statistics alone tell a big story. They say: shoot low; shoot quick; shoot at the 5 hole when no obvious hole exists; if shooting high, go over the catcher. Concepts: • For goaltenders, it is easier to move their hands than their feet, thus the advantage down low. Also, low shots only have to gauge the left-right situation, not the left-right and high-low. With 6570% of goals low, who can argue? • Release is the most important of the three aspects (velocity, accuracy, release) of shooting. Higher velocity takes time, allowing goaltenders to prepare and also for a defender to get a stick on

the shot. It is important to practice at full speed and get shots off quickly with as much accuracy as possible. Accuracy will come if quick release is properly practiced. • Learn to shoot directly off of stickhandling and off of both feet, not just the power foot. • The snapshot is one the most effective of all shots. It has more power than wrist shots, it is quick and accurate, and can be shot even without full control of the puck. • Backhand shots are the least practiced of all shots, but are the hardest shots to read by goaltenders. So…. work on backhands! • Most times shoot low from the outside; higher from the inside, if goaltenders are down. For butterfly goaltenders, the low shot is often 6 to 12 inches off the ice.

USPHL.com

• Shoot on right-handed goaltenders; A. Low blocker side is best for left-handed shooters. Quick under the blocker. B. Low catcher side is best for right-handed shooters. Quick past the glove. C. Up over the blocker is the poorest choice by all shooters. D. Up over the catcher is the best high option. E. The five hole is generally the best overall option, especially when the goaltender is moving. • It is important to visualize openings to shoot at from the puck’s viewpoint. The shooter’s eyes see a considerably different situation than actually exists. Their eyes see holes up high that do not exist and miss low holes that do exist. It is generally best to shoot low on the side that the shooter’s stick is on (right side for right handers, etc.). This is generally where the biggest hole is from the puck’s viewpoint. Well, that outlines a few of the key statistics and concepts. Now players have to remember to apply them – and keep practicing!

@USPHL

USPHL

NOTEBOOK Royal Treatment: Mullets’ Lindblom commits to Bethel University by DAN BRADLEY

Mullets Staff

Minnesota Mullets forward Jake Lindblom will soon be trading in his Mullet Maroon sweater for a new jersey of Bethel Royal Blue. On Monday, the Mullets announced Lindblom has committed to Division-III Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minn., in the fall of 2020. “I’m very excited to play for Bethel,” Lindblom said. “Bethel keeps me close to home. I’ll be able to see my family and that was a big deal for me. They carry the academic programs I’m interested in as well, and it seems like a great community to be a part of.” Lindblom, a two-year captain with Minnesota who is from Pine City off I-35, finished the 2019-20 season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 40 games before an injury cut his season short. The impact of his injury was felt immediately, as the Mullets dropped three of the final four games in his absence before losing to the Minnesota Moose in the first round of the playoffs. The Mullets play at Northeast Ice Arena in Minneapolis. In three seasons with the Mullets, Lindblom scored 26 goals and 43 assists, missing just seven games in that stretch. “(Playing for the Mullets) was a phenomenal experience,” Lindblom said. “I came in not really knowing what to expect, but as each day went on, I

knew I made the right choice in going to the Mullets. We had a great group of guys every year and a great staff to go along with it. I will always be thankful for those memories and friendships for the rest of my life.” In addition to playing for the Mullets, Lindblom also spent the last two seasons coaching a local youth hockey team, an experience he says has prepared him for returning to school. “It will be a challenge returning to school and handling school and hockey, which is something I haven’t done in three years,” Lindblom said. “Balancing junior hockey with work and with coaching has taught me how to manage a tough schedule, and I’m excited for a new experience to grow as both a player and a person as a Bethel Royal.” Lindblom plans to study social work and education. Because of his defensive versatility, Lindblom will be joining the Royals as a defenseman. While his first two years with the Mullets saw him mostly as a forward, Lindblom spent the first 10 games of the 2019-20 season as a defenseman when injuries impacted the team. He also filled in on defensive shifts as needed throughout the season, playing full periods on defense then jumping back to forward, and also played as a defenseman on the penalty kill. “Jake has been a big part of what we have been building here, and I’m so excited for this next step in his academic and hockey career,” Mullets head coach

Chris Walby said. “Jake is driven to succeed no matter what. Bethel was his first choice in schools, and he’s pursued that goal all season. It’s a perfect scenario for him in many ways. I’m happy for Jake and his family and can’t wait to see him continue to grow on and off the ice.” With the commitment to Bethel

University, Lindblom is the 39th player from Walby’s programs to advance to an NCAA program over the past eight years, and the 8th Mullet to advance to college from the 2019-20 team. For more information on the Mullets program, go to www.mulletshockey.com.

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Like Father, Like Son

Godbouts and Strobels share state championship memories

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Hockey Publisher Jason Godbout and Mike Strobel knew exactly what their boys were feeling when Hill-Murray defeated Eden Prairie 4-1 to win the 2020 Class AA hockey tournament. After all, they’d been there and done that. Godbout and Strobel were teammates on the 1991 Hill-Murray squad that defeated Duluth East in the last “Great Eight” tourney to win the state title. Now, looking back, both dads realize so many parallels between the two teams. Both teams had six losses entering section playoffs. Both teams played White Bear Lake in the section finals, and both teams got down early to the Bears only to come back and win by one goal. Also just like in 1991, the Pioneers weren’t heavy favorites to advance into the semifinals and certainly the finals. They were the No. 5 seed in the 2020 tournament (teams weren’t seeded in

1991). But they found a way. “It was an enjoyable experience watching Dylan play,” said Jason Godbout, who went on to play for the Minnesota Gophers from 1994-1998. “The section final game against White Bear Lake at Aldrich was unreal, too. Having played in the tourney in the 90s, I was excited for him to have that experience for himself.” Jason was a freshman when the Pioneers won it in 1991. Dylan was a sophomore this winter. “Playing in the tourney has been a dream and goal of mine ever since I started playing hockey,” Dylan said. “To be able to play at the X with my teammates and brothers, it is the best feeling I have had in my life. To win it just made it even better.” Godbout coached his son throughout his youth until he ventured to Hill-Murray to follow in his dad’s footsteps. “He has taught me many lessons about the game and is always pushing me because he wants the best for me and knows what I am capable of,” Dylan said.

Mike Strobel and his son Charlie and their state championship medals. Both were senior captains on their respective teams that won state titles at Hill-Murray – Charlie this season and Mike in 1991.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Dylan and Jason Godbout show off their state championship medals. Dylan was a sophomore forward on the Pioneers team that won the state title this year. Jason was a freshman defenseman on the Pioneers’ 1991 state championship team. Jason played in three tournaments give in or be satisfied with just “getting in his four years as a varsity player. there.” Just like in the section playoffs, “I understand how hard it is to get the pressure slowly builds again. This is there,” Jason said. “I had always hoped the biggest stage in the state of hockey. Dylan would get to experience a MinFor any hockey parent, it is a nail-biting, nesota high school tourney. When I heart-pumping adventure. Both Strobel watched him celebrate with his teamand Godbout knew what it was like to mates and coaches on the ice, it was a be in the locker room before the state proud moment for my wife and I and all championship game, ready to hit the ice, of our family. It was gratifying to watch one game to determine the best of the that celebration and know those guys are best, and knowing that the entire state of part of Hill-Murray hockey history.” hockey would be watching. Mike Strobel was one of the cap“Charlie has been through so much tains of that 1991 team. His son, Charthrough the years and I could see the lie, was the senior captain of the current pressure in his eyes,” said Mike. “He Pioneers squad. Mike said playing in the handled himself well and performed so state tournament was much easier on his well. What dad wouldn’t be proud?” nerves than watching his son play. Just like his dad in 1991, Charlie “It was absolutely gut-wrenching netted two goals in the championship to watch Charlie and his teammates begame to help lead the Pioneers to their cause I wanted them all to do so well fourth state title in school history. Godand perform at the highest level with so bout notched two goals in the Pioneers’ many people watching,” said Mike, who 3-2 win over St. Thomas Academy in went on to play at the University of Wisthe semifinals. Godbout is committed to consin. “It was much easier as a player, Wisconsin and Strobel is committed to no doubt.” the Gophers. Mike told Charlie to have fun and All the long car rides, summer hocktrust in God. ey, dryland training tournaments, and “My dad has always told me to be early morning practices paid off when disciplined, be respectful, be yourself the final buzzer sounded and the Pioand don’t change,” he said. “He has preneers rushed the ice. There were plenty pared me for a lot in life.” of proud parents in the stands, but only The excitement of the state tournatwo who knew exactly what their sons ment slowly builds throughout the seawere feeling. Now they both share an son as teams learn about themselves, experience that so many strive for, but grow as a group and find out where they rarely achieve. stand in the thick of the race to state. It After the game, Dylan and his dad reaches a crescendo during the section embraced. “I love you Dad,” Dylan said. finals when every shift, every loose “We did it.” puck, every pass, every save can make The Strobel’s also embraced. or break the game which in turn can “It was a moment only the good make or break the season. Lord provided,” said Mike. “We cried Getting there is one thing, but beand squeezed each other and gave the ing able to compete with the other top glory to God. Charlie said to me, ‘we seven teams from around the state is did it dad, we are both state champions.” another. It is not a time to give up or

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAMS CLASS AA

Player Wyatt Kaiser Will Svenddal Joe Miller Jack Sabre Axel Rosenlund Luke Mittelstadt Mason Langenbrunner Ben Steeves Remington Keopple

Position School Defenseman Andover Defenseman Blake Forward Blake Forward Blake Goalie Eden Prairie Defenseman Eden Prairie Defenseman Eden Prairie Forward Eden Prairie Goalie Hill-Murray

Nick Pierre Charlie Strobel Dylan Godbout

CLASS A

Player Grant Slukynsky Blake Norris Jack Smith Jon Bell Blake Biondi

Forward Forward Forward

Hill-Murray Hill-Murray Hill-Murray

Position School Forward Warroad Defenseman Warroad Forward St. Cloud Cathedral Defenseman St. Cloud Cathedral Forward Hermantown

Zach Kilen Joey Pierce Jacob Backstrom Nikolai Dulak J.D. Metz Nathan Gruhlke Ben Dardis

Forward Defenseman Goalie Forward Defenseman Defenseman Goalie

Hermantown Hermantown Hermantown Mahtomedi Mahtomedi Mahtomedi Mahtomedi

June 18, 2020

Mackey inks deal with Calgary Flames

MANKATO, Minn. – The National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames announced in March that they have signed Minnesota State junior defenseman Connor Mackey to a free agent contract. Mackey, a three-year letterwinner from Tower Lakes, Ill., had seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in standing as Minnesota State’s top-scoring defenseman in 2019-20. Named WCHA Defenseman of the Week twice this year, Mackey led the Mavericks and ranked sixth in the nation with a +23 rating in 2019-20. Named All-WCHA First Team this year after earning All-WCHA Third Team honors as a sophomore in 2018-19, Mackey was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team as a freshman in 2017-18. The 6-2, 200-lb., left hand-shooting blue liner posted 18-43--61 with a +47 rating and 92 blocked shots in 118 games in his three seasons with the Mavericks. GP G 40 4 42 7 36 7 118 18

A Points Shots 8 12 49 18 25 79 17 24 76 43 61 204

Shot% Pen-Min .082 20-40 .089 22-55 .092 13-29 .088 55-124

Michaelis signs with Vancouver

MANKATO, Minn. – The National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks announced in March that they have signed Minnesota State senior center Marc Michaelis to a free agent contract. Michaelis departs Minnesota State having racked up 71 goals and 91 assists for 162 points in 148 games. His point total ties for second all-time on the school’s career scoring list and his goal total ranks first. Michaelis was announced as a top ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in the nation, and is this year’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year. The Mannheim, Germany native led Minnesota State in scoring on the season with 20-24--44, and while his point total tied for third in the country, he tied for second in the country in points per game (1.42). Michaelis, who established a school record for career shorthanded goals with ten, led the WCHA in goals per game (0.65), points per game (1.42), power play points (21), shorthanded goals (three) and game-winning goals (five) this year. His shorthanded-goal total on the season also tied for the national lead. The two-year team captain is a four-time All-WCHA First Team selection and this year’s WCHA Forward of the Year. Michaelis was the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2016-17. Marc Michaelis Year-By-Year at Minnesota State

Connor Mackey Year-By-Year at Minnesota State Season 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 TOTAL

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

+/- PPG SHG GWG Blk +9 0 0 0 22 +15 3 0 1 44 +23 1 0 1 26 +47 4 0 2 92

Season GP G A Points Shots Shot% Pen-Min 2016-17 39 14 22 36 73 .192 6-12 2017-18 36 18 22 40 90 .200 10-20 2018-19 42 19 23 42 100 .190 7-25 2019-20 31 20 24 44 101 .198 4-8 TOTAL 148 71 91 162 364 .195 27-65

+/- PPG SHG GWG Blk +4 6 2 1 11 +14 7 3 4 7 +22 9 2 2 19 +20 8 3 5 12 +60 30 10 12 49

Gophers hand out Team Awards MINNEAPOLIS -- The Gopher men’s hockey program announced its team awards May 13 as the Maroon & Gold closed out a season cut short due to COVID-19 public health concerns. The 2019-20 campaign concluded on March 12, 2020, when the Big Ten and NCAA announced they were ceasing competitions and championships. At the time, the Gophers were preparing for the Big Ten Tournament semifinals while the Maroon & Gold finished the regular-season tied for second in the conference. The Maroon & Gold ended the campaign ranked No. 18 in the USCHO Division I Men’s Poll. 2019-20 Gopher Hockey Team Awards John Mariucci Most Valuable Player Award: Sammy Walker Mike Crupi Most Determined Player Award: Sampo Ranta and Ryan Johnson Frank Pond Rookie of the Year Award: Ben Meyers Elwin “Doc” Romnes Leadership & Sportsmanship Award: Tyler Nanne Dr. V. George Nagobads Unsung Hero Award: Ryan Zuhlsdorf John Mayasich Outstanding Student-Athlete Award: Nathan Burke Donald M. Clark Community Service Award: Ben Brinkman Tom Mohr Playoff Most Valuable Player Award: Jack LaFontaine

First Year Letter Winners Bryce Brodzinski, Justen Close, Ryan Johnson, Jackson LaCombe, Jack LaFontaine, Ben Meyers, Jared Moe, Jaxon Nelson, Jack Perbix, Jonny Sorenson, Matt Staudacher Team Captains Tyler Nanne (C), Sammy Walker (C) 2019-20 Big Ten Awards Big Ten Coach of the Year: Bob Motzko Big Ten All-Freshman Team: Jackson LaCombe, Ben Meyers, Jared Moe All-Big Ten Honorable Mention: Sammy Walker, Brannon McManus Big Ten Sportsmanship Award: Tyler Nanne 2019-20 Academic All-Big Ten Honorees Nathan Burke, Matt Denman, Joey Marooney, Cullen Munson, Tyler Nanne, Sampo Ranta, Scott Reedy, Sam Rossini, Robbie Stucker, Sammy Walker, Ryan Zuhlsdorf Additional Honors Spencer Penrose Award Finalist (National Coach of the Year): Bob Motzko Big Ten Freshman of the Year Finalist: Ben Meyers Golden Goldys Men’s Rookie of the Year: Ben Meyers

32nd Annual

EXPO MARCH 5-6, 2021

Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN

The largest consumer hockey show in the WORLD!

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Four Minnesotans to take part in 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Four Minnesotans are among the 43 players who have been invited to the 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase that will be held from July 24-Aug. 1 in Plymouth, Mich., at USA Hockey Arena. The Showcase serves as an evaluation camp to assist in selecting the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship Dec. 26, 2020, through Jan. 5, 2021, in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. Drew Helleson (2001 birth year; Farmington, Minn.), Jackson Lacombe (2001; Eden Prairie, Minn.), Bobby Brink (2001; Minnetonka, Minn.) and Brock Faber (2002; Maple Grove, Minn.) will join the other 39 players in Michigan. “We’re excited to have our players and staff together,” said John Vanbiesbrouck (Detroit, Mich.), general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team and assistant executive director of hockey operations at USA Hockey. “While Finland, Sweden and Canada won’t be joining us as we’ve been used to in past years, this will provide a great opportunity to have our players back on the ice and begin the process in earnest of building our team for the World Junior Championship. “With the current pandemic, we’ll be doing some things differently, and that’s okay. It’s exciting to see rinks opening back up throughout the country and we’re most appreciative of the efforts of Dr. Mike Stuart from the Mayo Clinic, our chief medical and safety officer, among others, for guiding us in best practices to ensure the safest possible environment for our players and everyone involved,” he said. Of the 43 players attending, nine

GOALTENDERS (4) NAME Drew Commesso Spencer Knight* Logan Stein Dustin Wolf*

DEFENSEMEN (14) NAME Brock Faber Domenick Fensore Drew Helleson Ryan Johnson Tyler Kleven Jackson LaCombe Case McCarthy Jake Sanderson Hunter Skinner Jayden Struble Henry Thrun Alex Vlasic Marshall Warren Cam York*

FORWARDS (25) NAME John Beecher* Matthew Beniers Brett Berard Matthew Boldy Thomas Bordeleau Bobby Brink* Brendan Brisson Cole Caufield* Sam Colangelo John Farinacci Sean Farrell Michael Gildon Cross Hanas Arthur Kaliyev* Owen Lindmark Robert Mastrosimone Patrick Moynihan Josh Nodler Dylan Peterson Landon Slaggert Sam Stange Lukas Svejkovsky Luke Tuch Alex Turcotte* Trevor Zegras*

are returnees from last year’s U.S. National Junior Team that competed in the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ostrava and Trinec, Czech Republic. Spencer Knight (Darien, Conn.) is the lone member from the 2019 National Junior Team that won a silver medal in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. Additionally, 19 players have won medals at IIHF events while a total of 30 players have skated on at least one U.S. select team. The United States enters the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship seeking its fifth medal in six years after earning a record four-consecutive medals: gold in 2017, silver in 2019, and bronze in both 2018 and 2016. “We’re thankful to everyone involved in all the planning that has happened to date and continues to take place,” said Gavin Regan, vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the organization’s International Council. “As hockey returns, we look forward to hosting our camp and we’ll certainly do it safely.” NOTES: In total, 38 of the 43 players have played or are committed to play college hockey, including 23 players who played in the NCAA last season ... Fifteen players competed in the United States Hockey League last season, America’s only Tier 1 junior hockey league ... Thirteen players participated in the 2020 BioSteel All-American Game, including the game’s most valuable player Jake Sanderson (Whitefish, Mont.) ... The 43 players invited to the Showcase come from 16 different states including New York (8), Massachusetts (7), California (5), Minnesota (4), Illinois (3), Texas (3), Michigan (2), Rhode Island (2), Wisconsin (2), Connecticut (1), Georgia (1), In-

diana (1), Montana (1), North Dakota (1), New Jersey (1) and Washington (1) ... A total of 25 players were selected in the 2019 NHL Draft, when for the first time in NHL Draft history, seven of the first 15 selections were American... The invited players include 27 who previously played for USA Hockey’s National Team Devel-

opment Program ... Nate Leaman (Providence, Rhode Island) is the head coach of the 2021 U.S. National Junior Team with Ted Donato (Cambridge, Mass.), Kris Mayotte (Ann Arbor, Mich.), and Steve Miller (Columbus, Ohio) serving as assistant coaches, and Theresa Feaster (Providence, R.I.) serves as video coach.

Four Wisconsin men’s hockey players invited to 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase Past, present and future American Badgers are schedule to head to Plymouth, Michigan, in July MADISON, Wis. – Led by Team USA World Junior Championship veterans Cole Caufield and Alex Turcotte, four Wisconsin Badger forwards are among the 43 invited to the 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase that is slated for July 24Aug. 1 in Plymouth, Mich. This camp will help the staff evaluate candidates for the the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship set for Dec. 26, 2020, through Jan. 5, 2021, in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. “We’re thankful to everyone involved in all the planning that has happened to date and continues to take place,” said Gavin Regan, vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the organization’s International Council. “As hockey returns, we look forward to hosting our camp and we’ll certainly do it safely.” Joining Turcotte (Island Lake, Ill.), who signed a professional contract after last season with the Los Angeles Kings, and sophomore Cole Caufield (Stevens Point) at the camp are sophomore Owen Lindmark (Naperville, Ill.) and incoming freshman Sam Stange (Eau Claire). Lindmark attended last summer’s camp, while Stange, who was among the top-five goal scorers in the USHL last season, gets his first invite. In addition to the players, UW men’s hockey equipment manager Nate LaPoint was previously announced as part of the equipment staff for the team.

2020 WJSS | U.S. Roster HT (CM) 6-2 (187) 6-3 (191) 6-2 (187) 6-0 (183)

WT (KG) 180 (82) 194 (88) 210 (95) 161 (73)

BIRTHDATE 2002-07-19 2001-04-19 2001-04-26 2001-04-16

S/C L L L L

HOMETOWN Norwell, Mass. Darien, Conn. Suwanee, Ga. Gilroy, Calif.

MOST RECENT TEAM (LEAGUE) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) Boston College (Hockey East) Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) Everett Silvertips (WHL)

NHL RIGHTS (NHL DRAFT) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible FLA (‘19 1st rd., 13th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible CGY (‘19 7th rd., 214th overall)

HT (CM) 6-0 (182) 5-7 (170) 6-2 (187) 6-1 (184) 6-4 (194) 6-2 (187) 6-1 (184) 6-2 (186) 6-2 (186) 6-0 (182) 6-2 (186) 6-6 (198) 5-11 (180) 5-11 (180)

WT (KG) 193 (88) 151 (68) 191 (87) 175 (79) 200 (91) 190 (86) 198 (90) 186 (84) 187 (84) 205 (93) 195 (88) 199 (90) 163 (74) 174 (79)

BIRTHDATE 2002-08-22 2001-09-07 2001-03-26 2001-07-24 2002-01-10 2001-01-09 2001-01-09 2002-07-08 2001-04-29 2001-09-08 2001-03-12 2001-06-05 2001-04-20 2001-01-05

S/C R L R L L L R L R L L L L L

HOMETOWN Maple Grove, Minn. Thornwood, N.Y. Farmington, Minn. Irvine, Calif. Fargo, N.D. Eden Prairie, Minn. Clarence Center, N.Y. Whitefish, Mont. Pinckney, Mich. Cumberland, R.I. Southborough, Mass. Wilmette, Ill. Laurel Hollow, N.Y. Anaheim, Calif.

