April issue pdf

Volume XLVI • Number 23 • Issue 1239

April 19, 2018

A closer look at

College Commitments An open letter to Bob Motzko

Understanding college recruiting

by Kevin Hartzell

by Josh Levine

page 4

page 12

The path to college hockey

by Kevin Kurtt ... page 13

IN THIS ISSUE PATRICK SCHOONOVER AWARD WINNER ... pg. 6 HOT ‘DOGS: UMD WINS NCAA TITLE ... pg. 8 ANDY NESS Finding the right pair of skates ... pg. 9

JACK BLATHERWICK Summer conditioning must be fast ... pg. 11

2018-19 Tournament Calendar pages 24-25

KIM MCCULLOUGH /P DPOÃ EFODF LJMMFS GPS QMBZFST QH

Brochures inside - Evaluatio on ns May 30tth h - Don’t miss ou utt

Gordie Roberts

Tom Younghans