MOST RECENT TEAM (LEAGUE) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) Boston University (Hockey East) Boston College (Hockey East) University of Minnesota (Big Ten) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) University of Minnesota (Big Ten) Boston University (Hockey East) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) London Knights (OHL) Northeastern (Hockey East) Harvard (ECAC) Boston University (Hockey East) Boston College (Hockey East) University of Michigan (Big Ten)

NHL RIGHTS (NHL DRAFT) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible CAR (‘19 3rd rd., 90th overall) COL (‘19 2nd rd., 47th overall) BUF (‘19 1st rd., 31st overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible ANA (‘19 2nd rd., 39th overall) NJD (‘19 4th rd., 118th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible NYR (‘19 4th rd., 112th overall) MTL (‘19 2nd rd., 46th overall) ANA (‘19 4th rd., 101st overall) CHI (‘19 2nd rd., 43rd overall) MIN (‘19 6th rd., 166th overall) PHI (‘19 1st rd., 14th overall)

HT (CM) 6-3 (191) 6-1 (184) 5-9 (175) 6-2 (187) 5-10 (176) 5-8 (173) 5-11 (180) 5-7 (170) 6-2 (187) 6-0 (182) 5-9 (175) 6-2 (187) 6-1 (184) 6-2 (187) 6-0 (182) 5-10 (176) 5-11 (180) 5-11 (180) 6-4 (193) 6-0 (182) 6-1 (184) 5-9 (175) 6-2 (187) 5-11 (180) 6-0 (182)

WT (KG) 209 (95) 168 (76) 152 (69) 194 (88) 179 (81) 165 (75) 177 (80) 163 (74) 205 (93) 185 (84) 175 (79) 196 (89) 165 (75) 190 (86) 192 (87) 170 (77) 185 (84) 191 (87) 192 (87) 182 (83) 200 (91) 158 (72) 203 (92) 185 (84) 174 (79)

BIRTHDATE 2001-04-05 2002-11-05 2002-09-09 2001-04-05 2002-01-03 2001-07-08 2001-10-22 2001-01-02 2001-12-26 2001-02-14 2001-11-02 2001-06-21 2002-01-05 2001-06-26 2001-05-17 2001-01-24 2001-01-23 2001-04-27 2002-01-08 2002-06-25 2001-04-20 2001-11-28 2002-03-07 2001-02-26 2001-03-20

S/C L L L L L R L R R R L L L L R L R R R L R R L L L

HOMETOWN Elmira, N.Y. Hingham, Mass. East Greenwich, R.I. Millis, Mass. Houston, Texas Minnetonka, Minn. Manhattan Beach, Calif. Stevens Point, Wis. Stoneham, Mass. Red Bank, N.J. Hopkinton, Mass. Plano, Texas Highland Villiage, Texas Staten Island, N.Y. Naperville, Ill. East Islip, N.Y. Millis, Mass. Oak Park, Mich. Roseville, Calif. South Bend, Ind. Eau Claire, Wis. Point Roberts, Wash. Baldwinsville, N.Y. Chicago, Ill. Bedford, N.Y.

MOST RECENT TEAM (LEAGUE) University of Michigan (Big Ten) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) Boston College (Hockey East) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) University of Denver (NCHC) Chicago Steel (USHL) University of Wisconsin (Big Ten) Chicago Steel (USHL) Harvard University (ECAC) Chicago Steel (USHL) Ohio State University (Big Ten) Portland Winterhawks (WHL) Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) University of Wisconsin (Big Ten) Boston University (Hockey East) Providence College (Hockey East) Michigan State University (Big Ten) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) U.S National Under-18 Team (NTDP) University of Wisconsin (Big Ten) Boston University (Hockey East)

NHL RIGHTS (NHL DRAFT) BOS (‘19 1st rd., 30th overall) 2021 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible MIN (‘19 1st rd., 12th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible PHI (‘19 2nd rd., 34th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible MTL (‘19 1st rd., 15th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible ARI (‘19 3rd rd., 76th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible LAK (‘19 2nd rd., 33rd overall) FLA (‘19 5th rd., 137th overall) DET (‘19 2nd rd., 54th overall) NJD (‘19 6th rd., 158th overall) CGY (‘19 5th rd., 150th overall) 2020 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible 2020 NHL Draft Eligible LAK (‘19 1st rd., 5th overall) ANA (‘19 1st rd., 9th overall)

* Member of 2020 U.S. National Junior Team

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

USA HOCKEY AWARDS continued from page 13

– NOTEBOOK – Minnesota Duluth’s Perunovich garners Jim Johannson College Player of the Year Award UND incoming blue liner Jake Sanderson also honored by USA Hockey as Junior Player of the Year COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Minnesota Duluth defenseman Scott Perunovich added one final prestigious honor to his college career, as he was named the 2020 Jim Johannson College Player of the Year, USA Hockey announced June 5. In addition, North Dakota incoming freshman blue liner Jake Sanderson was tabbed the 2020 Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year by USA Hockey on June 4. Perunovich (Hibbing, Minn.), who completed his junior season in March and signed with the St. Louis Blues, is just the second National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) player to earn USA Hockey’s College Hockey Player of the Year honor, joining former Denver and current New Jersey Devils blue liner Will Butcher in 2017. Sanderson (Whitefish, Mont.) is the second straight incoming NCHC player to capture Junior Player of the Year from USA Hockey after Western Michigan rising sophomore blue liner Ronnie Attard claimed the award last year. Perunovich also became the NCHC’s second, and Minnesota Duluth’s sixth, Hobey Baker Award winner on April 11. The three-time All-American, including First Team in 2019-20, was also selected the 2019-20 NCHC Player of the Year and won NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year for the third-straight season. The threetime First-Team All-NCHC honoree finished second nationally among defenseman scoring and 10th overall in the NCAA with 40 points this season, including six goals and 34 assists. The 34 helpers were second nationally among all players and first among blue liners. A two-time national champion, Perunovich also tied for the NCAA lead with 22 power play points (3g, 19a). He posted a +18 plus/minus and blocked 58 shots, playing in all 34 games this season. The College Player of the Year award was established in 1994 to recognize the accomplishments of the top American-born player in men’s college hockey. In 2019, the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year Award was renamed in honor of the late Jim Johannson, who played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin and spent two decades as an executive at USA Hockey. Sanderson served as the captain of this year’s USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP) team and finished with seven goals and 29 points in 47 games, most among all defensemen. The 6-foot-2 blue liner was also named MVP of the 2020 BioSteel All-American Game, finishing with two assists. In 2018-19, Sanderson was captain of the U-17 NTDP team, totaling 24 points, including 20 assists, in 44 games. He is expected to be one of the top American-born draft picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year, specifically for players who have played for a U.S.-based junior hockey team, is picked by a high-quality panel of junior coaches and administrators. The honor is named after Dave Tyler, who served on the USA Hockey Board of Directors for 32 years. He also played an instrumental role in the development and growth of junior hockey in the United States.

Mark Aubry receives Excellence In Safety Award The award recognizes outstanding perseverance and dedication by a disabled hockey athlete COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Mark Aubry (Ottawa, Ont.) has been named the recipient of the 2020 USA Hockey Excellence in Safety Award, presented by K&K Insurance, it was announced June 7. The honor recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to making hockey a safer game for all participants. Among his many contributions to safety in ice hockey, Aubry has conducted research, organized educational efforts and lobbied for rule changes to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury and concussion. In addition, he has been one of the main authors and driving force behind (founded and authored) the 5 Consensus Conferences on Concussion in Sport and pushed for governing bodies to standardize the graduated implementation of checking skills through its age levels across hockey. A veteran sports medicine specialist, Aubry has served in numerous ice hockey safety positions at every level on the international stage. Notably, Aubry has held the chief medical officer position in the International Ice Hockey Federation since 1998 and also served in the past as a member of the International Olympic Medical Commission. Aubry has also worked as the team physician for several Canadian national and Olympic teams, and currently serves as a team physician for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. For his work in the sports medicine field, Aubry was awarded both the Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Award for contributions to sports injury prevention, and the Paul Loicq Award for outstanding contributions to the IIHF and international ice hockey.

Follow Let’s Play Hockey on Twitter @LetsPlay_Hockey

USA Hockey names Adult Member of the Year Award after John Beadle Former USA Hockey VP led Adult Council for more than 25 years COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced April 23 that is has renamed its Adult Member of the Year Award in honor of John Beadle (Lansing, Mich.) who served as vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the organization’s Adult Council for 27 seasons (1991-2018). The honor will now be called the John Beadle Adult Member of the Year. “John had an enormously positive impact on USA Hockey is so many ways dating back to the early 1980s when he started a USA Hockey district director in his home state of Michigan,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. “The number of adult players part of USA Hockey soared under his leadership and it was also under his watch that we also created what is today one of our marquee events each year in the Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships. It is entirely appropriate to name this award in honor of John for all the great things he has done as a leader in our organization over 40 years.” “We were fortunate to have a volunteer like John who was so invested in helping better our organization and sport,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “I had the good fortune to work with him on several initiatives, including the start of what is now the U.S. Ice Rink Association, and will always be grateful for his passion in moving hockey forward.” The John Beadle Adult Member of the Year is presented each year as part of USA Hockey’s Annual Congress.

Al Pedersen wins John Beadle Adult Member of the Year Award

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to adult hockey community COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Al Pedersen (Colorado Springs, Colo.) has been named the John Beadle Adult Member of the Year for 2019-20 it was announced June 8 by USA Hockey. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions during many years of service to the ice hockey community as an adult player and/or volunteer. It is named after John Beadle, who for 27 seasons (1991-2018) served as vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the Adult Council. A Level 4 USA Hockey certified coach, Pedersen currently serves as the facilities manager and adult league coordinator and coach at Monument (Colo.) Ice Rinks, where he has been instrumental in the success of programs since 2007. A native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Pedersen has played an integral role in growing adult league play in Monument and nearby Colorado Springs tenfold – from less than a half-dozen teams to its current 66-team roster – thanks to a focus on making the game safe, fun and accessible to area residents. The Monument Ice Rinks’ adult program provides skaters of all levels the opportunity to take to the ice for instructional, pickup, league, and tournament play each week. During Pedersen’s tenure, the adult program introduced its subscription model, which features flexible payment plans to make hockey accessible and affordable for the transient military population of Colorado Springs. Drafted in 1983 by the Boston Bruins, Pedersen enjoyed eight seasons in the NHL with the Bruins, the Minnesota North Stars and the Hartford Whalers. The defenseman appeared in 428 regular-season games and registered 41 career points. Following his playing career, Pedersen moved to Colorado Springs to coach the now-defunct Colorado Gold Kings and later joined the Colorado Rampage organization to manage the 8U program.

Adult Player of the Year awarded to Rob Hartshorn Commitment to adult hockey has created new standard

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Rob Hartshorn (Forest Lake, Minn.) has been named the 2020 Adult Player of the Year, presented by Labatt Blue, it was announced June 1 by USA Hockey. The honor is presented annually by USA Hockey to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of an American-born adult ice hockey player. Within the Minnesota hockey community, Hartshorn has consistently been a uniting force. The goal for each team he forms and plays on is to bring people together to experience the greatness of the game and to forge lasting friendships. Like many other kids from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Hartshorn started playing hockey at a young age during the winter in his community’s local rec league. His love for the game only grew throughout the years, and Hartshorn went on to play in the Minnesota Wild Adult Hockey League at the Super Rink at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. He started playing in the league as a member of the Lumberjacks and has served as team captain over the years. Today, Hartshorn plays open hockey at three different rinks each week, including in the Minnesota Wild Adult Hockey League, and organizing a pick-up group of 20 players, which appropriately has been coined Hartsy Hockey. Hartshorn has played a total of 60 years of organized hockey. During that time, he’s considered to have helped retain 2,700 adult league players as he has organized three teams of 20 players each year for the last 45 years. His legacy within the community is rooted in promoting a lifelong love for the sport and staying focused on keeping players coming back season after season.

– USA HOCKEY AWARDS – continued on page 19

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

USA HOCKEY AWARDS continued from page 18

– NOTEBOOK – Hank Manz named Wm. Thayer Tutt Award recipient Top volunteer honor awarded by USA Hockey COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Hank Manz (Lexington, Mass.), who for more than a quarter century has positively impacted youth hockey in his hometown of Lexington, Mass., has been named the recipient of the prestigious Wm. Thayer Tutt Award, it was announced June 13 by USA Hockey. The Wm. Thayer Tutt Award is presented annually by USA Hockey to a volunteer who, during many years of service, has displayed a selfless dedication to the enhancement of ice hockey at the grassroots level in America. It is the top volunteer honor awarded by USA Hockey each season. The award is named in honor of the late William Thayer Tutt, who served as president of USA Hockey from 1972-86. Manz got a late start to hockey, but has made the most of it since first being introduced to the sport while serving in the U.S. Navy. Manz, 77, was born in Evanston, Ill., prior to moving east to New Haven, Conn., at the age of four. While training for the Navy in California, some of his friends invited him to come skate and try the sport for the first time. Manz spent many years moving around the country, with stops in Salt Lake City; Lincoln, Neb.; Washington D.C.; and Boston prior to making Lexington, Mass. his home. After spending many years leading the local Little League program, Manz was asked to assist with the Lexington Bedford Youth Hockey program. It was there that Manz fell in love with the game all over again. “Commish” has become Manz’s nickname around the rink, a title short of describing the hard work and countless hours he has dedicated to making hockey fun for everyone. He began coaching while his youngest son, Jonathan, played in the Lexington Bedford in-house league. It took very little time before he was asked to run the in-house league, and eventually serve on the board of directors. None of the expanding role ever deterred Manz from waking up early to turn on the lights, set up the nets and work throughout the day to make sure everything ran smoothly. Manz, a USA Hockey volunteer since 1994, created a unique league that emphasized fun. The league, now comprised of 16 teams, features boys and girls ages 5-11 of different skill and experience. Manz’s goal for each season is that every team finishes with a .500 record. Prior to each season, he and the coaches come together and divide teams as evenly as possible. Teams play cross-ice mixed lines based on age and talent against other in-house teams. At the conclusion of every year, a large 16-team tournament takes place with an even larger banquet, with all families invited. The last-place team is awarded an oversized anchor to highlight the amount of hard work and dedication the team displayed. Manz continues to be involved in additional local hockey teams, as he continues to serve as the announcer for the boys and girls Lexington High School ice hockey teams. In addition to his work as a volunteer with the Lexington Bedford in-house ice hockey league, Manz volunteers on the town council, local Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, and has even served as grand marshal for the town’s Patriot’s Day parade. Supporting his efforts in hockey is Hank’s wife Wendy, in addition to his three children Kathryn, Erin and Jonathan.

Stan Wong wins Bob Johnson Award

The award recognizes excellence in international hockey competition COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Stan Wong (Boca Raton, Fla.) has been named the recipient of the 2020 Bob Johnson Award, presented by Nike, USA Hockey announced today. The award, named for legendary coach Bob Johnson, recognizes excellence in international hockey competition. Wong has been a cornerstone of USA Hockey’s international program as an athletic trainer for nearly 20 years, serving a total of 47 total teams over that span. Most recently, Wong served on the staff of the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ostrava and Trinec, Czech Republic, marking his 18th straight appearance as the team’s athletic trainer. Wong has also served as an athletic trainer for the last four U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Teams (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018); the most recent 13 IIHF Men’s World Championships; and 10 Deutschland Cup squads (2002-05, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017). He was also the trainer for Team USA at the 2012 Youth Olympic Winter Games and at the 2017 Winter World University Games. Along with his nine medals as a trainer with the U.S. National Junior Team, including four gold (2004, 2010, 2013, 2017), one silver (2019) and four bronze (2007, 2011, 2016, 2018), Wong has also been part of staffs that have helped Team USA to an Olympic silver medal (2010) and three Men’s World Championship bronze medals (2013, 2015, 2018). For his extraordinary contributions to athletic training in the hockey community, Wong was inducted into the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society and Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers Hall of Fame in 2015.

Tom Kehr wins Walter Yaciuk Award The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the organization’s coaching education program COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Tom Kehr (Holland, Mich.) has been named the Walter Yaciuk Award recipient for 2019-20 it was announced June 10 by USA Hockey. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contribution to the organization’s coaching education program during many years of service as a volunteer. The award is named in honor of the late Walter Yaciuk, who was USA Hockey’s first-ever Coach-In-Chief. The longest-serving member of the Coaching Education Program staff in Michigan, Kehr has held multiple volunteer roles since 1992 dedicated to bettering educational programs and the overall development of coaches in the state of Michigan and beyond. A Level 5 USA Hockey certified coach, Kehr boasts an impressive resume, including 19 years of coaching at both the youth and collegiate club level. In the 199495 season, Kehr coached his team to a Tier II Midget AA State Championship as well as a third-place finish at the youth Tier II 17U USA Hockey National Championship in Odgen, Utah. In 2003, Kehr took on the role of district Association Coaching & Education (ACE) coordinator and was named USA Hockey’s national ACE administrator a few years later. While stepping back from his ACE leadership in 2018, Kehr has remained heavily involved in the coaching education program, leading clinics in western Michigan and assisting with other various clinics as time permits. Kehr has played a significant role in coaching education both for the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association and nationally for more than 25 years, and in addition to helping lead coaching clinics, he continues today to serve as senior associate coach-in-chief for the Coaching Director Program.

Raymond Kusch wins Disabled Athlete of the Year Award The award recognizes outstanding perseverance and dedication by a disabled hockey athlete COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Raymond Kusch (Clio, Mich.) has been named the Disabled Athlete of the Year for 2019-20 it was announced June 6 by USA Hockey. The annual award recognizes the outstanding perseverance and dedication by a disabled hockey player through demonstrating the ability to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of excellence both on and off the ice. A former Sargent in the United States Army, Kusch served two deployments in both Iraq andAfghanistan. In 2012, he lost his left foot and suffered other serious injuries in an explosion caused by an IED pressure plate. After a long and difficult rehabilitation process, Kusch relearned how to walk and eventually run again after his injury. When learning how to skate, Kusch was initially discouraged of how painful it was on his amputation, but that didn’t stop him from ultimately falling in love with the sport. Kusch started playing hockey in September of 2017 and now is involved in three different disabled hockey disciplines, including standing amputee, warrior and deaf/ hard of hearing. His involvement in the disabled hockey community has been immeasurable, representing the U.S.in international competition in both standing amputee and deaf/hard of hearing events. In addition to starting his own adult league team, Kusch competed against able-bodied athletes with the University of Michigan–Flint’s ACHA Division III team and still practices with the team after graduating in December of 2019. Kusch’s passion for the game has led him to dedicate his efforts to multiple Learn to Play programs, helping spearhead Learn to Skate programs specifically for veterans and disabled athletes.

www.stateofhockey.com Follow Let’s PlayHockey on Twitter @LetsPlay_ Hockey

‘Like’ Let’s Play Hockey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ letsplayhockey

MARCH 5-6, 2021 St. Paul RiverCentre

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

USPHL.com

@USPHL

USPHL

NOTEBOOK Hudson Havoc All-Star Goaltender Ambrose commits to Neumann by JOSHUA BOYD

USPHL.com

When Cal Ambrose says he’s going to commit to a team, you can certainly believe it. The 1999-born native of Wayzata, Minn., committed to the Hudson Havoc three years ago and – even after a tough inaugural season – he came back for another year, and another. So, Neumann University can certainly rest easy knowing that they have a truly loyal and hard-working goaltender coming to them this fall. Ambrose committed late last week to Neumann. For three years, Ambrose was the main man in net, helping the Havoc ultimately to its “worst-to-first” climb up the Midwest West standings to their division title here in 2019-20. He finished with 73 regular season appearances, second alltime only to Midwest West contemporary fixture Jack Bostedt (Minnesota Mullets) and his 97 all-time appearances. “My last three seasons playing in Hudson have been a lot of fun. We struggled in our first season but it allowed us to get our feet wet and set up the team to be able to prove what we can do in the coming years,” said Ambrose. “We had a great run as one of the top teams in our division last season, unfortunately it didn’t end how we wanted it to. This season, we came out big again and put the Havoc organization on the map as one of the league’s top competitors.” Head Coach Brett Wall’s trust in Ambrose back in 2017 has paid off like a lottery win. He couldn’t be happier for Ambrose to be moving on for another four years of top-flight hockey.

“I preach Preparation. Detail. Consistency. I couldn’t think of anyone who represents that better. I’ve never met a young man with the poise and demeanor of Cal. He was our unshakable rock for three seasons and has been a key reason for the success we have found here in Hudson with the Havoc,” said Wall. “The Havoc would not be the Havoc that we are now without Cal Ambrose. I owe a lot to Cal as a coach; he always worked hard and believed in me and this program.” Not only was he a regular in net, Ambrose was a regular winner. He finished with 19 wins last season, finishing in a tie for fifth in that category. He was in a three-way tie for third with 20 this year, a tie which included Bostedt. He also boasts a shining save percentage the last two seasons of .930. “I’m definitely not the same goalie now that I was my first day with the Havoc. After year one, Coach Wall sat down with me and we spoke about me taking the

reins for our second season. This helped me find my groove for the year and I focused on improving my technical game,” added Ambrose. “Since I’m a shorter goalie, being athletic while staying technical felt the best way for me to play and with the help of Coach [Ryan] Davis, I really calmed my game down which helped a ton and led to many successes throughout the last two seasons. “Another piece that has been crucial, my mentality on the ice has improved,” Ambrose added. “Keeping a level head, not being too high or too low really made a difference to keep me focused.” Wall saw the massive change from Ambrose’s first season to the second, and he’s also seen him rack up two straight All-Star nods from the USPHL in the process. “Cal was the first guy I knew that I needed to sign to make sure I could turn the program into a contender in Year 2,” Ambrose said. “Cal took the program on

his back and never looked back. I have said this for the last two seasons now, that I truly think he is the [USPHL Premier] league’s MVP and best player. I couldn’t be happier for Cal, his family, and Coach [Kyle] Mountain at Neumann University. The future looks very bright for Cal and the Neumann University Knights.” Neumann appealed to Ambrose on multiple levels. “I’m very excited to be a part of Neumann’s culture. My teammate, Tyler Kulas, will be playing at Neumann with me which makes me excited to have some familiarity. Also, the Philadelphia area feels like a great place to be. I’m very excited to dive into NU’s Criminal Justice program, as I’ve heard great things about it,” said Ambrose. “Their hockey program is very solid as well. I got a feel for their culture while talking to Coach Mountain and Coach [Conall] McNelis and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’m beyond excited to take this opportunity, I have a great feeling about Neumann and know I will be able to better myself as a person, as well as a hockey player while being a student-athlete there. “I’m very thankful for my family, Coach Wall, Coach Davis and rest of the Havoc staff for supporting and helping me reach this long-time goal of mine,” he added. “Lastly, thank you to the Neumann coaching staff for allowing me to have the opportunity to grow at the NCAA level.” “Replacing Cal will be near-impossible,” added Wall. “I want to express how grateful we are as an organization and me as a coach to be able to have had the honor to work with him.” The USPHL congratulates Cal Ambrose, his family, the Hudson Havoc and Neumann University for his commitment.

Utica Jr. Comets NCDC Defenseman Mehren commits to Bethel University by JOSHUA BOYD

USPHL.com

Colin Mehren won’t have far to go from his home to get to college when the next academic year begins this fall. The Utica Jr. Comets NCDC defenseman is a resident of Lakeville, Minn., located just south of Minneapolis. He will move just north and east of the city to the shores of Valentine Lake, the site of Bethel University, a Christian university founded in 1871. Mehren made his commitment to Bethel official in early June. Bethel plays in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and has already improved in its second year under Head Coach Chris McKelvie. “Coach McKelvie is a really good guy, and his coaching style really suits my game,” said Mehren, “They all work as one. Their defensemen are always active and they’re all over the ice. Everyone takes pride in every zone, so it’s a good place for me to show what I have.” Mehren posted a goal and six points while playing all 50 games for the Jr. Comets. While getting ready to bring his

game to the next level at Bethel, he is also excited about the educational side of the university. “I’ve heard great things about the university, and I will major in business marketing, which I’ve heard is a really good program there,” added Mehren. “Their teachers make it seem more personal, too, which helped my decision to go there.” For one extremely valuable season, Mehren left the lakes and plains of Minnesota to move on to Utica and play for the Jr. Comets in the Tier-II, Tuition-Free NCDC. “I liked it a lot. It was a step up from the league I played in the year before, and it definitely helped me grow my game, and it helped me get to Bethel,” said Mehren. “Coach [Paul] Kelly and the staff there helped me grow my game and take it to the next level. Being out East, it definitely helped with my footwork and the skill game, and they definitely helped the offensive side of my game.” Mehren may be a few months away from the start of his NCAA hockey career, but he’s working like he’ll be lakeside at Bethel tomorrow.

“I’m working out every day. I have a home gym,” said Mehren. “Also, our rinks are just now opening in Minnesota, and I’m in a skating group with other col-

lege hockey players from the local area.” Congratulations to Colin Mehren, his family, the Utica Jr. Comets and Bethel University for his commitment.

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

June 18, 2020

Dedication, leadership pays off for Strobel and Pioneers PHOTO BY MIKE THILL Charlie Strobel emerged as a leader on the 2020 Hill-Murray squad and elevated his game in the state tournament to lead the Pioneers to their fourth state title in school history.

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Hockey Publisher All one had to do was watch Charlie Strobel’s celebration after the final buzzer sounded in the Class AA Championship game March 7 at the Xcel Energy Center to know he truly has a knack for finding the back of the net. The senior captain, who scored twice and assisted on another goal to lead the Pioneers to their fourth state championship in school history with a 4-1 win over Eden Prairie, leaped over his teammates who had piled on senior goaltender Remington Keopple and ended up in the back of the net. “I saw (Nick) Pierre flying in and he stepped on his stick and fell,” said Strobel about his post-game celly. “I thought I had it timed right. Next thing you know I missed everybody and was in the net.” Strobel had come a long way to get to that point, to being one of 20 kids celebrating the dream every youth hockey player in Minnesota hopes to live out one day. So had his teammates. While they were on the radar in a year when there was no clear favorite, they weren’t exactly on the short list of teams that would likely find themselves tossing their gloves and sticks in the air celebrating a state title. Early on in the section finals against White Bear Lake it appeared they might not even get to the state tournament. The Bears staked themselves to a 2-0 lead only to watch the Pioneers score three unanswered goals, including one from Strobel, one from Owen Quast and one from Nick Pierre. Pierre is a smooth skating sophomore who has an extra gear. Quast is a third-line center who helped will his team to state and although he didn’t score a lot, when he did he made sure it mattered. His tying goal against the Bears helped set up Pierre’s game-winning short handed goal. Strobel, who hails from strong hockey bloodlines (his father and uncle both played and won a state title for Hill-Murray in 1991 and played at the University of Wisconsin), entered the state tournament without a college commitment. It wasn’t so much that Strobel himself was reluctant to commit (there were a couple schools who had shown some interest), there just weren’t a lot of colleges knocking down his front door. With so many players committing as freshmen or sophomores, including three of his younger teammates, Strobel’s name was still out there. “You wondered why he was under the radar because there was a lot of skill there,” said Hill-Murray Head Coach Bill Lechner. There were also his leadership skills.

Strobel was unanimously voted team captain by his peers. Fellow seniors Henry Eischen, Seamus Regan and Remington Keopple were also voted captains and all brought different leadership qualities to the team. But it was Strobel who was the most vocal. He was the motivator. “It was very noticeable that he was the kids’ leader,” said Lechner. “Us coaches put our blessing on it.” Lechner knew the players would follow Strobel’s lead and wanted to make sure he harnessed all of his energy in a positive way. Lechner described Strobel as a stallion – a horse running free that at times needed to be saddled. “He has so much skill and talent, it just needed to be channeled a little bit,” said Lechner. “As a sophomore he was young and on varsity and worked hard, listened and really respected the upperclassmen. His junior year you could see his game emerging and I thought he would really have a breakout year as a senior.” Around Christmas time Lechner and Strobel had what Lechner described as a “come to Jesus” talk about leadership and defining roles on the team. He said Charlie took it to heart and reacted very positively. As a result, the team started to come together. “He had great energy,” said Lechner. “He was the hardest worker in practice, he led in the team bonding activities. He lived it on the ice and in practice every day.” That energy seemed to send a jolt throughout the rest of the team. After Christmas is when the season really starts to take off for most teams as they feel their way through the competition and get a good sense of who they are as a team. That is when things started to come together for the Pioneers. “It started taking off from there,” said Lechner. “Charlie was very confident about our team and it was fun to watch him in pre-game. He’d tell the kids to leave it all on the ice. He took it to heart. He led it and he lived it. The rest fell into place.” Charlie drew on advice from his dad, Mike, who was a co-captain on the 1991 state championship squad. “Being a captain is an honor,” Mike told his oldest son. “With that comes a tremendous amount of pressure, especially at a school like Hill-Murray. We talked many

times throughout the year about the identity of the team and how it will be shaped come playoff time.” Mike and his wife Jill attended high school together and have two sons. Charlie’s 16-year-old brother Ryan has special needs, cannot speak and also suffers from seizures. Charlie has been there for his brother from the start and calls him his best friend in life. “Charlie loves Ryan unconditionally and that is what keeps him grounded no matter what,” said Mike. As Charlie’s game progressed, so did the team’s. His leadership combined with his skill made him into a more complete player. But he was still a player that wasn’t raising eyebrows with explosive speed, highlight-reel goals or jaw-dropping assists. Instead he willed his way to the back of the net through unyielding determination. His teammates followed their fearless leader with that same refuse to lose attitude. “The team has to trust the captain or captains, especially when you have a younger talented group like Hill-Murray did this year,” said Mike. “If you’re the voice, you better be able to back it up with action. Once you gain that trust and everyone buys in, the possibilities are endless.” The Pioneers lost to White Bear Lake in the section finals in Strobel’s junior year. The year before that they went to state, but made an early exit and lost both games. Now a senior, he and his senior teammates and fellow captains were determined not just to get back to state, but get to that Saturday night game where anything can happen. “After junior year we felt we had some unfinished business to take care of,” said Charlie. The goal was to bring the team together, young and old, to build a team-first mentality from the top player on down to the 20th. “People knew what I brought to the table,” he said. “We started to get together and bond. We wanted the underclassmen to get together and get the group tight.” During the summer he and his teammates were working out at a summer camp. They asked themselves why they couldn’t be state champions. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Strobel said. “But as long as those 20 guys bought into what we were saying, we knew we had a chance. I knew I had their back and I knew they had mine.” Charlie admits there were bumps in the road as the team developed throughout the year. But he knows that with those bumps come adversity and with adversity comes lessons. Without those bumps, Charlie doesn’t think neither he nor his team would be where they were on March 7, gearing up for a chance to win a state title. But getting there wasn’t enough. Not after all they had

PHOTO BY TIM KOLEHMAINEN, BREAKDOWN SPORTS

The Pioneers celebrate after defeating St. Thomas Academy 3-2 in overtime in the semifinals, pitting them against Eden Prairie in the championship game.

been through together – not after all of the blood, sweat and tears that encapsulates a high school hockey season. And despite the Pioneers being one of the top programs in the state, they were facing an Eden Prairie squad loaded with talent. The Eagles were the clear favorite, having spent several weeks as the top rated AA team in the state and with a slew of Division 1 commits. After an overtime win the night before against St. Thomas Academy, would the Pioneers have enough left in their tank to get past the soaring Eagles? They also were without their top blue liner in Joe Palodichuk, who came down with mono after Friday night’s game. But adversity was nothing new to the Pioneers, and certainly not to Charlie Strobel. The recipe for their success was simple and was Strobel’s mantra throughout the year. Work harder than the other team and leave it all on the ice. Never, ever get outworked. Strobel scored twice and assisted on another goal. Their defensive zone play was relentless and Keopple did what he had done all year and kept the puck out of the net. They also got another huge goal from Owen Quast and one from junior defenseman Matthew Fleischhacker. The Pioneers won the game 4-1. They were state champions. Strobel’s emergence as a player and leader was as big of a difference-maker as any. But ultimately, as he will tell you, it was a total team effort. “We bonded and we worked,” he said. “We just never quit.” Strobel finished the regular season with 19 goals and 21 assists and 40 points. But it was the elevation of his game when it mattered most that started drawing attention from Division 1 coaches. He scored eight goals and had six assists in the team’s six playoff games, including four goals and two assists in the state tournament. He finished the season with 54 points in 31 games. By the end of the tournament it was clear. Charlie Strobel was the best player on the ice when it mattered most. He deserved a Division 1 tender, and it didn’t matter that it didn’t come when he was younger. Strobel was contacted by several schools after the state tournament, and a short time later Bob Motzko offered Strobel an opportunity to be a Minnesota Gopher. The decision was easy for Strobel. He visited the school and knew right away he wanted to be a Gopher. For a player who flew under the radar for most of his high school career, Strobel is proof that the state tournament is indeed the ultimate stage, and that determination, passion and hard work have no substitutes. And that a player should never give up or give in just because they aren’t heavily recruited and commit early in their high school careers. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, my buddies. They are my best friends,” Strobel said. “I am excited to be a Gopher.” It was a long path for Strobel to realize his dream of winning a state title and earning a chance to play Division 1 hockey and be a Minnesota Gopher. Along the way there were questions that always didn’t reveal easy answers, obstacles that at times seemed insurmountable, and an ultimate goal that sometimes seemed unattainable. “I have been through a lot of adversity,” Charlie said. “I wanted to prove people wrong. I just had to stay on the path and never quit.” Strobel’s story is a living testament to every young player growing up in the State of Hockey that through hard work, determination and resiliency that dreams really do come true. He never wavered from the most important things in his life – God, Family, and his hockey family. “I knew one day my time would come,” he said. It most certainly did.

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

INSIDER WCHA.com

WCHA.com

WCHA Women’s League season review Three league teams qualify for NCAA Championship in stellar 2019-20 league campaign

Final Horn · Wisconsin Captures 2019-20 Julianne Bye Cup: The Wisconsin Badgers captured the 2019-20 WCHA regular season title on the final day of the regular season. The title is the eighth in Badger program history and their fourth in the last five seasons. All eight titles have been won under the leadership of head coach Mark Johnson. · Ohio State Wins 2020 WCHA Final Faceoff: The Ohio State Buckeyes captured the program’s first WCHA postseason championship on March 8 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis after a 4-3 overtime semifinal victory against No. 2 seed Minnesota and a 1-0 overtime win over against the defending champion and top-seeded Wisconsin Badgers in the championship game. The victories marked the first time in Final Faceoff history that a team won both its semifinal and the championship game in overtime to capture the title. · 2020 NCAA Championship: The eight-team field for the 2020 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament included three WCHA teams. Defending NCAA champion Wisconsin, Minnesota, and WCHA Final Faceoff champion Ohio State joined Cornell, Clarkson, Northeastern, Mercyhurst and Princeton in the postseason field. The tournament was cancelled on March 12 along with the NCAA’s winter and spring championships due to the COVID-19 breakout. · Roque a Patty Kazmaier Top-3 Finalist: Wisconsin’s Abby Roque was one of the 2019-20 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-3 Finalists in 2019-20 along with eventual winner Elizabeth Giguère of Clarkson and Northeastern’s Alina Mueller. Roque was one of four WCHA skaters among the award’s top-10 finalists as well, along with Badger teammates junior Daryl Watts and sophomore Sophie Shirley as well as Ohio State junior forward Emma Maltais, who was the first Buckeye to make the top 10 since Natalie Spooner in the 2011-12 season. This year marked the 19th time in 21 seasons the WCHA has had at least one Patty Kazmaier Top-3 finalist. Additionally, the league has had at least one Top-10 finalist in all 21 seasons and had four or more Top-10 finalists 15 times in 21 seasons, including a high of six in both 2012 and 2013. · All-Americans: The WCHA landed four players on the CCM/AHCA All-America Teams in 2019-20. Junior defenseman Jincy Dunne of Ohio State and senior forward Abby Roque of Wisconsin were named to the first team while junior forwards Emma Maltais of Ohio State and Daryl Watts of Wisconsin received second-team recognition. The AHCA honors are the third for Dunne (first team 2019-20; second team 2018-19), second for Watts (first team, 2017-18) and the first for Maltais and Roque. The WCHA has now seen its players earn All-America honors 105 times since the league debuted in 1999-2000. o The WCHA also saw six players named to the USCHO All-America Team. Dunne and Roque were tabbed for the first team while Watts earned second-team honors and Maltais and Wisconsin sophomore forward Sophie Shirley received third-team recognition. Minnesota freshman defenseman Madeline Wethington earned Rookie All-America honors. · WCHA Scoring/Goaltending Champions: Wisconsin’s Daryl Watts was the WCHA’s scoring champion in 2019-20, registering 49 points on 13 goals and a WCHA-best 35 assists in 24 league games. Minnesota’s Sydnee Scobee took home league goaltending champion honors with a 1.63 GAA in WCHA play, · NCAA Statistical Leaders: In her debut season with the Badgers, junior Daryl Watts led the NCAA in points (74), assists (49), assists per game (1.36) and points per game (2.06). This is Watts’ second NCAA scoring title. She led the country in points (82) and ppg (2.16) as a freshman at Boston College in 2017-18. Wisconsin’s Abby Roque topped the nation in faceoff wins with 523. St. Cloud State netminder Emma Polusny led all NCAA goaltenders in saves (1,106) and shots faced (1,216). By the Numbers · 3,449: School-record career saves for Minnesota Duluth’s Maddie Rooney, the fourth-best total in WCHA history. · 1,108: Saves by St. Cloud State’s Emma Polusny this season, the third-highest total in WCHA history. · 179: Career points for Minnesota senior Sarah Potomak, the 11th-best total in Golden Gopher history. · 145: Games played by Minnesota State senior Emily Antony, equaling the most in school history. · 99: Career points for Ohio State senior defenseman Jincy Dunne, the third-most for a blueliner in Buckeye history. · 49: School record assist total for Wisconsin’s Daryl Watts this season, surpassing the previous mark of 48 held by Meghan Duggan (2010-11) and Sara Bauer (2006-07). · :11: Seconds between goals for Bemidji State’s Clair DeGeorge on Jan. 25 against Minnesota State, the second-fastest two goals scored by a player in WCHA history. About the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Women’s League The seven-team, NCAA Division I conference consists of: Bemidji State University (Beavers), th e University of Minnesota (Golden Gophers), the University of Minnesota Duluth (Bulldogs), Minnesota State University (Mavericks), Ohio State University (Buckeyes), St. Cloud State University (Huskies) and the University of Wisconsin (Badgers). For more information, visit wcha.com.

@WCHA_MHockey

@WCHA_WHockey

WCHAHockey

WCHAWomensHockey

WCHA Men’s League season review

Minnesota State’s third-straight MacNaughton Cup; five All-Americansand a Mike Richter Award finalist highlight the truncated 2019-20 campaign Final Horn · Minnesota State Wins MacNaughton Cup: Minnesota State won its third consecutive WCHA regular season title and fifth crown in the last six seasons in 2019-20. The Mavericks clinched the league title and MacNaughton Cup on the final night of the season with a 4-1 win at league runner-up Bemidji State. The Mavericks have claimed the league title outright four times – 2014-15, 2017-18, 2018-19, 201920 and shared the title in 2015-16. Minnesota State joins Colorado College (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96) as the only schools in WCHA history to win three consecutive outright league titles. North Dakota won three in a row from 1996-97 to 1998-99 but the first title in that run was a co-championship. · Mavericks, Beavers, Falcons, Huskies Advance to WCHA Semifinals: Top-seeded Minnesota State, No. 2 seed Bemidji State, No. 5 seed Bowling Green and No. 6 seed Michigan Tech advanced to the WCHA Semifinals before the season was shut down on March 12. The No. 1 Mavericks were slated to host Michigan Tech while second-seeded Bemidji State was set to square off with the Falcons before the COVID-19 health scare forced a premature end to the 2019-20 postseason. · Mike Richter Award: Minnesota State sophomore Dryden McKay was one of five finalists for the Mike Richter Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top goaltender. Bemidji State junior Zach Driscoll was also one of 10 semifinalists for the honor this season. McKay, the WCHA Goaltending Champion and WCHA Goaltender of the Year, ended the season as the national leader in GAA (1.31), save percentage (.942) and shutouts (10) and ranked second in winning percentage at .861. Driscoll earned second-team All-WCHA honors after finishing second to McKay in the league goaltending champion race with a 1.48 GAA in WCHA play, the fourth-lowest mark in WCHA history. · Hobey Baker Award: Minnesota State senior Marc Michaelis and sophomore Dryden McKay were two of 10 semifinalists for the 2019-20 Hobey Baker Award. Michaelis, the WCHA Player of the Year, finished third nationally in scoring with 44 points on 20 goals and 24 assists this season. McKay authored one of the top goaltending seasons in WCHA history, posting the second-lowest overall GAA in league history at 1.31 · All-Americans: The WCHA landed four players on the CCM/AHCA All-America West squads announced April 11. Minnesota State goaltender Dryden McKay and MSU forward Marc Michaelis were named to the West first team while their Maverick teammate Connor Mackey and WCHA Defensive Player of the Year Alec Rauhauser of Bowling Green were selected as second-team defensemen. o Michaelis and McKay also earned first-team All-America honors from USCHO.com while Rauhauser earned a second team nod and Northern Michigan’s Griffin Loughran was a third-team pick. · WCHA Scoring and Goaltending Champions: A pair of sophomores – Northern Michigan’s Griffin Loughran and Minnesota State’s Dryden McKay – took home the WCHA scoring and goaltending championships, respectively, this season. o Loughran registered 32 points on 20 goals and 12 assists in WCHA play to take home the scoring title while McKay captured his second-straight goaltending crown with a WCHA-record 1.17 goals against average in league contests, surpassing

– MEN’S LEAGUE REVIEW – continued on page 24

Men’s ice hockey program at Alabama Huntsville discontinued

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – May 22, 2020 – WCHA President and Men’s League Commissioner Bill Robertson released the following statement May 22 regarding the announcement by the University of Alabama Huntsville that it is discontinuing its men’s ice hockey program immediately. “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Alabama Huntsville has eliminated its men’s ice hockey program. UAH has been a valued member of the WCHA since joining the league in 2013 and, as the first Division I hockey school in the Deep South, brought the sport to a previously untapped fan base for college hockey. “We want to wish all the best to UAH head coach Mike Corbett, his assistant coaches, support staff and the Charger players affected by this decision and hope to see all of them at new schools in time for the 2020-21 season. “Lastly, I know this was a difficult decision for UAH President Dr. Darren Dawson and Director of Athletics Dr. Cade Smith, but one that was made with thoughtful and thorough review of the ramifications for the university and the student-athletes and coaches it is affecting.”

www.stateofhockey.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Hockey

June 18, 2020

F I N D Y O U R N E A R E S T L O C AT I O N

CARBONESPIZZERIA.COM

AT I O N

LOC

OFF ANY PURCHASE OF

$30 OR MORE

AT I O N

Available at participating locations. Mention coupon when ordering. Extra items available at additional cost. Void with other offers. One coupon per order. Delivery restrictions may apply. USE OFFER CODE: 726B6. EXPIRES 06/30/20

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

Mike MacDonald to lead UW-Stout hockey into a new era

MENOMONIE, Wis. – Mike MacDonald has been selected to lead the UWStout hockey program into a new era.  MacDonald, an assistant hockey coach at Curry College the last four years, will take over the Blue Devil program with the 2020-21 season. MacDonald follows Terry Watkins, who was Stout’s varsity coach for 24 seasons and eight years as the club coach.  “I believe that UW-Stout has much to offer it’s hockey players,” MacDonald said about his interest in the program. “The last couple of years that I was playing (at SUNY-Geneseo), the hockey team under Terry Watkins, was a powerhouse. My goal is to bring the program back to that level.” “Mike will have the opportunity to make a unique transition,” UW-Stout athletic director Duey Naatz said. “He will be ushering in a new era of Stout hockey. We are excited for the vision he has for our hockey program, both on and off the ice.” “I am most excited in the possibilities of recruiting for UW-Stout,” MacDonald said. “As far as a hockey student-athlete, Stout has a good fit for almost any student out there. UW-Stout graduates are in a good position to step into a job right away.” “We will have the opportunity to expand our recruiting,” MacDonald said. “We will be committed to finding the right players for UW-Stout, regardless of location.” During his time at Curry the team has steadily improved each season, post-

ing a combined record of 64-31-9. He has coached 11 All-Commonwealth Coast Conference  (CCC) selections, and in the 2018-19 season his power play was ranked third in the nation, scoring on 27.4 percent of their opportunities. While at Curry, MacDonald was responsible for recruiting, strength and conditioning, power play, video analysis, analytics, and coaching the defense. MacDonald calls himself adaptable and knows he will need to call upon that quality throughout his career, but especially the first several years. “The first year or two, you are given a team that you will work with,” MacDonald said. “Then as you bring in your own recruiting classes, the team will evolve.” “Ideally, I would like to play an offensive style of hockey,” MacDonald said. “I would like us to value puck possession, to own the puck.” MacDonald comes to UW-Stout with five total years of NCAA Division III coaching experience, spending the last four seasons as an assistant coach with the Curry College men’s hockey team. Curry is located in Milton, Mass., south of Boston. Prior to joining Curry, MacDonald spent a year as an assistant coach at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, where he helped guide a young Leopards team to the ECAC Northeast semifinals. MacDonald graduated from SUNY-Geneseo with a degree in Business Administration in 2007. During his time at Geneseo, the team posted a record of

PHOTO COURTESY OF UW-STOUT

Mike MacDonald will be will take over the Blue Devil program with the 2020-21 season. 67-33-11, winning the SUNYAC Championship in 2005 and 2006. Over his collegiate career, MacDonald appeared in 109 games and is among the school’s all-time leaders in goals (61) and points (120). After graduation, MacDonald played six seasons professionally. He began his professional career in the Central Hockey League, spending one season each with the Odessa Jackalopes and New Mexico Scorpions. The following four seasons he played primarily for the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Huntsville Havoc. While there he served as the team’s captain for three seasons. In 2010 he scored the game-winning goal to give

Huntsville its first ever SPHL Championship. Over his career, MacDonald appeared in 338 professional games with 213 points on 84 goals and 129 assists. MacDonald is a native of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He and his wife Diana have a son, Bennett. “I see this as a really great opportunity,” MacDonald said. “I believe our student-athletes can represent Stout well both on and off the ice. I see this as a place we can be for a long time.”  MacDonald is the sixth head coach in program history.

Wisconsin mourns the loss of Rob Andringa 1990 NCAA champion and lifelong Badger passed away May 29 MADISON, Wis.– From his days growing up in Madison as neighbor to the Johnsons, time as a stick boy in the late 1970s and early 1980s, playing baseball and winning an NCAA title with Wisconsin hockey, his program support and inspiration, and his broadcasting work, Rob Andringa has long been the epitome of what it means to be a Badger. Generosity and support are part of the family’s DNA. From his parents Conrad and Phyllis’ support of the program, Rob and his brother Jeff’s contributions on and off the ice and through to his sisters and the current generation of the family, this legacy helps make the Andringa family special to Wisconsin athletics. He was honored this past spring with the Gramps O’Sheridan Award, given for extraordinary service to the UW hockey program and awarded only when an appropriate recipient comes along. Team co-captain in 1991, Andringa scored the game-winning goal in the

WCHA MEN’S LEAGUE REVIEW continued from page 22

his previous WCHA record of 1.35 set in 2018-19. · Coaching Milestones: Two WCHA head coaches hit victory milestones in 2019-20 as Bemidji State’s Tom Serratore recorded his 300th career win on Nov. 9 against Lake Superior State and Minnesota State’s Mike Hastings reached the 200-win mark on Jan. 3 against Alaska. Serratore, who was named the WCHA Coach of the Year at season’s end, boasts a career record of 319-297-89 at his alma mater. Hastings

Badgers’ 1990 NCAA Championship and helped call UW’s 2006 NCAA Championship on the radio. He also won the Dr. Joseph Coyne/Joe Pavelski Most Consistent and Fenton Kelsey, Jr./Mike Richter Most Competitive Player during his career. He finished playing for the Badgers with 16 goals, 104 points and as the program’s alltime leader with 179 games played. Also a member of Wisconsin’s baseball program, he was inducted into the Madison Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. One of the Wisconsin’s most passionate fans, members, alums and supporters, Rob Andringa has passed away. He’s been battling colon cancer. He is survived by his wife, Christi, his son, Jack, and his daughters Carson and Dara.

Thoughts on Rob Andringa “There’s now pain and sadness in our family. There is nobody that I know who loves and embodies what Badger athletics and especially Badger hockey is all about than Rob Andringa. You can extend that to his entire family. “He had such a big heart and was so full of energy that he made everybody in

ended the season with a career record of 214-85-23. Hastings’ 214 wins as a WCHA bench boss ranks No. 19 all-time among WCHA coaches. Both Hastings and Serratore were finalists for the AHCA’s Spencer Penrose Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s coach of the year. · NCAA Statistical Leaders: WCHA players ended the 2019-20 season atop a number of NCAA statistical categories, led by Minnesota State’s Dryden McKay, who led all NCAA goaltenders in goals against average (1.31), save percentage (.942) and shutouts (10). Bemidji State’s Adam Brady shared the NCAA lead in power play goals with 12 while Minnesota State’s Marc Michaelis and Bowling Green’s Alec Rauhauser were two of seven players to pot an NCAA-best three short-handed goals this season. Michigan Tech’s Tommy Parrottino was one

his life feel like a friend and feel special. “His passion, love and loyalty has helped bridge the generations of Wisconsin hockey from the 1960s up through our current team. There is no one that has represented us in a more beautiful and positive way than Rob. “His influence on Wisconsin hockey, the university, our community and his friends and family is one that will live on. “I love the Andringas so much.” – Head Coach Tony Granato

“He was one of my best friends, teammates, roommate and a true Badger. He exemplified what it is to be a Badger hockey player. Leader, energetic, caring, selfless. He never cared who got credit, he just wanted Badger hockey to have success. A true family and community person. What a great example for us all on how to live our love. I will miss him every day.” – Associate Head Coach Mark Osiecki “We should all be so fortunate to have friends who make you feel good and bring out the best in you. Robbie did that every moment we spent together. From the first

of three players to lead the country in hat tricks with two and Alaska’s Max Newton topped the NCAA faceoff wins list with 515. o Two WCHA players appeared atop a pair of NCAA single-game highs list in 2019-20, with both highs occurring on the same day. Michigan Tech’s Alec Broetzman tallied five points (3g2a) on Oct. 6 against Robert Morris while Bowling Green’s Cameron Wright recorded a national season-high four goals later that afternoon at Miami. Both season highs were shared with multiple players nationally. · NHL Signees: Three WCHA players have inked National Hockey League free agent contracts as of April 13 to headline the league’s pro signee list. Minnesota State senior forward Marc Michaelis signed on with the Vancouver Canucks while one of his Maverick teammates, junior defenseman Connor

day I met him to the last day I saw him, he greeted me with that crooked smile and left me with a powerful hug. Every day was a great day to Rob Andringa. His positive energy was infectious. His heart of gold. His friendship I cherished. His passion for life will inspire me forever. Thank you Robbie and God bless you! You are beloved. Lynn and our family send our love and condolences to Christi, Jack, Carson, Dara, Phyllis, Doc and the Andringa family.” – Voice of Wisconsin Hockey Brian Posick “Rob Andringa was a wonderful ambassador for the University of Wisconsin, our athletic department, the city of Madison and, in particular, Badger hockey. His enthusiasm for life was infectious. Rob will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially the Badger hockey teammates with whom he won a national championship and forged lifelong friendships. The thoughts and prayers of all Badgers are with Rob’s family and friends.” –Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez

Mackey, joined the Calgary Flames. Senior blueliner Alec Rauhauser of Bowling Green rounded out the WCHA signee group when he joined the Florida Panthers. 2020 WCHA Postseason Tournament The WCHA was in the midst of its 2020 Postseason Tournament when the season was cancelled on March 12. The tournament annually brings the singular intensity and passion of playoff college hockey directly to its member institution fans with an eight-team, three-round tournament hosted on-campus by the highest remaining seeds. Each year, the winner receives the WCHA’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship and the Jeff Sauer WCHA Championship Trophy, presented by Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup.

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

June 18, 2020

A Father’s Reflections: The Final Season of Youth Hockey by MARK BOHM

Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

We have known, of course, this would be the final season. Our son is a high school senior and playing his second year in the under 18 division. Two years at each level is all you get and U18 is where the road ends. But the youth ice hockey seasons in Florida are long, and he was playing for both his high school and the U18 travel team, so there were many games left to watch, dozens of nights at the arena to see the other parents with whom we’ve shared so many seasons. They’re our extended hockey family – a countless number of friends, acquaintances, and familiar faces who have stood side by side with us for roughly the past decade, as we’ve lined up along the glass together, watching and groaning and cheering, bundled up in those familiar refrigerators we call

rinks. On a night in January, driving home, I started thinking about the remaining schedule for my son’s two teams, just to consider whether we had any conflicts coming up. Then it hit me. By my calculations, I realized that barring one of his teams securing a rare state championship, my son had fourteen games left in his youth hockey career. Ten years of hockey, a major driving force of his adolescence, was quickly approaching the wire. Now it felt like a blink of an eye. I thought of the richness of the experience. The tournaments out-of-state, always part hockey and part vacation – D.C., Chicago, New York City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Albany, Dallas, West Point, Massachusetts, Detroit, San Jose, and the state known as the “State of Hockey,” Minnesota. The road trips all over our home state. Two Florida State Championships before this season, each followed by a trip to Nationals. The

lessons learned. The teams he hoped to make and made. The ones he desperately wanted to make but from which he was cut. I thought of his first travel hockey goal. My wife was allowed near the end of the bench to take pictures in those days, and we have a photo of his expression, seen through his helmet cage. Our nine-year-old squirt, about a month into the season, skating to the bench after finally scoring that first goal, getting high-fives. His smile was as pure and wonderful as I’ve ever seen grace his face. It was the kind of moment no money can buy, one that cannot be manufactured, something a father can only hope someday his kid gets to experience. The game gave him that moment. Many others, too. We started counting down the games. With the tenth to last game finished, my wife and I came home and told our daughter what happened. The high school team – her high school too – had won its semi-final game in the end of season league playoff. Her brother scored the game winning goal. He’s a defenseman, tends to hang back, and doesn’t score often. She started sobbing. She’d gone to almost all the high school games this year but decided on that night to go to her water polo practice instead. She missed what might be his last goal, and it hurt. We were not the only ones affected by the finish of this last season. In the seventh to last game, his U18’s won a back-to-back league title. A couple weeks later, the high school team won the state championship, and the following weekend, the U18’s won their state championship. In any other

season, each of those victories would have meant another six games at least – three for each team at their respective Nationals – but those were scratched due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And with that cancellation pronouncement by USA Hockey, after all those years, the falls, winters, and springs, the summer camps, the tournament teams, the skating lessons, the two or three practices a week, hundreds of games – it was all over. Thankfully, we took a photo with him near the glass immediately after what would turn out to be his last game. A final family hockey pic featuring a happy, sweaty skater with a medal dangling from his neck. Not a bad way to end it. If you see my wife and I at the rink next season watching youth hockey and hanging out with friends whose younger kids are still playing, you’ll know why. Something tells me this is not a habit we’ll be able to quit cold turkey. I know it will not be the same though. When it’s your number 23 out there on the blue line, and you know what he’s invested, and how badly he wants it, and it’s late in the third period of a close one, and the opponent’s forwards are rushing the puck down the ice faster and faster every shift – well, there’s just not many ways to replicate that kind of adrenaline rush. So, now that it is finished, we will do the only thing there is to do. We will move on. And feel grateful that the game our son fell in love with a decade ago, a sport to which he gave so much time and energy, in turn, granted him, and us, more wonderful friends and cherished memories than an eight-year-old and his parents could have ever imagined.

UMD Bulldogs announce team awards, 2020-21 captains The University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team officially wrapped up the 2019-20 season at its annual banquet, where it announced its team awards, as well as next season’s captains. Ashton Bell and Kylie Hanley were selected as UMD’s Breakthrough Player of the Year by the coaching staff, presented annually to the student-athlete who made the most progress in her development as an athlete in a given year. Converted to defense prior to the season, junior defenseman Bell led all WCHA defenseman in points with 32 this past season, as well as goals (11), power play goals (7) and game-winning goals (5). The All-WCHA First Team selection finished sixth in the nation among all blueliners in total points, and led the NCAA with five-game winning goals and was third in power play goals. Bell, who hails from Deloraine, Manitoba, was tied for a team-high plus/ minus rating of +23, and had the most

points by a UMD defenseman since the 2010-11 season, and now ranks fifth for the most points by a blueliner in a single season. Three times the WCHA’s Defenseman of the Week, Bell also finishes in a three-way tie for third for the most goals (11) by a defenseman in a single season in program history. Sophomore forward Hanley almost tripled her offensive output in her second season, notching seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points over 36 games, the fifth most points by a Bulldog. The Minnetonka, Minn., product registered five points against teams ranked in the top-5 nationally – including three goals – and posted two power play goals, tying her for the second most on the team. In addition to one game-winning goal, Hanley also posted the third most shots on goal. For a second-consecutive year, senior forward Sydney Brodt was awarded the Maroon and Gold award, voted on by the team. The award honors the

player who the team thinks best combines the team values of work ethic, attitude and commitment to the team and to the game of hockey. The North Oaks, Minn., native finished second in team scoring, putting up 41 points on 19 goals and 22 assists in just 36 games this past season. The output shattered Brodt’s previous season-high offensive numbers, and more impressively, Brodt logged 20 points – nine goals and 11 assists in 15 games against teams ranked nationally. Named the Maroon and Gold Award recipient as a junior, Brodt finished her career with the 21st most points by a Bulldog in program history – 98 – on 40 goals and 58 assists over 141 games. A three-time WCHA Scholar Athlete, as well as three-time WCHA All-Academic Team honoree, Brodt was also named to the 2019-20 All-WCHA Third Team, and is one of only two Bulldogs ever to wear the “C” for three seasons. Sophomore center Gabbie Hughes

was named the Bulldogs Most Valuable Player honor for a second-straight time after the Lino Lakes, Minn., native led UMD in scoring all season with 20 goals and 31 assists for 51 points in just 35 games. The All-WCHA Second Team member ranked fifth in the WCHA in points and second in the conference with five game-winning goals, and her 51 points ranked her tenth overall in the NCAA. Hughes, a three-time WCHA Offensive Player of the Week this past season, was just one of two players in the past eight years to register 51 or more points, as well as 30 or more assists, and is one of four players in program history to lead a UMD squad in scoring in back-to-back seasons. The Bulldog program also named its 2020-21 team captains Thursday night, including Bell, who will wear the “C” next season as a senior. Bell will be assisted by soon-to-be senior winger Anna Klein and senior defenseman McKenzie Revering.

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

MR. HOCKEY ON HOC

and what it meant to stay and pla

Blake Biondi reflects on his high school hockey expe by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Hockey Publisher The State of Hockey is filled with outstanding young hockey players and has a long history of producing the best players the United States has to offer. This year another very special player joined the ranks of Minnesota High School all-time greats. Hermantown’s Blake Biondi became the 36th player to be named Mr. Hockey in Minnesota. Biondi was a three-year starter for the Hawks, a perennial power in Class A hockey, and racked up 95 points this season. Hermantown Head Coach Patrick Andrews was fortunate to coach Biondi in both bantams and at the high school level. He saw early on that Biondi was going to be special. “His first year of bantams he was excellent for us,” said Andrews. “He was a top guy that first year, on the power play and centered our second line. He had that X factor. A super headsy player and his skills were through the roof.” Biondi grew up on the neighborhood rinks in Hermantown under the tutelage of his father, Joe, who played high school hockey at Warroad and

“I believe that playing for something bigger than yourself and trying to get your best friends and school to the state tournament is what makes the sport of hockey so amazing. High School hockey is something you’ll never get back, and playing on the stage of the state tournament with the boys you grew up playing with is the best thing in the world to me. Bringing your team together to work for a state championship is something I would want every player to experience and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.” – Blake Biondi, 2020 Mr. Hockey then four years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 1989-1993. He was a 9th round draft pick of the North Stars in 1990. “My father has taught me everything about hockey and how I should be as a person,” said Biondi, who is following in dad’s footsteps and will play at UMD as well. Biondi and his buddies would hit the rink as soon as school let out and skate until 9 p.m. They did this every day. That’s when he fell in love with the game of hockey. He hasn’t looked back since. He took advantage of all of the ice time that was available in Hermantown. If he finished an organized onice workout and there was ice avail-

Blake Biondi had 95 points this season to lead the Hermantown Hawks. He was named the 36th annual Mr. Hockey.

able afterwards, Biondi would keep the gear on and keep skating. During the summer he would finish Andrews’ summer camp and then hop on the ice again. “In Hermantown we have our ice in all year long,” Biondi said. “For me, this was a massive advantage. I can’t thank Dave Huttel enough along with Hermantown Hockey for all of the ice time.” Not all his hockey was played in Hermantown however. He joined the Lake Superior Stars and played in a ton of tournaments in the cities. His development increased year after year. By the time he was a second year bantam he put up 81 points in 39 games. That next season he played one period on the junior varsity team. That’s when Coach Andrews decided against it. “Us coaches said, nope…he can’t get tired playing JV,” Andrews said. “He stepped in and played varsity right away and was an immediate impact guy.” As a sophomore he notched 58 points, including 14 points in six playoff games as the Hawks advanced to the state tournament and finished third. He finished with 30 goals and 28 assists. As a junior he was clearly the team’s top talent and already drawing raves from scouts. Not only does he have skill, he has size. At 6’0” and 180 pounds he possesses a strong frame with a combination of speed and solid stick work. His best asset might be his shot. “I feel I have a quick release and am a natural goal scorer,” said Biondi. Scouts rave about his explosive first step and how it gets him to loose pucks and about his lethal shot and net front presence that should translate well as he plays at the higher levels. Heading into his junior season he tore up the elite league with 21 goals in 21 games. Described as a complete 200-foot player, it is not just Biondi’s physical skills that make him a projected mid-round NHL draft pick, it is his on-ice awareness and hockey IQ, something instilled in him early on and learned throughout the countless hours spent on the ice. He is also an ultra competitor. “I feel my compete level and drive to be the best separates me from my competition,” Biondi said. “He hates to lose at anything,”

Snapshots wit

Favorite Movie: Miracle Favorite Musician: Eminem or Lil Wayne Favorite Pre-Game Ritual: The many ritu Favorite Food: My grandfather’s rigatoni Favorite Beverage: Chocolate Milk Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane Favorite Practice Drill: 3-on-3 game Favorite Go To Move on the Ice: Steppin cutting out while keeping the puck on you Favorite Breakaway Move: Half fake sho hole coming left to right slightly. Favorite Way to Celebrate a Goal: The P knee and a big fist pump Favorite Social Media: Instagram Favorite Celebrity: Leonardo DiCaprio Favorite Hobby: Hunting Favorite Motivational Slogan: It’s a beau opportunity.

said Andrews. “Even a drill in practice. He battles at everything and wants to win at everything. He’s also incredibly strong, his wrists are strong and he gets low so he’s hard to knock off the puck.” He is also selfless. “He is not an individual,” said Andrews. “He thinks the game so well and it translates to playing with better players.” Players of Biondi’s caliber often get pressure to make the jump from high school hockey early to play a more competitive game at the junior level with players of similar size, strength and speed. But for Biondi, that wasn’t an option. “I had pressure to play juniors both junior and senior season,” Blake said. “But for me, playing my senior season with my best friends and trying to get back to the state tournament was something I would never miss. I wanted to give back to the place that had given me everything and in doing that I learned more than I could ever have thought about myself, my team, and bringing a group of brothers together at the right time.” Leadership is also a big part of Biondi’s resume. After the Hawks lost in the section finals after Biondi’s junior season, he told Coach Andrews he was coming back. The next day he was in Coach Andrews’ office and said, “I want to come back and win a title.” “It was completely selfless for him to come back and play his senior year,” said Andrews. “He had a lot of people telling him it was not the right thing to do.” Andrews said that is when Biondi emerged as a true leader. He was always the best player on the ice, but he also understood that it took 20 guys to win a state championship. “He learned how to be a leader,” said Andrews. “He learned how to get the 20th player to fall in line with the third best player. The kids responded and the team really came together.” During his senior campaign Biondi was labeled as the state’s top talent. That put a bull’s-eye on his back. He was dou-

www.stateofhockey.com

CKEY

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

erience

th Mr. Hockey

e uals in the warm up line with the boys. pasta

ng hard into the inside with the puck then ur backhand and then driving the net. ot, half leg kick, backhand, forehand, five

Patrick Kane tickler with one hand on the

utiful thing when preparation meets

ble and triple teamed every night. Still, he was putting up numbers and the Hawks were winning games. “He was on another level this year,’ Andrews said. “He was dominant, the best player on the ice every time we played and we played against some good teams with some great players. At times he was a man amongst boys.” The Hawks coasted through sections, outscoring opponents 26-1. Biondi racked up six goals and 12 points. They made it back to the state tournament where they beat Monticello 7-1 behind three goals and two assists form their senior captain. He notched a goal and an assist in the semifinal 6-2 win over St. Cloud Cathedral. And then they ran into Mahtomedi and despite outshooting them 42-12, the Zephyrs won 3-2 in overtime. It was a disappointing loss for the Hawks and for Biondi. But looking back, the experience he had with his best friends, win or lose, will never be forgotten. “Playing in the state tournament was the best time of my entire life,” he said. “During my sophomore year it was a surreal experience and more than I could have ever imagined. “During my senior season my team and I were on a mission and that was the best experience of my life. I was never closer to another group during a time like the state tournament. It was the best feeling playing your heart out for your community, school, and brothers on the biggest stage.” There certainly are zero regrets for playing his senior season as a Hermantown Hawk. “Playing my senior year at Hermantown with my brothers in front of my community was the best thing I have done in my life so far,” he said. “I would never leave to play somewhere else and will never regret staying and being a Hawk.” For Biondi, the ultimate goal is playing with those you care about the

Blake Biondi celebrates a goal with a teammate during the state tournament, where he helped lead the Hawks to a runner-up finish to Mahtomedi. most and chasing a common goal. “I believe that playing for something bigger than yourself and trying to get your best friends and school to the state tournament is what makes the sport of hockey so amazing,” he said. “High School hockey is something you’ll never get back, and playing on the stage of the state tournament with the boys you grew up playing with is the best thing in the world to me. Bringing your team together to work for a state championship is something I would want every player to experience and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.” Biondi has advice for other young players who may be struggling with the decision to stay in high school or make the jump to juniors. “If you are good enough the right people will find you and you will make it,” he said. “There is no reason to rush to leave to play in other leagues. Enjoy where you are now, love the game because it is bigger than all of us, and trust in the people around you.” Biondi is grateful for the high school experience he has had. He has plenty of hockey in front of him and will likely be selected in next month’s draft. With his size and skill, chances are he will don an NHL sweater some day. And he will never forget and always cherish where he came from. “I just want to thank Hermantown Hockey and the State of Hockey for everything you have given me,” he said.

Mr. Hockey Winners 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985

Blake Biondi Bryce Brodzinski Sammy Walker Casey Mittelstadt Riley Tufte Jake Jaremko Avery Peterson Grant Besse Justin Kloos Kyle Rau Nick Bjugstad Nick Leddy[1] Aaron Ness[2] Ryan McDonagh[1] David Fischer[3] Brian Lee Tom Gorowsky Nate Dey Gino Guyer[4] Marty Sertich Paul Martin Jeff Taffe Johnny Pohl Aaron Miskovich Dave Spehar Erik Rasmussen Mike Crowley Nick Checco Brian Bonin Darby Hendrickson Joe Dziedzic Trent Klatt Larry Olimb Kris Miller George Pelawa Tom Chorske

Hermantown Blaine Edina Eden Prairie Blaine Elk River Grand Rapids Benilde-St. Margaret’s Lakeville South Eden Prairie Blaine Eden Prairie Roseau Cretin-Derham Hall Apple Valley Moorhead Centennial North St. Paul Greenway (Coleraine) Roseville Elk River Hastings Red Wing Grand Rapids Duluth East St. Louis Park Bloomington Jefferson Bloomington Jefferson White Bear Lake Richfield Edison Osseo Warroad Greenway (Coleraine) Bemidji Southwest

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

Close-knit Zephyrs defy odds, bring home first state title

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Hockey Publisher There was a seven-day span in mid January when the Mahtomedi Zephyrs learned a lot about themselves. In that seven days they defeated Class AA power St. Thomas Academy, lost to Class A rival Tartan and beat eventual Class AA state champion Hill-Murray. “It was an important lesson for a team to learn that you can beat anyone and be beaten by anyone,” said head coach Jeff Poeschl. Poeschl was in his 24th year at the helm of the Zephyr program and although they had been to their fair share of state tourneys and knocked on the door of a state title, the school had yet to bring one home. And this season it wouldn’t be particularly easy with the likes St. Cloud Cathedral, Hermantown, Warroad and others as more likely favorites. After sneaking through the section with a tight win over Tartan 2-0 in the semifinals, the Zephyrs found themselves at the state tournament once again. Cathedral was the reigning champs and Hermantown, led by Mr. Hockey’s Blake Biondi, were the two teams favored to win. First the Zephyrs had to get past Delano, no easy task either. “Going into the tournament I told them that someone was going to win three games, so it may as well be us,” said Poeschl. “I told them it was alright to be a little greedy, you just never know if and when these opportunities will ever be in front of you again.” The Zephyrs fell behind early after two first period goals by Delano. They got on board in the second period to make it 2-1 before exploding for four goals in the third period to win 5-2. It was a great win, but the celebration was short-lived because of the daunting road ahead. Next up was Warroad. “After winning the quarterfinal game against a very good Delano team I will be honest – I looked at the remaining teams throughout and thought, boy, we could get blown out the next two games,” said Poeschl. That’s high school hockey in Minnesota. The Zephyrs proved it during the regular season by winning games they weren’t favored in and losing

The Zephyrs celebrate their first state championship in boys hockey in school history. some in which they were favorites. Poeschl didn’t share those thoughts with his team and instead stuck with “This team was the game plan. “It was a similar game plan very close. Good relationships against Warroad and then take work. They were willing to Hermantown,” he said. “We wanted to shut down or at put the hard work into creating least minimize the damage a family-type atmosphere. It’s from their top line and leave something they will be able to everything on the ice.” That’s exactly what they take with them for the rest of did. their lives.” This time they got on board early and held the lead, Mahtomedi Coach defeating Warroad 5-1, pitting Jeff Poeschl them against heavily favored Hermantown – a team that beat the Zeph-

PHOTOS BY MATT KANE

yrs 9-2 on Dec. 21. The Zephyrs were able to hold Biondi and Co. at bay, keeping Mr. Hockey off the scoreboard. Despite being outshot 42-10 through the first three periods, the Zephyrs were able to force overtime. At the 2:44 mark Colin Hagstrom netted the game winner, giving the Zephyrs an improbable win and their first title in school history. Goaltender Ben Dardis was the difference maker, stopping 40 shots in the victory. For Coach Poeschl, the moment was exhilarating. “I was overwhelmed,” he said. “Overwhelmed with pride and happiness for the team, the coaching staff, our fans, community and alumni. More than anything, I felt grateful to play a small role in something so special.” Poeschl credits his close-knit group of players for their achievement, for overcoming odds and proving that anything can happen when all pull together in the same direction. “This team was very close,” he said. “Good relationships take work. They were willing to put the hard work into creating a family-type atmosphere. It’s something they will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Sophomore goalie Ben Dardis was a standout in nets for the Zephyrs, stopping 40 shots in the title game.

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

CCHA Names Don Lucia Commissioner

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The reconstituted Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), which will begin play in the 2021-22 season, has named Don Lucia as Commissioner, the seven member schools announced Wednesday, June 17. One of the most successful coaches in college hockey history, Lucia’s head coaching tenure included stints at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Colorado College, and the University of Minnesota where he was the Golden Gophers’ winningest coach in program history. At the helm of the Golden Gophers bench, Lucia won two national championships (2002 and 2003) while appearing in five NCAA Frozen Four tournaments. He also led his CC Tigers to an NCAA runner-up finish in 1996 and an appearance in the 1997 NCAA Frozen Four semifinals. “The member institutions of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association are pleased to announce Don Lucia as our new Commissioner,” said Northern Michigan University President Fritz

Erickson. “Don has a tremendous background of success in college hockey and his wealth of knowledge, vision and passion for the game was very evident and impressive throughout our search. The CCHA presidents believe Don will lead us to great success and we are excited for what’s ahead.” “We are thrilled with the addition of Don Lucia as CCHA Commissioner,” said Perk Weisenburger, Ferris State University Director of Athletics and search chair. “I would like to thank the members of our search committee who represented each of the seven institutions that will form the CCHA when we open play in October of 2021, as well as our consultant Dr. Morris Kurtz for his dedication and commitment throughout this exhaustive process. We had several extremely well qualified candidates who made thorough and in-depth presentations to our membership and we thank them for their interest, time and energy.” Lucia coached numerous all-conference team members, All-Americans, conference players of the year and a Hobey Baker Award winner. He earned

league honors as “Coach of the Year” on five occasions. He was also selected as recipient of the Spencer Penrose Award in 1994, awarded annually to the top collegiate coach by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Lucia also spent time with USA Hockey, serving most recently as head coach of the U.S. World Junior Championship team in 2013-14. “I would like to thank all the presidents, athletic directors, and coaches who were involved in the search process for this tremendous opportunity,” Lucia said. “The seven members of the CCHA have rich hockey traditions and I am honored to lead them moving forward. I can’t wait to get started on building the foundation of the CCHA for the inaugural season in 2021-22.” Prior to his head coaching career, Lucia spent six seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1981-85) and the University of Alaska Anchorage (1985-87). A 1981 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he served as alternate captain for the Fighting Irish during his senior sea-

NA3HL.com

son.

Lucia retired from coaching in 2018 following a 31-year career where he amassed a record of 736-403-102 (.634). He is the eighth all-time winningest men’s ice hockey coach in NCAA history and ranks sixth among Division I men’s coaches. “Don is highly respected in our game and checks all the boxes with his experience, knowledge and integrity,” said Bemidji State University Coach Tom Serratore. “There isn’t much that he hasn’t seen in nearly four decades as a college coach. He’s a proven leader and winner in college hockey.” The seven CCHA member institutions include Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Northern Michigan University. A recording of Lucia’s introductory press conference will be made available on Youtube following the event.

@NA3HL

NA3HL

UPDATE Granite City defenseman Schuldt makes college commitment

The Granite City Lumberjacks, proud members of the NA3HL, are pleased to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Jacob Schuldt has committed to play ACHA Division 1 hockey for Iowa State University of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League for the 2020-21 season. Schuldt, 21, played for the Lumberjacks in 40 total regular season games, scoring 5 goals and 7 assists and was a +23 this season with Granite City. The 6’2/194 lbs. native of Minnetonka, Minn., was also a member of the Yellowstone Quake during the 2017-18 season collecting 2 goals and 19 assists in 54 total games including playoffs. He also represented the West Division this season in the 2020 Top Prospects Tournament with 1 goal and 4 assists. Schuldt finished his NA3HL hockey career with 87 games played, 7 goals and 24 assists for 31 points. “Playing junior hockey in Granite City is an awesome experience. The attention to detail, hard work and

care put into this team by everybody involved puts this organization a step above. What truly defines this team however is the people. The coaches are knowledgeable. They treat their players right and understand that hockey is so much more than just a game. The trainers go out of their way to ensure the safety and well-being of every player. The gameday staff are professional about their work and are invested in providing a great gameday experience. The billet families take each kid in as their own and give them everything they need to perform. Finally, the fans are better than anywhere in junior hockey. Home ice advantage is alive and well at the Armadillo because of the amazing people who come out to support the team for every game,” said Schuldt. Lumberjacks assistant coach Eric Moser stated, “Schuldt was an unbelievable young man on and off the ice for us. He was always a reliable guy for us on the back end and was never afraid to play with that tough guy mentality. He did all the little things

Granite City Lumberjacks and NA3HL Top Prospects defenseman Jacob Schuldt has committed to play ACHA Division 1 hockey for Iowa State. right which earned him the role as an assistant captain. His presence was definitely heard and felt in the dressing room and he was a guy the rest of our group rallied behind. We wish Jacob the best of luck with the next step of his career and are excited to see what success awaits him at the next level.” Schuldt will join fellow Jacks alumni Kearby Larson (’99-North St

Paul, MN) and Matt Moran (’98-Sartell, MN) at Iowa State. “The Lumberjacks organization is a family to many and is treated as such by involved. I look forward to visiting often to catch up with everybody who makes up the GCL family. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to end by junior hockey career,” said Schuldt.

March 5-6, 2021 • St. Paul RiverCentre The largest consumer hockey show in the WORLD!

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR powered by America ’s No. 1 Hockey Newspaper! All invitational tournaments held in Minnesota must first go through a district tournament coordinator before being sent to the Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinator, Tim Sweezo, for final approval. The list below is of Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinators for each district. Please call them if you need information about a certain tournament. District 1 Tom Mickus (651) 248-3075; District 2 Jake Reinseth (651) 274-9023; District 3 Chad Nicholls (952) 544-0808; District 4 Kris Hohensee (507) 360-6787; District 5 Jeff Carlen (320) 274-3509; District 6 Brad Hewitt (952) 250-6431; District 8 Zac Dockter (612) 735-9703; District 9 Troy Marquardt (507) 384-7386; District 10 Mark Osmondson (612) 747-8308; District 11 Clark Coole (218) 590-0703; District 12 Craig Homula (218) 744-5566; District 15 Cyndi Young (218) 731-5899; District 16, Mark Dragich (218) 791-0229; Senior Women, Nancy Wefler (763) 537-7837. Tournament entrants from outside Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota: Be informed that Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam teams will likely have some players up to six months older than the USA Hockey age guidelines for those classifications. Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are using a July 1 age cut-off date while USA Hockey is using a January 1 age cut-off date. If you are concerned about this issue, you should contact the tournament director immediately to determine whether or not you should register for the tournament.

JUNE 2020 26-28 Blaine, MN. Lettermen Cup. Boys Open 2012/11, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007. Contact Randy Peake at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com. 26-28 Alexandria, MN. Living the Dream Hockey Series. Adult men’s tournament. To register, call 763-225-7320 or email dan@midwesthockey.com. 26-28 Plymouth/Maple Grove, MN. Lettermen Cup. Boys Open 2006, 2005, 2004. Girls Open 10U 12U. Contact Randy Peake at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com.

AUGUST 2020 6-9 Edina and Burnsville, MN. Rumble at the Rink. Boys 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Contact: Adam Hauser adamh@mnmadehockey.com or 952641-6887. Register at www.mnmadehockeytournaments.com. 7-9 Alexandria, MN. Summer Round-Up. Boys 2008-2010. Contact dan@midwesthockey.net. www.midwesthockey.net. 7-9 Twin Cities, MN. AAA Combat Cup. Boys Open 20012/11, 2010, 2009, 208, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004. Contact Randy Peake at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com. 7-1 East Metro MN and Western WI. Blaze Cup. 2012 through 2005 boys birth years & U-16 Boys. Contact Dan Gilkerson 715-222-2448 or email: dgilkerson@somersethockey.com. www. blazehockey.net 14-16 Sioux Falls, SD. Combat Cup. Boys Open 2008, 2007, 206. Contact Randy Peake at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com. 14-16 Woodbury and Stillwater, MN. Combat Cup. Girls Open 10U, 12U, 14U. Contact Randy Peake at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com. 14-16 Summer Round-Up AA. U16 Boys, Boys 2005-2012. Girls U8-U14. Contact dan@midwesthockey.net. www.midwesthockey.net. 14-16 Alexandria, MN. Summer Round-Up. Girls U10-U14. Contact dan@midwesthockey.net. www.midwesthockey.net. 21-23 Summer Round Up. Boys 2005-2012. Girls U10 and U12. Contact dan@midwesthockey. net. www.midwesthockey.net. 28-30 Blaine, MN. Combat Cup. Boys and Girls High School Prep. Contact Randy Peake at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com.

SEPTEMBER 2020

JULY 2020 10-12 Alexandria, MN. Living the Dream Hockey Series. Adult women’s and co-ed tournament. To register, call 763-225-7320 or email dan@midwesthockey.com. 10-12 Duluth, MN: MN Female Elite Prospects Tournament, Girls 16U & U19; Contact Kevin Mudrak (218) 522-1375 or kmudrak@yahoo.com or visit www.mnfemalehockey.com 17-19 Duluth, MN: 15th Annual Northern Exposure AAA Hockey Tournament, 2003/04-2010/11; Contact Kasey Yoder (651) 432-1840 or kaseyyoder@gmail.com or visit www.northernexposureaaahockey.com 24-26 Aston, P: OneHockey Philadelphia: AAA – 20U, 18U, 16U, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Contact sebastienf@onehockey.com. www.onehockey.com. 31-Aug 2 Sioux Falls, SD. Combat Cup. Boys Open 2011-2012, 2010, 2009. Contact Randy Peake at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com. Register at www.aaatournaments.com.

4-6 Columbus, OH: OneHockey Columbus: AA- 18U/16U/14U. A – 14U/12U/10U. B – 14U/12U/10U. A/B/Gretzky – 8U half Ice. Contact sebastienf@onehockey.com. www.onehockey.com.

OCTOBER 2020 23-25 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: Bantam A/AA and PeeWee A/AA Scrimmages. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments 30-1 Cottage Grove, MN: Wolfpack Pumpkin Bash. B1 PeeWee and Bantam. Contact Sheila Bellinger (651) 295-3408 or tournaments@cghockey. com. Register at CGhockey.com/tournaments

NOVEMBER 2020 13-15 Duluth, MN: Tommy Williams Tournament. Bantam AA. Contact Troy Olson: troyolson9@ gmail.com. Register at duluthhockey.com/tournaments 13-15 Duluth, MN: Gales of November Tournament. PeeWee AA. Contact Steve Berry: smberry@d.umn.edu. Register at duluthhockey.com/ tournaments 13-15 Eden Prairie, MN: Season Premiere Kick Off. Bantam A. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 13-15 Faribault, MN: Bantam A/B Tournament. Contact Michal Munoz at fhatournaments@gmail. com. Register at www.faribaulthockey.com 13-15 Forest Lake, MN: PeeWee B2 & PeeWee C Tournament. Contact Brandon Ferngren (612) 986-1453 ortournaments@flhockey.org. Info/ registration at www.flhockey.org 13-15 Grand Rapids, MN: 12UB Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forre st: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 13-15 Moorhead, MN: YHH Blue Ox - Bantam AA/A. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey. com/tournaments 13-15 Osseo/Maple Grove, MN: PeeWee AA, A, B1 Tournament. Contact Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha. com. Register at https://www.omgha.com/page/ show/74-omgha-tournament-information-and-registration. www.omgha.com 14-15 Sioux Falls, SD: Squirt A (MN A/B1) Jamboree. Contact Aimee Chase (605) 929-0039. www.siouxfallsflyers.com 19-22 Anoka, MN: Bantam Tournament. Bantam A/AA, B1, B2. Contact Kristi Robideau at anokatournaments@gmail.com. Register at anoka. pucksystems2.com 19-22 Bloomington, MN: Bantam Winter Classic. All levels. Email questions to bahatourneys@ gmail.com. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey. com 20-22 Duluth, MN: Portman Thanksgiving Tournament. Squirt A & B. Contact Shawn Roed: roedwarrior13@gmail.com. Register at duluthhockey.com/tournaments 20-22 Grand Rapids, MN: PeeWee B2 Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 20-22 Mankato, MN: Girls U10B & U12B Tournament. Contact Jenny Pierskalla at mankatotcr58@gmail.com. Register at www.mankatohockey. com 20-22 Marshall, MN: Winter Cup. Girls 10U/12U. Contact Christian Guenther (573) 2484445 or guenthercg@gmail.com. Register https:// marshall.pucksystems2.com 20-22 Moorhead, MN: Bantam B and PeeWee B Tournaments. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 20-22 Stillwater, MN: Stillwater Stampede. PeeWee B1 & B2. Contact Pete Waggoner (952) 769-6513 or Pete@SportsContentManagement. com. Register at stillwaterhockey.net 20-22 Willmar, MN: Cardinal Classic Bantam A & B Tournament. Contact Joe Wisocki (559) 2133683 or jwisocki@pga.com. Register at www.willmarhockey.com and click on the Tournaments tab.

BE GAME DAY READY

with the Tournament Experts Visit our tournament headquarters at

www.tag-up.com Call 800-528-0828 or email: sales@tag-up.com

21-22 Inver Grove Heights, MN: U12 A/B2 Tournament. Contact Kari Miller (612) 309-1923 or ighhatourney@gmail.com. Register at www.ighha. org 25, 27-29 Burnsville, MN: Burnsville Thanksgiving Tournament. Squirt A, Peewee A, Bantam A. Contact Dennis Dukart at tournaments@burnsvillehockey.com. Register at blazehockey.com/tournaments. 27-29 Bemidji, MN: Bantam B2 Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com 27-29 Bemidji, MN: George Pelawa Memorial. Bantam AA/A. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com 27-29 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. PeeWee A, B and C. Contact tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers.com 27-29 Brooklyn Park, MN: Thanksgiving Pirate Classic. Squirt B1, B2, C, Bantam B. Contact Amanda Naylor: tournamentdirector@nmyha.com. Register at www.nmyha.com under “Tournaments”. 27-29 Chaska and Victoria, MN. CCHA Brick City Classic. Squirt B1/B2/C, PeeWee C, 12UB2. Contact Beth Johnson (763) 772-4795 or bfjohnson5@gmail.com. Register at https://www.cchockey.org/ccha-tournaments. 27-29 Cottage Grove, MN: Turkey Tourney. A/B1/B2/C Squirts. Contact Sheila Bellinger (651) 295-3408 or tournaments@cghockey.com. Register at CGhockey.com/tournaments 27-29 Detroit Lakes, MN: Thanksgiving Classic. Bantam B. Contact Troy & Abby Pettit (218) 234-9193, (218) 234-5068 or email: abbypettit80@ gmail.com. https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/page/ show/203545-dlyha-tournament-information 27-29 Eden Prairie, MN: First Test of the Best. Bantam AA & PeeWee AA. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 27-29 Edina, MN: Tradition CakeEater Classic Tournament. 15A, 15B, 12A, 12B1, 12B2, 10A, 10B1, 10B2. Contact Janae Hentges (612) 8121136 or janae@sportscontentmanagement.com. Register at www.edinatourney.com 27-29 Grand Forks, ND: Angels 10UA, 12UA, 15UA Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 7870316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 27-29 Hermantown, MN: PeeWee AA Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey. com 27-29 Minneapolis, MN: Minneapolis Cup Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament. Bantam B1, B2, C, PeeWee B1, B2, C and Squirt B1, B2, C. For Info/ registration, visit www.mplshockey.com 27-29 Moorhead, MN: Girls 10UA and 10UB Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 27-29 Mounds View, MN: Thanksgiving Tournament. Squirt A, B1, C / PeeWee A, B1, C / Bantam AA, B1, C. Info/registration at mvihockey.org

TOURNAMENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

TAG-UP IS YOUR TOURNAMENT

HEADQUARTERS!

•Bag Tags •Badges •Trophies •Custom Awards •Custom Medals •Banners •Puck Decals •Locker Name Plates •Dry Erase Boards

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Brookings, South Dakota 2020-2021 Tournaments

2020-21 Tournaments NUAL

10TH AN

NEW HOPE CLASSIC DECEMBER 4-6, 2020

Squirt B1, Squirt B2 and Squirt C 8 teams per level • 3 game guarantee • $1050 per team

Tired of playing those same old teams?

PLAN A ROAD TRIP! Great teams and Great experiences in South Dakota!

KNOCKDOWN AT NEW HOPE JANUARY 15-17, 2021

NOV 27-29

$1050

BANTAM A & B

DEC 4-6

$1100

JR GOLD B

DEC 11-13

$1300

SQUIRT A & B

JAN 1-3

$800

MITE A & B

JAN 8-10

$600

TERMITE JAMBOREE

JAN 9-10

$200

GIRLS 14U B

JAN 15-17

$800

JR GOLD A

JAN 22-24

$1300

GIRLS 19U A & B

FEB 5-7

$1050

www.brookingsrangers.com

Three games guaranteed, often four

UAL 7TH ANN

PEE WEE A & B & C

No Gate Fees

or contact

MN A/B1 teams = SD A teams MN B2/C teams = SD B teams

tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com

U10B1, U12B1, PeeWee C

South St. Paul 2020 - 2021

8 teams per level • 3 game guarantee for U10B1, 4 game guarantee for U12B1 and PeeWee B2 • U10B1 $1050 per team, U12B1 and PeeWee B2 $1250 per team • Some teams may play a Friday “day” game

NUAL

34TH AN

Cowtown Classic Tournaments

NEW HOPE INVITATIONAL

FEBRUARY 12-14, 2021 PeeWee A, Bantam A

– No AA teams allowed –

Squirt B & C

8 teams per level • 4 game guarantee • $1300 per team

Registration now open! Please note: We will offer full refunds if we need to cancel due to COVID-19.

For more information please contact Susie Melynchuk: smelynchuk@comcast.net

www.armstrongcooperhockey.org

Dec. 11-13, 2020

PeeWee B1 & C Jan. 15-17, 2021

$1150/team per tournament

*If any of the tournaments are canceled due to COVID-19 full refunds will be given.

Please contact SSPYHA at: South St. Paul Youth Hockey Attn: Dan Nerka - Tournaments 141 6th Street S, Suite 1, South St. Paul, MN 55075 Email: sspyha.tournaments@gmail.com

Cottage Grove Hockey Association

2020-21 TOURNAMENTS All games played at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena

WOLFPACK PUMPKIN BASH

YEAR END BASH

B1 PeeWee and Bantam

B2/C PeeWee and Bantam

Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2020 Pool Play – 8 teams/level • 4 games Fee: $1,250

TURKEY TOURNEY Nov. 27-29, 2020 A/B1/B2/C Squirts

A/B1/B2 bracket – 8 teams/level • 3 games C pool – 12 teams • 3 games (possible 4th) Fee: $1,150

MITE JAMBOREE Dec. 11-13, 2020

U6 Boy/Girls through Mite 4 Boy/Girls

3 half ice games • Fee: $300

Dec. 31, 2020Jan. 3, 2021

Bracket play – 8 teams/level • 3 games Fee: $1,200

SKATING WITH THE WOLVES Jan. 8-10, 2021 10B1/10B2/12B

12B pool – 8 teams/level • 4 games 10B1/10B2 bracket – 8 teams/level • 3 games Fee: $1,150

NO GATE FEES

For more information or to register, go online at:

CGHOCKEY.COM/TOURNAMENTS Tournament Director: Sheila Bellinger (651) 295-3408 tournaments@cghockey.com

2021 Winona Tournaments

Squirt C Jan. 15-17, 2021

PeeWee B / Squirt B Jan. 29-31, 2021

Mite Jamboree Jan. 24, 2021

PeeWee C Feb. 19-21, 2021

Fee: $900/team 8 Teams Each Level

Fee: FREE

Fee: $900/team 8 Teams

Fee: $900/team 8 Teams Each Level

NO GATE FEES! Weather permitting, Winona's tournaments will include games on the outdoor, regulation size rink that overlooks the Mississippi River.

Tournament Director: Ditlev Larsen dlarsen@winona.edu

www.winona.pucksystems2.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Hockey

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2020 3-6 Anoka, MN: Anoka-Rogers Girls Classic. Girls 10UA, 10UB1, 10UB2, 12UA, 12UB. Contact Kristi Robideau at anokatournaments@gmail.com. Register at anoka.pucksystems2.com 3-6 Circle Pines, MN: Centennial Girls Chill. Contact Kathy Gould (651) 216-5768. Register at www.centennialhockey.org 3-6 Osseo/Maple Grove, MN: Lucas Decker Ultimate Showdown. Peewee B2, C. Contact Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha. com. Register at https://www.omgha.com/page/ show/74-omgha-tournament-information-and-registration. www.omgha.com 3-6 West Saint Paul/Mendota Heights, MN: Salute to Hockey. Squirt A, Squirt B. Contact Rick Lopez at rlopez1724@yahoo.com. Register at https:// www.sibleyareahockey.org/page/show/12029-2020salute-to-hockey-tournament-squirt-a-and-squirt-b 4-6 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Squirt B2 Tournament. Register online at www.alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 4-6 Apple Valley/Eagan, MN: Valkyrie Lightning U10A and U10B2 Tournament. Info/registration visit www.eastviewhockey.net/tourneys. 4-6 Bemidji, MN: Bantam B1 Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com 4-6 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Bantam A & B. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers.com 4-6 Cloquet, MN: Squirt A Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 4-6 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Face Off. PeeWee B1 & B2. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 4-6 Forest Lake, MN: Girls 15UA Tournament. Contact Brandon Ferngren (612) 986-1453 ortournaments@flhockey.org. Info/registration at www.flhockey.org

4-6 Grand Forks, ND: Angels 10UB, 12UB, 15UB Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 7870316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 4-6 Grand Rapids, MN: PeeWee B1 Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 4-6 Hermantown, MN: Girls U12A & U15A Tournaments. Contact Amber Manion (218) 7295493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey.com 4-6 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: 10UB and 12UB Tournaments. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www. hcyha.org/tournaments 4-6 Hutchinson, MN: PeeWee A and B Tournament. Contact Caleb Paulson (320) 292-4512 or Caleb.M.Paulson@wellsfargo.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.org 4-6 Mankato, MN: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Jenny Pierskalla at mankatotcr58@gmail. com. Register at www.mankatohockey.com 4-6 Monticello, MN: Moose Cup. Squirt A. Contact Sean Lawrance (612) 290-8547 or moosehockeytournaments@gmail.com. www.mooseyouthhockey.org 4-6 Moorhead, MN: Bantam C and PeeWee C Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 4-6 New Hope, MN: Squirt B1, Squirt B2 and Squirt C Tournament. Contact Susie Melynchuk: smelynchuk@comcast.net or visit www.armstrongcooperhockey.org 4-6 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Squirt B/C Tournament. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 2765612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https://newulm. pucksystems2.com 4-6 Owatonna, MN: Girls U10B and U12B Tournament. Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or Director@owatonnahockey.com. Register at www. owatonnahockey.com 4-6 Paynesville, MN: Squirt C Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey. com 4-6 Rochester, MN: Squirt A Tournament. Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@yahoo.com. Register at www.RYHA.net 4-6 Sioux Falls, SD: Squirt A & B (MN B/ B1 & MN B2/C) Tournament. Contact Aimee Chase (605) 929-0039. www.siouxfallsflyers.com

4-6 Somerset, WI: PeeWee B1 (WI A) & PeeWee C (WI B) Tournament. Contact Jim Urquhart (763) 218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com. Register at www.somersethockey.com 4-6 Willmar, MN: Cardinal Classic Girls 10UB & 12UB Tournament. Contact Joe Wisocki (559) 213-3683 or jwisocki@pga.com. Register at www.willmarhockey.com and click on the Tournaments tab. 9-11 Faribault, MN: Girls U10B, U12B Tournament. Contact Michal Munoz at fhatournaments@ gmail.com. Register at www.faribaulthockey.com 10-13 Eden Prairie, MN: Prelude to the Playoffs. 15U A & 15B. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 11-13 Amery, WI: Bantam Tournament. WI 3A/2B/1C and MN B. Contact Kari Stinson (715) 338-7843 or karilee521@yahoo.com. www.ameryhockey.com 11-13 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole U10A & U10B Tournament. Register online at www.alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 11-13 Baldwin, WI: U10/U12 Girls. Contact Jodi Volgren (715) 308-9667 or jodivolgren@gmail. com. Register at https://baldwin.pucksystems2.com/ page/show/26105-tournament-information 11-13 Bemidji, MN: Girls U10A & U12A Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com 11-13 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Jr Gold B. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers. com 11-13 Cloquet, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 11-13 Cottage Grove, MN: Mite Jamboree. U6 Boy/Girls through Mite 4 Boy/Girls. Contact Sheila Bellinger (651) 295-3408 or tournaments@cghockey.com. Register at CGhockey.com/tournaments 11-13 Detroit Lakes, MN: HoliDangle Classic. PeeWee A. Contact Troy & Abby Pettit (218) 234-9193, (218) 234-5068 or email: abbypettit80@ gmail.com. https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/page/ show/203545-dlyha-tournament-information 11-13 Duluth, MN: Head of the Lake Tournament. PeeWee B1 & Bantam B1. Contact Shawn Burns: shawn.burns@hotmail.com. Register at duluthhockey.com/tournaments 11-13 Edina, MN: Cornerstone Tournament. Squirt A, Squirt B1. Contact Janae Hentges (612) 812-1136 or janae@sportscontentmanagement. com. Register at www.edinatourney.com

continued

11-13 Grand Rapids, MN: 12UA Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 11-13 Hermantown, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey.com 11-13 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.hcyha. org/tournaments 11-13 Hutchinson, MN: Girls 10UB/12UA Tournament. Contact Caleb Paulson (320) 292-4512 or Caleb.M.Paulson@wellsfargo.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.org 11-13 Inver Grove Heights, MN: Bantam B1/C Tournament. Contact Kari Miller (612) 309-1923 or ighhatourney@gmail.com. Register at www.ighha. org 11-13 Marshall, MN: Battle at the Baron. Bantam A & B. Contact Christian Guenther (573) 2484445 or guenthercg@gmail.com. Register https:// marshall.pucksystems2.com 11-13 Moorhead, MN: Squirt A & B Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey. com/tournaments 11-13 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: PeeWee B Tournament. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 2765612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https://newulm. pucksystems2.com 11-13 Owatonna, MN: Bantam A/B Tournament. Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or Director@owatonnahockey.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com 11-13 Paynesville, MN: Squirt A Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey. com 11-13 Richmond, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey. com 11-13 Rochester, MN: PeeWee B Tournament. Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@yahoo.com. Register at www.RYHA.net 11-13 Siren, WI: Junior Gold Tournament. Level: WAHA HS B/C. Contact Steve Rohde (877) 8435634 or steverohde@sirentel.net. Register at www. burnettyouthhockey.com

TOURNAMENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

DULUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS TOURNAMENT

Tommy Williams Bantam AA Gales of November PeeWee AA Portman Thanksgiving Squirt A & B Head of the Lake PeeWee B1 & Bantam B1 Lake Superior Classic PeeWee A & Bantam A

DATE

COST $1,800 $1,600

Troy Olson: troyolson9@gmail.com Steve Berry: smberry@d.umn.edu

Nov. 20-22, 2020

$1,000

Shawn Roed: roedwarrior13@gmail.com

Dec. 11-13, 2020

$1,500

Shawn Burns: shawn.burns@hotmail.com

Dec. 18-20, 2020

PeeWee: $1,600 Bantam: $1,700 PeeWee: $1,550 Bantam: $1,600

Nov. 13-15, 2020 Nov. 13-15, 2020

Up North PeeWee A & Bantam A Jan. 1-3, 2021 DAHA Mid-Winter Classic PeeWee C & Bantam C Skate on the Edge Squirt B Zenith City Invitational PeeWee B & Bantam B

CONTACT

Steve Berry: smberry@d.umn.edu Clare Markley: markleyclare@gmail.com

Jan. 8-10, 2021 Jan. 22-24, 2021

$1,400 $1,000

Bailey Olson: bailey@duluthhockey.com Shawn Roed: roedwarrior@gmail.com

Jan.29-31, 2021

Bantam B: $1,550 PeeWee B: $1,500

Clare Markley: markleyclare@gmail.com

TO REGISTER VISIT DULUTHHOCKEY.COM/TOURNAMENTS

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

2020-21 HOME TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DATE LEVEL COST LOCATION Dec. 4-6, 2020 Squirt C $750* Paynesville Dec. 11-13, 2020 Squirt A $800* Paynesville Dec. 11-13, 2020 Squirt B $750* Richmond Jan. 1-3, 2021 Bantam A $800* Richmond Jan. 8-10, 2021 Bantam B $800* Richmond Jan. 8-10, 2021 PeeWee B1 $800* Paynesville Jan. 22-24, 2021 PeeWee A $800* Paynesville Jan. 22-24, 2021 PeeWee B2 $800* Richmond Jan. 29-31, 2021 10UB $750* Richmond Jan. 29-31, 2021 12UB $800* Paynesville *Tournament winners receive 50% off the following year’s tourney registration fee.

Fun t-shirts!

Friday games played only if necessary

Welcome table

Player gifts

Parent gifts

Concessions

New hotels

Small town feel

2020-2021 Tournaments Located at St. Luke’s Sports & Event Center

SQUIRT B

PEEWEE B

BANTAM A

Entry Fee: $900

Entry Fee: $1050

Entry Fee: $1200

Dec. 18-20, 2020 1:00pm start time Dec. 18

Jan. 8-10, 2021 2:30pm start time Jan. 8

Jan. 22-24, 2021 12:00pm start time Jan. 22

GIRLS 12UB

PEEWEE A

BANTAM B

Entry Fee: $1000

Entry Fee: $1050

Entry Fee: $1100

Jan. 1-3, 2021

Jan. 15-17, 2021

2:30pm start time Jan. 1

9:00am start time Jan. 15

No Spectator Admission Fees

Jan. 29-31, 2021 2:30pm start time Jan. 29

All Tourneys are 4 Games Guaranteed!

River Lakes Hockey, Inc www.riverlakeshockey.com

Contact Chris Simonson, Tournament Director, at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218-310-1338

2020-21 Bloomington Amateur Hockey Association

HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS NOV. 19-22, 2020

BANTAM WINTER CLASSIC

Play between five sheets of ice at two rinks! DEC. 18-20, 2020

PEEWEE SHOWDOWN All Levels

All Levels

TOURNAMENT DETAILS:

❖ $1,500 per tournament with four game guarantee (12UB1 and 12UB2 - $1,200 with three game guarantee) ❖ All divisions pool to bracket ❖ 1st place trophies, custom street signs and championship t-shirts

JAN. 7-10, 2021

JAN. 27-31, 2021

SQUIRT SHOOTOUT

CUPID CLASSIC

A, B, C

15U, 12U, 10U

❖ Professional photographer and announcer for all championship games ❖ 2nd and 3rd place trophies and individual player medals ❖ Onsite vendors, concessions and spiritwear ❖ All tournaments are stay to play ❖ Both rinks minutes from restaurants, shopping, Mall of America, and MSP Int'l Airport

Registration OPENS JUNE 1 at

www.bloomingtonhockey.com Email questions to bahatourneys@gmail.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 11-13 Somerset, WI: Bantam B1 (WI A) & Bantam C (WI B) Tournament. Contact Jim Urquhart (763) 218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com. Register at www.somersethockey.com 11-13 South St. Paul, MN: Squirt B & C Tournament. Contact Dan Nerka at sspyha.tournaments@ gmail.com. 11-13 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Bantam A Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com 11-13 Two Harbors, MN: Bantam B2 Tournament. Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834.8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 11-13 Virginia, MN. “Battle by the Bridge.” PWB2 Tournament. Contact Davis Lampaa at vaha. reg@gmail.com. Register at www.virginiabluedevilhockey.com 11-13 Warroad, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey. com/tournamentspage 11-13 Willmar, MN: Cardinal Classic Squirt A & B Tournament. Contact Joe Wisocki (559) 213-3683 or jwisocki@pga.com. Register at www.willmarhockey.com and click on the Tournaments tab. 12 Walker, MN: Mini/Mite Jam. To register email Nate Gustafson, nwgustaf@hotmail.com 17-20 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Shootout. Squirt A, B1 & B2. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 18-20 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole PeeWee B & PeeWee B2 Tournament. Register online at www. alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 18-20 Bloomington, MN: PeeWee Showdown. All levels. Email questions to bahatourneys@gmail. com. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey.com 18-20 Cloquet, MN: PeeWee B Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 18-20 Duluth, MN: Lake Superior Classic. PeeWee A & Bantam A. Contact Steve Berry: smberry@d.umn.edu. Register at duluthhockey.com/ tournaments 18-20 Grand Forks, ND: PeeWee B1 Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 18-20 Grand Rapids, MN: 15UA Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 18-20 Hermantown, MN: Squirt A Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawk-

dome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey.com 18-20 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: PeeWee B and PeeWee B2 Tournaments. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments 18-20 Moorhead, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 18-20 Proctor, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Chris Simonson (218) 310-1338 or pahatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.proctorhockey. com 18-20 Rochester, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@yahoo.com. Register at www.RYHA.net 18-20 Siren, WI: Girls 14U/15U Tournament. Level: WI A / MN B. Contact Steve Rohde (877) 8435634 or steverohde@sirentel.net. Register at www. burnettyouthhockey.com 18-20 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Girls 10U and Girls 12U Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com 18-20 Two Harbors, MN: PeeWee B2 Tournament. Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834.8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 18-20 Walker, MN: City on the Bay Squirt C Tournament. To register contact Mitch Loomis, loomis@shoresofleechlake.com 18-20 Warroad, MN: PeeWee B Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey. com/tournamentspage 19 Somerset, WI: Mite Jamboree. Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com. Register at www.somersethockey.com 27-31 Edina, MN: Tradition Invitational Tournament. Bantam AA, Bantam A, Bantam B1, PeeWee A, PeeWee AA, PeeWee B1. Contact Janae Hentges (612) 812-1136 or janae@sportscontentmanagement.com. Register at www.edinatourney.com 31-3 Bemidji, MN: Paul Bunyan International. PeeWee AA/A. Register at paulbunyanhockey.com. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji. com 31-3 Cottage Grove, MN: Year End Bash. B2/C PeeWee and Bantam. Contact Sheila Bellinger (651) 295-3408 or tournaments@cghockey. com. Register at CGhockey.com/tournaments

JANUARY 2021 1-3 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Bantam B & Bantam B2 Tournament. Register online at www. alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 1-3 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Squirt A & B. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers.com 1-3 Cloquet, MN: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 1-3 Duluth, MN: Up North Tournament. PeeWee A & Bantam A. Contact Clare Markley: markleyclare@gmail.com. Register at duluthhockey.com/ tournaments 1-3 Hermantown, MN: PeeWee B2 Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey. com 1-3 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: PeeWee A Tournament. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www. hcyha.org/tournaments 1-3 Moorhead, MN: Junior Gold B and Girls 15UA Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 1-3 Osseo/Maple Grove, MN: Squirt Extravaganza. Squirt A, B, B2, C. Contact Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha. com. Register at https://www.omgha.com/page/ show/74-omgha-tournament-information-and-registration. www.omgha.com 1-3 Proctor, MN: Girls 12UB Tournament. Contact Chris Simonson (218) 310-1338 or pahatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.proctorhockey.com 1-3 Richmond, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey. com 1-3 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Jr. Gold Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com

continued

1-3 Two Harbors, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834.8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 2-3 Amery, WI: Mites Cross-Ice Jamboree. Contact Kari Stinson (715) 338-7843 or karilee521@ yahoo.com. www.ameryhockey.com 2-3 Baldwin, WI: Bantam U14. Contact Michelle Stevens (507) 272-1212 or cutebagsmichelle@icloud.com. Register at https://baldwin. pucksystems2.com/page/show/26105-tournament-information 2-3 Monticello, MN: Wild Moose Jamboree. Mite A/B/C. Contact Sean Lawrance (612) 290-8547 or moosehockeytournaments@gmail.com. www. mooseyouthhockey.org 7-10 Anoka, MN: PeeWee Tournament. PeeWee A/AA, B1, B2, C. Contact Kristi Robideau at anokatournaments@gmail.com. Register at anoka. pucksystems2.com 7-10 Bloomington, MN: Squirt Shootout. A,B,C. Email questions to bahatourneys@gmail. com. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey.com 7-10 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Showdown. 12U A, 12U B1 & 12U B2. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 7-10 Edina, MN: John E. Reimann Tournament. Jr Gold B, U16. Contact Janae Hentges (612) 812-1136 or janae@sportscontentmanagement. com. Register at www.edinatourney.com 7-10 Mounds View, MN: New Year’s Tournament. U15A, U15B, U12B, U10A, U10B. Info/registration at mvihockey.org 8-10 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole U12A & U12B Tournament. Register online at www.alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 8-10 Baldwin, WI: Mite Jamboree. Contact Michelle Stevens (507) 272-1212 or cutebagsmichelle@icloud.com. Register at https://baldwin. pucksystems2.com/page/show/26105-tournament-information 8-10 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Mite A & B. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers. com 8-10 Cloquet, MN: Bantam AA-A Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org

TOURNAMENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

ANOKA AREA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION CLASSIC

•Minnesota Hockey Sanctioned Tournaments •2 Rinks Under One Roof •Guaranteed 3 Games

•Gate fee included in tournament cost

Anoka Classic

tournaments Bantam Tournament

ANOKA-ROGERS GIRLS CLASSIC

Bantam A/AA, B1

Girls 10UA, 10UB1, 10UB2

Nov. 19-22, 2020

Dec. 3-6, 2020

•$1150 •8 Teams in Each Division

•$1100 •6 Teams in Each Division

•$1100 •8 Teams in Each Division

Bantam B2

PEeWee Tournament Jan. 7-10, 2021

PeeWee A/AA, B1, B2, C

•$1100 •8 Teams in Each Division

Girls 12UA, 12UB

For more info, contact Kristi Robideau at anokatournaments@gmail.com

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

FARIBAULT HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

2020-2021 Tournaments BANTAM A/B Nov. 13-15, 2020

SQUIRT A/B Feb. 5-7, 2021

U10B, U12B Dec. 9-11, 2020

SQUIRT C

PEEWEE A/B Jan. 8-10, 2021 MITE MANIA Jan. 23-24, 2021

(24 teams)

Feb. 26-28, 2021 All Tournaments: $950 (Mite Mania $150) Includes Gate Fee

Contact: Michal Munoz, Tournament Director fhatournaments@gmail.com or register online at

www.faribaulthockey.com

Two Harbors Youth Hockey 2020-21 HOCKEY

TOURNAMENTS NO GATE/ PLAYER FEES 3 Game Guarantee

Just 20 Minutes North of Duluth!

BANTAM B2 Dec. 11-13, 2020 Entry Fee: $825 PEEWEE B2 Dec. 18-20, 2020 Entry Fee: $725 SQUIRT B

Jan. 1-3, 2021

Entry Fee: $625

GIRLS 10U B Jan. 9-10, 2021

Entry Fee: $625

GIRLS 12U B Jan. 22-24, 2021

Entry Fee: $725

BANTAM A

Entry Fee: $825

Jan. 29-31, 2021

Contact: Jesse Lundgren Lake County Arena for Tournament Information Email: thyouthhockey@gmail.com • Phone: 218.834.8339

www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 8-10 Cottage Grove, MN: Skating with the Wolves. 10B1/10B2/12B. Contact Sheila Bellinger (651) 295-3408 or tournaments@cghockey.com. Register at CGhockey.com/tournaments 8-10 Detroit Lakes, MN: State of Hockey Invitational. PeeWee B. Contact Troy & Abby Pettit (218) 234-9193, (218) 234-5068 or email: abbypettit80@gmail.com. https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/ page/show/203545-dlyha-tournament-information 8-10 Duluth, MN: DAHA Mid-Winter Classic. PeeWee C & Bantam C. Contact Bailey Olson: bailey@duluthhockey.com. Register at duluthhockey. com/tournaments 8-10 Faribault, MN: PeeWee A/B Tournament. Contact Michal Munoz at fhatournaments@ gmail.com. Register at www.faribaulthockey.com 8-10 Grand Forks, ND: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 8-10 Grand Rapids, MN: Bantam B Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 8-10 Hermantown, MN: Bantam B2 Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey. com 8-10 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.hcyha. org/tournaments 8-10 Hutchinson, MN: Squirt B & C Tournament. Contact Caleb Paulson (320) 292-4512 or Caleb.M.Paulson@wellsfargo.com. Register at www. hutchhockey.org 8-10 Inver Grove Heights, MN: PeeWee B1/C Tournament. Contact Kari Miller (612) 3091923 or ighhatourney@gmail.com. Register at www. ighha.org 8-10 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: PeeWee A Tournament. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 2765612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https://newulm. pucksystems2.com 8-10 Owatonna, MN: PeeWee A/B Tournament. Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or Director@owatonnahockey.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com 8-10 Paynesville, MN: PeeWee B1 Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey.com

8-10 Proctor, MN: PeeWee B Tournament. Contact Chris Simonson (218) 310-1338 or pahatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.proctorhockey.com 8-10 Richmond, MN: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey. com 8-10 St. Paul, MN: St. Paul Icebreaker Tournament. Squirt B & C. Contact Katie Murphy: spcha. ops@gmail.com. Register at StPaulCapitalsHockey. com 8-10 Sioux Falls, SD: Bantam A & B (MN B/ B1 & MN B2/C) Tournament. Contact Aimee Chase (605) 929-0039. www.siouxfallsflyers.co 8-10 Siren, WI: Squirt Tournament. Level: WI 3B/4A - MN C. Contact Steve Rohde (877) 8435634 or steverohde@sirentel.net. Register at www. burnettyouthhockey.com 8-10 Somerset, WI: Squirt B1 (WI A) & Squirt C (WI B) Tournament. Contact Jim Urquhart (763) 218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com. Register at www. somersethockey.com 8-10 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake PeeWee A Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com 8-10 Walker, MN: City on the Bay PeeWee B2 Tournament. To register contact Mitch Loomis, loomis@shoresofleechlake.com 8-10 Warroad, MN: Girls 12U Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey. com/tournamentspage 9-10 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Termite Jamboree. Contact tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers.com 9-10 Two Harbors, MN: Girls 10UB Tournament. Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834.8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 15-17 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole PeeWee AA/A & Bantam AA/A Tournament. Register online at www. alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 15-17 Apple Valley/Eagan, MN: Play for Patrick Bantam AA Tournament. Info/registration visit www.eastviewhockey.net/tourneys. 15-17 Baldwin, WI: U14 Girls. Contact Jodi Volgren (715) 308-9667 or jodivolgren@gmail.com. Register at https://baldwin.pucksystems2.com/page/ show/26105-tournament-information 15-17 Bemidji, MN: PeeWee B1 Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com

15-17 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Girls 14UB. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers. com 15-17 Brooklyn Park, MN: January Pirate Classic. PeeWee B & C. Contact Amanda Naylor: tournamentdirector@nmyha.com. Register at www. nmyha.com under “Tournaments”. 15-17 Duluth, MN: St. Luke’s Duluth Icebreaker Girls Invitational. U10B, U10A, U12B, U12A, U15B, U15A. Contact Clarke Coole (218) 590-0703 or cooleclarke@gmail.com. Register at www.duluthgirlshockey.org 15-17 Eden Prairie, MN: Border Battle. Jr Gold B. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/ tournaments 15-17 Forest Lake, MN: FlakeJam Mite Tournament. Contact Brandon Ferngren (612) 986-1453 ortournaments@flhockey.org. Info/registration at www.flhockey.org 15-17 Grand Forks, ND: Squirt Classic. Squirt A, B1, B. Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 15-17 Grand Rapids, MN: Bantam AA Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey. com 15-17 Hermantown, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey. com 15-17 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: Bantam B2 Tournament. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www. hcyha.org/tournaments 15-17 Inver Grove Heights, MN: U10 A/B1/B2 Tournament. Contact Kari Miller (612) 309-1923 or ighhatourney@gmail.com. Register at www.ighha. org 15-17 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Squirt A Tournament. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https://newulm.pucksystems2.com 15-17 Marshall, MN: Prairie Shootout. PeeWee A & B. Contact Christian Guenther (573) 248-4445 or guenthercg@gmail.com. Register https://marshall. pucksystems2.com 15-17 Moorhead, MN: Squirt C Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments

continued

15-17 New Hope, MN: U10B1, U12B1 & PeeWee C Tournament. Contact Susie Melynchuk: smelynchuk@comcast.net or visit www.armstrongcooperhockey.org 15-17 Proctor, MN: PeeWee A Tournament. Contact Chris Simonson (218) 310-1338 or pahatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.proctorhockey.com 15-17 Rochester, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@yahoo.com. Register at www.RYHA.net 15-17 Siren, WI: PeeWee Tournament. Level: WI 3B/4A - MN C. Contact Steve Rohde (877) 8435634 or steverohde@sirentel.net. Register at www. burnettyouthhockey.com 15-17 South St. Paul, MN: PeeWee B1 & C Tournament. Contact Dan Nerka at sspyha.tournaments@gmail.com. 15-17 Stillwater, MN: Stillwater Round-Up. Squirt C & PeeWee C. Contact Pete Waggoner (952) 769-6513 or Pete@SportsContentManagement.com. Register at stillwaterhockey.net 15-17 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake PeeWee B Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com 15-17 Warroad, MN: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey. com/tournamentspage 15-17 Willmar, MN: Cardinal Classic PeeWee A & B Tournament. Contact Joe Wisocki (559) 2133683 or jwisocki@pga.com. Register at www.willmarhockey.com and click on the Tournaments tab. 15-17 Winona, MN: Squirt C Tournament. Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu. Register at www.winona.pucksystems2.com 16 Somerset, WI: Mite Jamboree. Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com. Register at www.somersethockey.com 22-24 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole U15A & U15B Tournament. Register online at www.alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 22-24 Austin, MN: Tyler Brady Memorial PeeWee A, B, C Tournament. Contact Dave Lagerstedt (507) 438-2256 or email dave@farmtech.com. austin.pucksystems2.com 22-24 Bemidji, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com

TOURNAMENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

Rochester Youth Hockey Association 2020-21

ROCHESTER INVITATIONALS All tournaments will have a 4 game guarantee • $900 Registration • $300 Gate

SQUIRT A

BANTAM A

8 teams

Dec. 4-6, 2020

Jan. 15-17, 2021

PEEWEE B

BANTAM B1

8 teams

Dec. 11-13, 2020

Jan. 22-24, 2021

SQUIRT B

BANTAM B2

12 teams

8 teams

Dec. 18-20, 2020

Jan. 22-24, 2021

Shannon Cup tournament Jan. 29-31, 2021

Girls 10A, 10B, 12A, 12B *Levels subject to chan ge based on what levels Roches ter has 10A - 4 teams • 10B 8 teams 12B - 8 teams • 15A 4 teams

$800 Registration • $3

00 Gate

Registration opens July 1 at

RYHA.net

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

OWATONNA

2020-2021 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR YOUTH TOURNAMENTS LEVEL

DATES

Bantam AA-A Bantam B PeeWee AA-A PeeWee B Squirt A Squirt B

Jan. 8-10 Jan. 1-3 Jan. 22-24 Dec. 18-20 Dec. 4-6 Dec. 11-13

GIRLS TOURNAMENTS 12UB 10UB

Feb. 5-7 Jan. 29-31

JAMBOREES

8U Girls Mite 1 Mite 2

Jan. 30-31 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 13-14

FEE

$975 $975 $975 $975 $900 $900 $975 $900 $225 $225 $250

www. cloquethockey.org

YOUTH HOCKEY 2020-2021 Tournament Schedule

Dec. 4-6, 2020 ............. Girls U10B & U12B Dec. 11-13, 2020 ................... Bantam A/B Jan. 8-10, 2021 ..................... PeeWee A/B Jan. 22-24, 2021 ......................... Squirt C Feb.19-21, 2021 .......................Squirt A/B

ate G o N es Fe

Bantam/PeeWee Tournaments

$1075 Registration Fee – 4 Game Guarantee

Squirt Tournaments

$975 Registration Fee – 3 Game Guarantee

Girls Tournaments

$1075 Registration Fee – 4 Game Guarantee

www.owatonnahockey.com For further information on the tournaments contact Pat Cullen,Executive Director, at 507-363-6594 or email: Director@owatonnahockey.com

THIEF RIVER FALLS AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS 2020–2021 TOURNAMENTS BANTAM A

ICE BREAKER

PEEWEE A

WINTER CLASSIC

DECEMBER 11-13

OLD ARENA CLASSIC

DECEMBER 18-20

SQUIRT B BANTAM B

BLUE LINE BATTLE

PEEWEE B

BIG CAT CLASSIC

SQUIRT A

SHOWDOWN

GIRLS 10UB GIRLS 12UB

MELTDOWN T.R. FREEZEOUT

DECEMBER 4-6

JANUARY 1-3 JANUARY 8-10 JANUARY 22-24 JAN 29 - FEB 1

TOURNAMENT DETAILS • Max of 10 Team Pool Play with a 4 game guarantee – Bantams • Max of 12 Team Pool Play with 4 game guarantee – Squirts & PeeWee • Max of 6 Team Pool Play with 4 game guarantee – 10 UB & 12 UB • Play in the Ralph Engelstad Arena* • Some teams may get 5th game • 15 minute stop time periods • Friday game could start as early as 2pm • Minnesota Hockey Sanctioned • Cost: $1000 (All Entry Fees Include Gate Fees!) *We’ll try our best to get all teams at least one game in the Ralph Engelstad Arena if the schedule allows, except the SQB Tournament!

*EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION* REGISTER BEFORE 9/14/2020 & SAVE $100 ON REGISTRATION FEE

WCCO Best High School Hockey Rink in Minnesota

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 22-24 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Jr. Gold A. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers. com 22-24 Cloquet, MN: PeeWee AA-A Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@ hotmail.com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 22-24 Duluth, MN: Skate on the Edge Tournament. Squirt B. Contact Shawn Roed: roedwarrior@ gmail.com. Register at duluthhockey.com/tournaments 22-24 Grand Forks, ND: Bantam B1 Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 22-24 Grand Rapids, MN: Squirt A Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 22-24 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: 8U/6U Girls Jamboree. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.hcyha. org/tournaments 22-24 Mankato, MN: PeeWee B and Squirt B Tournament. This date may be subject to change due to Hockey Day Minnesota. Contact Jenny Pierskalla at mankatotcr58@gmail.com. Register at www.mankatohockey.com 22-24 Minneapolis, MN: U10B and, U12B, Tournament. Info/register at www.mplshockey.com 22-24 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https://newulm.pucksystems2.com 22-24 Osseo/Maple Grove, MN: Girls Cabin Fever Classic. U12 A, B, B2. Contact Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha. com. Register at https://www.omgha.com/page/ show/74-omgha-tournament-information-and-registration. www.omgha.com 22-24 Owatonna, MN: Squirt C Tournament. Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or Director@ owatonnahockey.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com 22-24 Paynesville, MN: PeeWee A Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey.com 22-24 Proctor, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Chris Simonson (218) 310-1338 or pahatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.proctorhockey.com 22-24 Richmond, MN: PeeWee B2 Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey.com

22-24 Rochester, MN: Bantam B1 and B2 Tournaments. Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@yahoo.com. Register at www.RYHA.net 22-24 St. Paul, MN: St. Paul Heartbreaker Tournament. Girls 10U A & B, Girls 12U B. Contact Katie Murphy: spcha.ops@gmail.com. Register at StPaulCapitalsHockey.com 22-24 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Bantam B and Girls 14U Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com 22-24 Two Harbors, MN: Girls 12UB Tournament. Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834.8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 22-24 Warroad, MN: PeeWee A Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey. com/tournamentspage 23-24 Faribault, MN: Mite Mania Tournament. Contact Michal Munoz at fhatournaments@gmail. com. Register at www.faribaulthockey.com 23-25 Monticello, MN: Iceberg Classic. Squirt B/C. Contact Sean Lawrance (612) 290-8547 or moosehockeytournaments@gmail.com. www. mooseyouthhockey.org 24 Winona, MN: Mite Jamboree. Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu. Register at www.winona.pucksystems2.com 27-31 Bloomington, MN: Cupid Classic. 15U, 12U, 10U. Email questions to bahatourneys@gmail. com. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey.com 28-31 Eden Prairie, MN: Winter Classic. Bantam B2 & C. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments 29-31 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Squirt A & Squirt C Tournament. Register online at www.alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 29-31 Austin, MN: Chris Fischer Memorial Bantam B Tournament. Contact Dave Lagerstedt (507) 438-2256 or email dave@farmtech.com. austin. pucksystems2.com 29-31 Bemidji, MN: PeeWee B2 Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com 29-31 Cloquet, MN: Girls 10UB Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 29-31 Detroit Lakes, MN: Fill the Net Fest. Bantam A. Contact Troy & Abby Pettit (218) 2349193, (218) 234-5068 or email: abbypettit80@ gmail.com. https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/page/ show/203545-dlyha-tournament-information

29-31 Duluth, MN: Zenith City Invitational. PeeWee B & Bantam B. Contact Clare Markley: markleyclare@gmail.com. Register at duluthhockey.com/tournaments 29-31 Forest Lake, MN: Squirt B2 & Squirt C Tournament. Contact Brandon Ferngren (612) 9861453 ortournaments@flhockey.org. Info/registration at www.flhockey.org 29-31 Grand Forks, ND: PeeWee B Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 29-31 Grand Rapids, MN: PeeWee A/AA Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 29-31 Hermantown, MN: PeeWee A Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey. com 29-31 Hutchinson, MN: Bantam A and B Tournament. Contact Caleb Paulson (320) 292-4512 or Caleb.M.Paulson@wellsfargo.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.org 29-31 Moorhead, MN: PeeWee A and Girls 12UB Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 29-31 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Girls 10UB/12UB Tournament. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https:// newulm.pucksystems2.com 29-31 Paynesville, MN: Girls 12UB Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey.com 29-31 Proctor, MN: Bantam B Tournament. Contact Chris Simonson (218) 310-1338 or pahatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.proctorhockey.com 29-31 Richmond, MN: Girls 10UB Tournament. Contact Michelle (952) 484-5479 or email riverlakestourneys@gmail.com. www.riverlakeshockey.com

continued

29-31 Rochester, MN: Shannon Cup Tournament. Girls 10A, 10B, 12A, 12B. Levels subject to change. Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@ yahoo.com. Register at www.RYHA.net 29-31 Sioux Falls, SD: PeeWee A & B (MN B/ B1 & MN B2/C) Tournament. Contact Aimee Chase (605) 929-0039. www.siouxfallsflyers.com 29-31 Siren, WI: Bantam Tournament. Level: WI 3B/4A - MN C. Contact Steve Rohde (877) 8435634 or steverohde@sirentel.net. Register at www. burnettyouthhockey.com 29-31 Two Harbors, MN: Bantam A Tournament. Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834.8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 29-31 Walker, MN: City on the Bay Squirt B2 Tournament. To register contact Mitch Loomis, loomis@shoresofleechlake.com 29-31 Warroad, MN: Squirt A Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey. com/tournamentspage 29-31 Winona, MN: PeeWee B and Squirt B Tournament. Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu. Register at www.winona.pucksystems2. com 30-31 Cloquet, MN: 8U Girls Jamboree. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org

FEBRUARY 2021 4-7 Osseo/Maple Grove, MN: Girls Cabin Fever Classic. U10 A, B, B2. Contact Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha. com. Register at https://www.omgha.com/page/ show/74-omgha-tournament-information-and-registration. www.omgha.com 4-7 Edina, MN: Bob O’Connor Tournament. Bantam B2, Bantam C, PeeWee B2, PeeWee C, Squirt B2, Squirt C. Contact Janae Hentges (612) 812-1136 or janae@sportscontentmanagement. com. Register at www.edinatourney.com

TOURNAMENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

LEX A A + N Y D E R K I A C O H A GREAT HOCKEY = EXPERIENCE Big Ole Boys and Girls 2020-2021

HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS

BOYS TOURNAMENTS DEC. 4-6

SQUIRT B2

16 teams ($1,250 entry fee)

DEC. 18-20 PEEWEE B & PEEWEE B2

8 teams each ($1,400 entry fee)

JAN. 1-3

BANTAM B & BANTAM B2

Mite Jamboree Feb. 12-13, 2021

All tournaments are a 4 game guarantee with the Peewee/U12 and Bantam/U15 tournaments adding a semi-final game for a possible 5th game

GIRLS TOURNAMENTS DEC. 11-13

U10A & U10B

JAN. 15-17 PEEWEE AA/A & BANTAM AA/A

JAN. 8-10

U12A & U12B

JAN. 29-31 SQUIRT A & SQUIRT C

JAN. 22-24

U15A & U15B

8 teams each ($1,400 entry fee) 8 teams each ($1,400 entry fee) 8 teams each ($1,250 entry fee)

8 teams each ($1,250 entry fee) 8 teams each ($1,400 entry fee) 8 teams each ($1,400 entry fee)

JOIN US IN THE CAPITAL OF THE SKATE AND STAY JOIN OF US IN THE STATE HOCKEY CAPITAL OF THE TA

2020-2021

HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS

U L C A PI PAU L C A P I TA TA . PA .

SS L L

SS T T

L C A PI

in Historic Stillwater

CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF HOCKEY U PA

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

TOURNAMENT 2020

SQUIRT JA

2 A RY 3 - 5 , 2 0

B&C

SQUIRT SQUIRT B&C

St. Croix Valley Recreation Center – All Games Live Streamed

STILLWATER STAMPEDE

2021

PeeWee B1 & B2 November 20-22, 2020

GIRLS 10U A & B GIRLS GIRLS 10U 12U A & BB

B&C

GIRLS 10U A & B GIRLS GIRLS 12U 12U BB

JANUARY 8-10, 2021 CHARLES M. SCHULZ ARENA

JANUARY 22-24, 2021 CHARLES M. SCHULZ ARENA

Registration: $1,400 (no gate fees) 4 game guarantee

STILLWATER ROUND-UP Squirt C & PeeWee C January 15-17, 2021

Registration: $1,250 (no gate fees) 3 game guarantee

FOR TEAM REGISTRATION, VISIT StPaulCapitalsHockey .com

Tournament Contact: Pete Waggoner (952) 769-6513 or email: Pete@SportsContentManagement.com

Learn more and register at

stillwaterhockey.net

*Formerly Highland Central Hockey Association.

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Space is limited! Register your team now at MVIHOCKEY.ORG

• • • •

4 game guarantee Team trophies and medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Gifts for players Premier location! All games held at the Schwan Super Rink • All in registration fee $1,350! No door admission or gate

THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENT Nov. 27-29, 2020 Squirt A, B1, C PeeWee A, B1, C Bantam AA, B1, C

MVIHOCKEY.ORG

NEW YEAR’S TOURNAMENT January 7-10, 2021

U15A, U15B, U12B, U10A, U10B

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 5-7 Bemidji, MN: Squirt C Tournament. Register at bemidjiyouthhockey.org. For lodging, call (877) 250-5959 or go to visitbemidji.com 5-7 Brookings, SD: Dakota Premier Classic. Girls 19U A & B. Contact tournamentdirector@brookingsrangers.com. Register at www.brookingsrangers. com 5-7 Cloquet, MN: Girls 12UB Tournament. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 5-7 Detroit Lakes, MN: Polar Fest Freeze. U12B. Contact Troy & Abby Pettit (218) 2349193, (218) 234-5068 or email: abbypettit80@ gmail.com. https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/page/ show/203545-dlyha-tournament-information 5-7 Faribault, MN: Squirt A/B Tournament. Contact Michal Munoz at fhatournaments@gmail. com. Register at www.faribaulthockey.com 5-7 Grand Rapids, MN: Squirt B Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 5-7 Hermantown, MN: Girls U10B Tournament. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey. com 5-7 Hibbing/Chisholm, MN: Mite (Half Ice) and Mini-Mite (Cross-Ice) Jamborees. Contact Jr Albrecht at hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments

5-7 Inver Grove Heights, MN: Squirt B/C Tournament. Contact Kari Miller (612) 309-1923 or ighhatourney@gmail.com. Register at www.ighha.org 5-7 Marshall, MN: Squadron Classic. Squirt A & B. Contact Christian Guenther (573) 248-4445 or guenthercg@gmail.com. Register https://marshall. pucksystems2.com 5-7 Moorhead, MN: PeeWee AA and Girls 12UA Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 5-7 Warroad, MN: Girls 10U Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@ gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey.com/ tournamentspage 6-7 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Mite Jamboree. Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com. https://newulm.pucksystems2.com 12-13 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Mite Jamboree. Register online at www.alexhockey.org under the tournaments tab. 12-14 Amery, WI: PeeWee A/B Tournament. WI 3A/2B/1C and MN B & WI 3B/4A and MN C. Contact Kari Stinson (715) 338-7843 or karilee521@yahoo. com. www.ameryhockey.com 12-14 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Madness. Squirt C & PeeWee C. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com/tournaments

www.stateofhockey.com Follow Let’s PlayHockey on Twitter @LetsPlay_ Hockey

‘Like’ Let’s Play Hockey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ letsplayhockey

12-14 Grand Forks, ND: PeeWee A, Bantam A Tournament. Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at grandforksyouthhockey.com 12-14 Hermantown, MN: Mite I Jamboree. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@ isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey.com 12-14 New Hope, MN: PeeWee A & Bantam A Tournament. Contact Susie Melynchuk: smelynchuk@comcast.net or visit www.armstrongcooperhockey.org 12-14 Somerset, WI: Jr. Gold B & Jr. Gold 16 Tournament. Contact Jim Urquhart (763) 218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com. Register at www.somersethockey.com 12-14 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Twin Ports Super Jr Gold Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com 12-14 Warroad, MN: Squirt B Tournament. Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or rmarvin05@ gmail.com. Register at www.warroadhockey.com/ tournamentspage 13-14 Cloquet, MN: Mite 1 & Mite 2 Jamboree. Contact Justin Harriman at cloquethockey@hotmail. com. Register at www.cloquethockey.org 13-14 Sioux Falls, SD: Mite Falls Freeze Tournament. Contact Aimee Chase (605) 929-0039. www. siouxfallsflyers.com 19-21 Baldwin, WI: Squirts Tournament. Contact Michelle Stevens (507) 272-1212 or cutebagsmichelle@icloud.com. Register at https://baldwin. pucksystems2.com/page/show/26105-tournament-information 19-21 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Meltdown. 10U B1 & 10U B2. Contact Shelly Heggestad: EPHAEPHAtournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey. com/tournaments 19-21 Grand Rapids, MN: 10UB Star of the North Tournament. Contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com or register at grhockey.com 19-21 Hermantown, MN: Mite II Jamboree. Contact Amber Manion (218) 729-5493 or hawkdome@ isd700.org. www.hermantownhockey.com 19-21 Owatonna, MN: Squirt A/B Tournament. Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or Director@owatonnahockey.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey. com 19-21 Siren, WI: Junior Gold Tournament. Level: WI 3B/4A - MN C. Contact Steve Rohde (877) 8435634 or steverohde@sirentel.net. Register at www. burnettyouthhockey.com 19-21 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Squirt B Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com

continued

19-21 Virginia, MN. “Marwick Tournament.” Squirt B. Contact Davis Lampaa at vaha.reg@gmail. com. Register at www.virginiabluedevilhockey.com 19-21 Winona, MN: PeeWee C Tournament. Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu. Register at www.winona.pucksystems2.com 26-28 Amery, WI: Squirt A/B Tournament. WI 3A/2B/1C and MN B & WI 3B/4A and MN C. Contact Kari Stinson (715) 338-7843 or karilee521@yahoo. com. www.ameryhockey.com 26-28 Austin, MN: Squirt A, B, C Tournament. Contact Dave Lagerstedt (507) 438-2256 or email dave@farmtech.com. austin.pucksystems2.com 26-28 Baldwin, WI: PeeWee Tournament. Contact Michelle Stevens (507) 272-1212 or cutebagsmichelle@icloud.com. Register at https://baldwin.pucksystems2.com/page/show/26105-tournament-information 26-28 Faribault, MN: Squirt C Tournament. Contact Michal Munoz at fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.faribaulthockey.com 26-28 Moorhead, MN: Bantam C and PeeWee C Tournament. Info/registration at moorheadyouthhockey.com/tournaments 26-28 Superior, WI: Colder by the Lake Mite Tournament. For info/registration visit the tournament tab at sahahockey.com

MARCH 2021 12-14 Marshall, MN: Tiger Classic. Mites & MiniMites. Contact Christian Guenther (573) 248-4445 or guenthercg@gmail.com. Register https://marshall. pucksystems2.com 26-28 Somerset, WI: Senior Men’s No Check Tournament. Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com. Register at www.somersethockey.com No portion of the tournament calendar may be copied, reproduced or transmitted without written permission from Let’s Play Hockey and its publisher.

AUSTIN PACKER CLASSIC TOURNAMENTS

Austin, MN

TYLER BRADY CHRIS FISCHER MEMORIAL MEMORIAL PEEWEE A, B, C BANTAM B TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT

Jan. 22-24, 2021 Entry Fee: $900

Jan. 29-31, 2021 Entry Fee: $1000

SQUIRT A, B, C TOURNAMENT

Feb. 26-28, 2021

Entry Fee: $900

• Trophies will be awarded • Games will be played at Riverside and Packer Arenas •

$50 DISCOUNT if registration and payment received before Oct. 1, 2020.

• NO GATE FEES at all tournaments

Contact Dave Lagerstedt at 507.438.2256 or email dave@farmtech.com

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

HIBBING-CHISHOLM YOUTH HOCKEY

2020-21 TOURNAMENT SERIES LEVEL

DATES TEAMS/COST GAMES

Bantam A/AA Scrimmage Peewee A/AA Scrimmage 10UB Tournament 12UB Tournament Squirt B Tournament Peewee B Tournament Peewee B2 Tournament Peewee A Tournament Bantam A Tournament Bantam B2 Tournament 8U/6U Girls Jamboree Mite Jamboree (Half Ice) Mini-Mite Jamboree (Cross-Ice)

Oct. 23-25 Oct. 23-25 Dec. 4-6 Dec. 4-6 Dec. 11-13 Dec. 18-20 Dec. 18-20 Jan. 1-3 Jan. 8-10 Jan. 15-17 Jan. 22-24 Feb. 5-7

8 - $650 8 - $650 8 - $850 8 - $1050 16 - $850 8 - $1050 8 - $1050 8 - $1050 8 - $1150 8 - $1100 8 - $150 16 - $150

4 4 4 4 4 or 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3

Feb. 5-7

16 - $150

•Fun place to stay and play •Games are held across three different arenas, all located within minutes from one another •Pool play draws •4+ game guarantee for Squirts/U10 and above

•Quality ice •Experienced Referees •State-wide competition •All efforts will be made for each team to play in our historic 5,000-seat Memorial Building

Visit www.hcyha.org/tournaments to register and learn more

DETROIT LAKES

YOUTH HOCKEY

2020-2021 YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 27-29, 2020 Bantam B

Fill the Net Fest Jan. 29-31, 2021 Bantam A

HoliDangle Classic Dec. 11-13, 2020 PeeWee A

Polar Fest Freeze Feb. 5-7, 2021 U12B

State of Hockey Invitational Jan. 8-10, 2021 PeeWee B For more info contact Troy & Abby Pettit at 218-234-9193 • 218-234-5068 or email: abbypettit80@gmail.com

https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/ page/show/203545-dlyhatournament-information

Grand Forks, ND 2020 - 2021 Youth Hockey Tournaments ANGELS “A” TOURNAMENT Nov. 27-29, 2020 10UA 12UA 15UA ANGELS “B” TOURNAMENT Dec. 4-6, 2020 10UB 12UB 15UB PEEWEE B1 TOURNAMENT Dec. 18-20, 2020 PeeWee B1 BANTAM B TOURNAMENT Jan. 8-10, 2021 Bantam B SQUIRT CLASSIC Jan. 15-17, 2021 Squirt A 16 Teams Squirt B1 16 Teams Squirt B 16 Teams BANTAM B1 TOURNAMENT Jan. 22-24, 2021 Bantam B1 16 Teams

16 Teams 16 Teams 16 Teams 16 Teams 16 Teams 16 Teams 16 Teams 16 Teams

PEEWEE B TOURNAMENT Jan. 29-31, 2021 PeeWee B 16 Teams PEEWEE A/BANTAM A TOURNAMENT Feb. 12-14, 2021 PeeWee A 16 Teams Bantam A 16 Teams 4 Game Guarantee in Every Event Registration Fee $1,000 Gate Fee $350 No Admission Fees at the Door

To register, contact Jessie Close at (701) 787-0316 or Jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com or register online:

grandforksyouthhockey.com

en m a n r u o T 1 2020-202 Girls U10B & U12B Nov. 20-22, 2020

U10B: 8 teams/3 game guarantee (registration $700*) U12B: 8 teams/4 game guarantee (registration $800*)

Bantam B

Dec. 4-6, 2020 8 teams/4 game guarantee (registration $1000*)

PeeWee B and Squirt B Jan. 22-24, 2021

**This date may be subject to change due to Hockey Day Minnesota PWB: Four game minimum 8 teams/ 4 game guarantee (registration $800*) SQB: 8 teams/3 game guarantee (registration $700*)

Tournament Information Gate Fee $300 for all

• All tournaments are guaranteed gate tournaments (see below) • The Registration amount stipulated must accompany your registration form to save a spot • An additional $300 check must be presented at tournament check in, which will cover all entry costs for the weekend (I.E., no one pays at the door) noted by the *

• Mankato tournaments follow Minnesota age guidelines

For more info, email Jenny Pierskalla, Tournament Chair & Registrar at mankatotcr58@gmail.com

To register, please visit www.mankatohockey.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

Somerset Youth Hockey

2020 BORDER BATTLE/ BLAZE CUP TOURNAMENTS

S T N E M A N R U O T 1 2 0 2 20 PeeWee B1 (WI A) & PeeWee C (WI B) Dec. 4-6, 2020

Contact Jim Urquhart 763-218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com

Bantam B1 (WI A) & Bantam C (WI B) Dec. 11-13, 2020

Contact Jim Urquhart 763-218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com

Mite Jamboree Dec. 19, 2020

Contact Dan Gilkerson 715-222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

Squirt B1 (WI A) & Squirt C (WI B) Jan. 8-10, 2021

Contact Jim Urquhart 763-218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com

Mite Jamboree Jan. 16, 2021

Contact Dan Gilkerson 715-222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

Jr. Gold B & Jr. Gold 16 Feb. 12-14, 2021

Contact Jim Urquhart 763-218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com

Senior Men’s No Check Tournament March 26-28, 2021

Contact Dan Gilkerson 715-222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

•Low Entry Fees •Easy Commute from Twin Cities •Online Registration

For more information and to register, visit

www.somersethockey.com

2020

August 7-9 August 28-30 Somerset and Vadnais Heights

U-16 Boys (04/05) & U-18 Boys (02/03)

Somerset, Hudson, Woodbury, Stillwater, Vadnais Heights

U-10 Girls, U-12 Girls, U-14 Girls 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Boys

www.blazehockey.net For more information and to register, contact Dan Gilkerson 715.222.2448 dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

46th Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament

Minneapolis Cup Nov. 27-29, 2020

2020

Bantam B1, B2, C PeeWee B1, B2, c SQUIRT B1, B2, C d e t i m i L y t i l i b a l i a v A

– $975 all levels – Parade Ice Garden – Richfield Ice Arena – St. Louis Park Arena

Presented by Minneapolis Hockey Association Information and Registration

www. mplshockey.com

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

BURNSVILLE HOCKEY CLUB

BURNSVILLE THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENT Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27 Sunday, Nov. 29

SQUIRT A • PEEWEE A BANTAM A – 4 game guarantee –

To register, visit

BLAZEHOCKEY.COM/ TOURNAMENTS

2020-21 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE BANTAM A Dec. 11-13, 2020 GIRLS 10U Dec. 18-20, 2020 GIRLS 12U Dec. 18-20, 2020 JR GOLD Jan. 1-3, 2021 PeeWee A Jan. 8-10, 2021 PeeWee B Jan. 15-17, 2021

BANTAM B Jan. 22-24, 2021 GIRLS 14U Jan. 22-24, 2021 TWIN PORTS SUPER JR GOLD Feb. 12-14, 2021

(A SAHA/DAHA Partnership)

SQUIRT B Feb. 19-21, 2021 MITE Feb. 26-28, 2021

Games played at Burnsville and Apple Valley rinks

Non-metro teams begin play on Friday

For any questions please contact our Tournament Director at

tournaments@ burnsvillehockey.com

Superior Amateur Hockey Association

For more information and to register, please visit the tournament tab at

sahahockey.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

2021 Play for Patrick

BANTAM AA TOURNAMENT

Eastview Hockey

Youth Association

hosted by Eastview & Eagan Hockey Associations

January 15-17, 2021 Apple Valley Sports Arena Hayes Arena | Eagan Civic Arena Each player will receive: ♥ A free heart screening ♥ Play for Patrick Tournament T-Shirt ♥ Trophies for top placing teams ♥ $1600/team (no gate fees) ♥ Up to 16 teams

eastview hockey association

Valkyrie Lightning Tournament

U10A and U10B2 Hockey Tournament December 4-6, 2020

Apple Valley Sports Arena/Hayes Arena

Proceeds benefit the Play for Patrick Heart Foundation

Eastview Hockey

Youth Association

To register, go to:

www.eastviewhockey.net/tourneys The Play for Patrick Tournament, hosted by the Eastview Hockey Association and Eagan Hockey Association, was started in memory of EVHA player Patrick Schoonover and in support of the Patrick Schoonover Heart Foundation. www.eastviewhockey.net

FREE

admission for all fans!

All teams guaranteed 4 games, plus each player will receive a Valkyrie t-shirt!

$1200 Tournament Fee (Due immediately to confirm team entry)

No Gate Fee

For more info or to register go to www.eastviewhockey.net/tourneys

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

2020-2021 Tourneys All games played at the Scheels IcePlex in Sioux Falls, SD

SQUIRT A JAMBOREE

Jan. 8-10, 2021

$700 • 4 game guarantee

$950 • 4 game guarantee

SQUIRT A & B TOURNAMENT

PEEWEE A & B TOURNAMENT

Jan. 29-31, 2021

$825 • 4 game guarantee

$875 • 4 game guarantee

NO GATE FEES For All Tournaments

THANKSGIVING PIRATE CLASSIC

(MN B/B1 & MN B2/C)

Dec. 4-6, 2020

(MN B/B1 & MN B2/C)

All games held at Brooklyn Park Community Center 5600 85th Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

BANTAM A & B TOURNAMENT

Nov. 14-15, 2020 (MN A/B1)

2020-2021 38th Annual North Metro Youth Hockey Association Tournaments

Nov. 27-29, 2020

Squirt B1 – Squirt B2 – Squirt C

8 Teams per level, 3 game guarantee Team Registration Fee: $1200

Bantam B

MN B/B1 & MN B2/C

8 Teams, 3 (90 minute) game guarantee Team Registration Fee: $1250

MITE FALLS FREEZE TOURNAMENT

Jan. 15-17, 2021 PeeWee B

8 Teams, 3 game guarantee Team Registration Fee: $1200

PeeWee C

16 Teams, 4 game guarantee Team Registration Fee: $1200

No Gate Fees!

All Tournaments Include: • Welcome Gift • Full Concession Stand • One Arena – Two Sheets of Ice • Pre-Sale T-Shirts • Team Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Consolation

Feb. 13-14, 2021

Registration information online at

A & B Divisions Half Ice Format

$350 • 4 game guarantee

JANUARY PIRATE CLASSIC

www.nmyha.com under “Tournaments”

Tournament Director - Amanda Naylor: tournamentdirector@nmyha.com

Registration for each tournament can be completed through

www.siouxfallsflyers.com

Hotel Hotline: 877-541-4364 www.minneapolisnorthwest.com

Tournament Director: Aimee Chase, 605-929-0039

Hermantown

Amateur Hockey Association ts

n e m a n r Tou 2020-21

PeeWee AA $

Nov. 27-29

1575 (4 games)

Girls U12A

Squirt B

Bantam A

Jan. 15-17 $1150

PeeWee A

Dec. 11-13 $1150

Jan. 29-31 $1300

Dec. 18-20 $1150

Feb. 5-7 $1150

Squirt A

Girls U10B

Dec. 4-6

PeeWee B2

Mite I Jamboree

Girls U15A

Bantam B2

Mite II Jamboree

1575 (4 games)

Dec. 4-6

1575 (4 games)

Jan. 1-3 $1300

Jan. 8-10 1300 $

Feb. 12-14 $300

Feb. 19-21 $400

No Gate Fees

For more information and to register contact Amber Manion at hawkdome@isd700.org or 218-729-5493

www.hermantownhockey.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

WILLMAR HOCKEY

31st Annual

Y E K HOC ENTS 2020-2021

M A N R U TO BANTAM A & B GIRLS 12UB GIRLS 10UB SQUIRT A SQUIRT B PEEWEE A & B

NOV. 20-22, 2020 DEC. 4-6, 2020 DEC. 4-6, 2020 DEC. 11-13, 2020 DEC. 11-13, 2020 JAN. 15-17, 2021

$975 $950 $925 $925 $925 $950

We offer some of the lowest rates in the state, and NO gate fees!

Tournament Director:

JOE WISOCKI 559-213-3683

jwisocki@pga.com

MARCH 5-6, 2021

Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN

nsumer The largest co the WORLD! in hockey show

• Fun and challenging interactives • Celebrity Appearances • Exhibitors • Giveaways • Coupons • Much more! Volume XLVII •

Number 9 • Issue

1250

January 10, 2019

Photos by Nick Wosika, Mike Thill and Christine Wisch

THE TREK A Midseason Review TO THE X: pages 20-21

Predicting the 15 2019 champions page ta 2019 Hockey Day Minneso 17 a week away page

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

ANDY NESS

Stats & concepts

JOSH LEVINE athletes ... pg. 9 elitism with young

5 ways to score

HAL TEARSE Coach 18 to college ... pg. KEVIN KURTT Off

JOHN RUSSOfor better shooting ... pg. 4 GH KIM MCCULLOU 6 more goals ... pg. ICK ... pg. 7 JACK BLATHERW on the slide board

Building practice The danger of

Hockey endurance

habits ... pg. 8

said … pg. 17

opment & Devel y Training to meet the enemy. er 2019toHocke be well prepared Summnothing victory than to so likely produce There is

Discounted hotel rates have been negotiated

& online registration

hockeytraining.com

full clinic line-up

www.mnmade

Let’s Play Hockey Magazine... the longest running hockey publication in the country and available at your local hockey arena FREE!

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

Minneapolis HOCKEY

2020-21 TOURNAMENTS PEEWEE A AND B TOURNAMENT December 4-6, 2020

Cost: $900 – Early Registration cost $800 if registered by 8/31/20

GIRLS 10UB/12UA TOURNAMENT

U10B and, U12B, Tournament January 22-24, 2021 Minneapolis, Minnesota ★ $975 Tournament Fee ★ No gate fee or admission charged ★ Applications for all B-level teams are welcome; teams from associations that also field A-level teams are given priority.

December 11-13, 2020

Cost: $850 - Early Registration cost $750 if registered by 8/31/20

SQUIRT B and C TOURNAMENT January 8-10, 2021 (Starts early on Friday)

Cost $850 - Early Registration cost $750 if registered by 8/31/20

For more information and to register:

BANTAM A AND B TOURNAMENT January 29-31, 2021

www. mplshockey .com

Cost $1150 - Early Registration cost $1050 if registered by 8/31/20 All Tournaments: 4 Game Guarantee • No Gate Fees

For more info and to register, contact Caleb Paulson at 320-292-4512 or email Caleb.M.Paulson@ wellsfargo.com Online Registration:

www.hutchhockey.org

Pr a n i r e i e d E Hockey Association 2020-21

Invitational Tournaments

SEASON PREMIERE KICK OFF

PRELUDE TO THE PLAYOFFS

Jan. 15-17, 2021

15U A & 15B

Total Fee: $1550 • 12 Teams, Round Robin

Nov. 13-15, 2020

Dec. 10-13, 2020

Total Fee: $1550 • 8 Team Round Robin 4 Game Guarantee

Total Fee: $1550 • A: 12 Teams, B: 8 Teams, Round Robin, 4 Game Guarantee

FIRST TEST OF THE BEST

Prairie Shootout

Bantam A

Nov. 27-29, 2020

Bantam AA & PeeWee AA

Dec. 17-20, 2020 Squirt A, B1 & B2

Total Fee: $1550 12 Teams Each Level, Round Robin

Total Fee: $1400 • 8 Teams Each Level, Round Robin, 4 Game Guarantee

PRAIRIE FACE OFF

Prairie Showdown

Dec. 4-6, 2020 PeeWee B1 & B2

Total Fee: $1200 8 Teams Each Level, Bracket

Jan. 7-10, 2021

12U A, 12U B1 & 12U B2

Total Fee: 12A $1350, 12B1 & 12B2 $1200. 8 Teams Each Level, Bracket

For more info, please email Shelly Heggestad, EPHA Tournament Director: EPHAtournaments@ephockey.com

www.ephockey.com/tournaments

Border Battle Jr Gold B

Winter Classic

Jan. 28-31, 2021 Bantam B2 & C

Total Fee: $1350 8 Teams Each Level, Bracket

Prairie Madness Feb. 12-14, 2021 Squirt C & PeeWee C

Total Fees: $1200 8 Teams Each Level, Bracket

Prairie Meltdown Feb. 19-21, 2021 10U B1 & 10U B2

Total Fees: $1400 • 8 Teams Each Level, Round Robin, 4 Game Guarantee

June 18, 2020

2020-2021 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye

TOURNAMENTS Dec. 4-6, 2020 Squirt B/C Dec. 11-13, 2020 PeeWee B Jan. 8-10, 2021 PeeWee A Jan. 15-17, 2021 Squirt A

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

Jan. 22-24, 2021 Bantam B Jan. 29-31, 2021 Girls 10UB/12UB Feb. 6-7, 2021 Mite Jamboree

TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FEE

•$900 for Squirt and 10U •$1000 for PeeWee, Ban tam and 12U •$250 for Mite Jambor ee

No Gate Fee Pool Play • 8 Team Lim it • 4 Game Guarantee

Contact Alissa Griebel, Tournament Director, for more info 507-276-5612 • bagriebel12@gmail.com

https://newulm.pucksystems2.com

2020-2021

Tournaments – walker, MN –

Mini/Mite Jam – Dec. 12 Squirt C – Dec. 18-20 Peewee B2 – Jan. 8-10 Squirt B2 – Jan. 29-31 •Four game format • 15-minute stop-time • Player names and game events announced over the P.A. • Music and lots of fun during the tourney!

$900 including gate no other fees! Mite Jam is Free

To register for tourneys email: Mitch Loomis, loomis@shoresofleechlake.com To register for Mite Jam (free) email: Nate Gustafson, nwgustaf@hotmail.com

Monticello, MN Moose Youth Hockey Association

2020-21 HOCKEy Tournaments Squirt “A”

“Moose Cup” Hockey Tournament Dec. 4-6, 2020

8-12 Team Pool Play $1250 Per Team

Mite “A/B/C”

“Wild Moose Jamboree” Jan. 2-3, 2021

20 Teams Total Cost $400 (Gate Fee Included) 4 Game Guarantee 5 Pools With 4 Teams Per Pool 1/2 Ice With Divider Boards 45 Minute Periods

Squirt “B” / Squirt “C”

“Iceberg Classic” Hockey Tournament Jan. 23-25, 2021

8 Team Pool Bracket At Each Level $1250 Per Team

For more info and to register, call Sean Lawrance, Tournament Director, at 612-290-8547 or email moosehockeytournaments@gmail.com

www.mooseyouthhockey.org

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS HOCKEY 2020-21 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTER ARENA INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN

U12 A/B2

Nov. 21-22, 2020 $1095 Entry Fee

U10 A/B1/B2

Jan. 15-17, 2021 $1095 Entry Fee

Bantam B1/C

Squirts B/C

$1150 Entry Fee

Dec. 11-13, 2020

PeeWee B1/C Jan. 8-10, 2021 $1150 Entry Fee

Conveniently located minutes from local hotels & restaurants 15 minutes from the Mall Of America & downtown St. Paul

Feb. 5-7, 2021

Bantam, Pee Wee, & U12 Games 15 Minute Stop Time Squirts & U10 12 Minute Stop Time Bracket Play - 3 Game Guarantee

Visit www.ighha.org for online tournament registration

Contact Tournament Coordinator, Kari Miller, at 612.309.1923 or email: ighhatourney@gmail.com

Forest Lake

HOCKEY Tournaments Registration Opens June 19th! PeeWee B2 & PeeWee C

Nov. 13-15, 2020 $1100 (No Gate Fee) 3 Game Guarantee 8 Teams Per Division

Girls 15U A

Dec. 4-6, 2020

$1500 (No Gate Fee) 4 Game Guarantee • 8 Teams

FlakeJam Mite Tournament Jan. 15-17, 2021

Squirt B2 & Squirt C Jan. 29-31, 2021 $1100 (No Gate Fee) 3 Game Guarantee

8 Teams Per Division

Contact Brandon Ferngren tournaments@flhockey.org 612-986-1453

www.flhockey.org

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

2020-2021

WARROAD YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS 2020 - 2021 BANTAM A – DECEMBER 11-13 PEEWEE B – DECEMBER 18-20 GIRLS 12U – JANUARY 8-10 BANTAM B – JANUARY 15-17

Blackhawk Hockey Association DATE Dec. 11-13, 2020 Jan. 2-3, 2021 Jan. 8-10, 2021 Jan. 15-17, 2021 Feb. 19-21, 2021 Feb. 26-28, 2021

PEEWEE A – JANUARY 22-24 SQUIRT A – JANUARY 29-31 GIRLS 10U – FEBRUARY 5-7 SQUIRT B – FEBRUARY 12-14

2020-2021 Tournament Schedule

LEVEL U10/U12 Girls

(Cost $500)

Bantam U14

(Cost $600)

Mite Jamboree

($10 per player)

U14 Girls

(Cost $600)

Squirts (Cost $500) PeeWee (Cost $600)

For more information or to register visit https://baldwin. pucksystems2.com/ page/show/26105tournament-information Girls Tournament Contact: Jodi Volgren (715) 308-9667, jodivolgren@gmail.com

Boys Tournament Contact: Michelle Stevens (507) 272-1212, cutebagsmichelle@icloud.com

HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS Date Nov. 13-15 Nov. 20-22 Dec. 4-6 Dec. 11-13 Dec. 18-20 Jan. 8-10 Jan. 15-17 Jan. 22-24 Jan. 29-31 Feb. 5-7 Feb. 19-21

NO GATE FEES

Tournament 12U B PeeWee B2 PeeWee B1 12U A 15U A Bantam B Bantam AA Squirt A PeeWee A/AA Squirt B 10U B

Teams 12 8 8 8 8 8 12 8 8 12 12

Games 4 or 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 or 5 4 4 4 or 5 4 or 5

Cost $1450 $1450 $1450 $1450 $1550 $1550 $1550 $1450 $1450 $1450 $1450

ALL 12-TEAM TOURNAMENTS: 4 OR 5 GAME GUARANTEE

GRAND RAPIDS, MN

For more info, contact Colleen Forrest: grhockey55744@yahoo.com

Go to our website to register online: grhockey.com (click on the registration link, under the tournaments tab)

2020-2021 OSSEO MAPLE GROVE HOCKEY

TOURNAMENTS All Tournaments played at Maple Grove Community Center and Osseo Arenas

SQUIRT A, B, B2, C SQUIRT EXTRAVAGANZA January 1-3, 2021

PEEWEE AA, A, B1 November 13-15, 2020

PWA: 8 teams • PWB1: 16 teams 4 game guarantee (15 min periods), $1,400/team

PEEWEE B2, C LUCAS DECKER ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN December 3-6, 2020

12 teams per division, pool play, 4 game guarantee (15 min periods) - $1,400/team

Squirt A/B: 8 teams per division • B2/C: 12 teams per division 3 game guarantee (12 min periods) - $1,300/team

GIRLS CABIN FEVER CLASSIC U12 A, B, B2 January 22-24, 2021 8 teams per division, 4 game guarantee (15 min periods) - $1,400/team

U10 A, B, B2 February 4-7, 2021

8 teams per division, 4 game guarantee (12 min periods) - $1,300/team

For more info and to register, contact Sara Grant, OMGHA Tournament Chair, at 763-442-7259 (email: tournamentchair@omgha.com) or go to https://www.omgha.com/page/show/74-omgha-tournament-informationand-registration

WWW.OMGHA.COM

www.stateofhockey.com

June 18, 2020

Let’s Play Hockey

2020-2021 Marshall, MN Hockey Tournaments GIRLS 10U/12U

SQUIRT A & B

November 20-22, 2020

February 5-7, 2021

BANTAM A & B

MITES & MINI-MITES

“Winter Cup”

State of the Art Facility | 1st Class Hospitality Premiere Fan Experience

G GAMES LIVE STREAMIN & SUNDAYS ON SATURDAYS NK ON OUR REINHART RI

ed at least one game Each team is guarante l days with the potentia live streamed on Satur the in y pla y if the of a second on Sunday s. 1st or 3rd place game

“Battle at the Baron” December 11-13, 2020

PEEWEE A & B

“Prairie Shootout” January 15-17, 2021

“Squadron Classic”

“Tiger Classic” March 12-14, 2021 Bantam, PeeWee & Squirts have a 4 game guarantee. Games start Friday afternoon.

To register go to https://marshall.pucksystems2.com

Red Baron Arena & Expo 1651 Victory Drive Marshall, MN 56258

www.redbaronarenaandexpo.com

Contact Christian Guenther: 573-248-4445 • guenthercg@gmail.com

June 18, 2020

www.stateofhockey.com

Let’s Play Hockey

Banta 12 Tem AA ams

BATT LE THE A FOR XE

Mite & Girls 8U

DEC 4 -6

** BOREE

JAMEC 19-20 D

2020-2021 TOURNAMENTS

Bantam B1 & B2 Bantam AA Squirt A Mite & Girls 8U** Peewee B1 & B2

Nov. 27-29, 2020

Dec. 4-6, 2020 Dec. 11-13, 2020 Dec. 19-20, 2020 Jan. 1-3, 2021

12UA & B Squirt C 10UB1 & 15UB* Squirt B1 & B2 PeeWee C*

Jan. 8-10, 2021 Jan. 15-17, 2021 Jan. 22-24, 2021 Jan. 29-31, 2021 Feb. 5-7, 2021

4 game guarantee, $1200 and no gate fees • T-shirts for championship team • MN hockey sanctioned * New this year! ** Mite & Girls 8U Jamboree half-ice games only $250

Online registration and additional information at: www.brainerdhockey.com Please support our tournament sponsors: Cragun’s Resort & Holiday Inn Express

Cragun’s indoor pool

core a hat trick of hospitality when you bring your team to Brainerd Lakes Hockey Headquarters. Cragun’s Resort, the Baxter Holiday Inn Express and great hospitality all go hand-in-hand. We provide comfort, fun, close and convenient access to the arena, and good times to make your tournament experience the best ever.

Whether you stay at Cragun’s full-service resort or the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Three Bear Waterpark, here’s what you’ll receive with your 2-night minimum reservation... • Family atmosphere that’s safe & secure, plus guaranteed quality rooms • FREE Hospitality Room for your team (subject to availability) • FREE Express Start Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express each morning • Budget friendly packages available • Room & cabin rates available at Cragun’s Resort • Outside, lighted skating rinks at Cragun’s • Complete amenities of Cragun’s Resort available, including pool, whirlpools & indoor Sports Centre and family activities on many weekends • Indoor pools and area’s largest waterpark at Holiday Inn Express and Three Bear Waterpark • NEW Cragun’s Laser Tag Park and Arcade at Holiday Inn Express • Special team meals and snacks are easily arranged Bring your teams to Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake and the Holiday Inn Express and we’ll provide the fun this season!

1-855-447-3646 • craguns.com | 1-888-824-3232 • brainerdhi.com

68-3119_10x16_BAHA_Ad_FONTS_FIXED_20200609.indd 1

6/9/20 1:43 PM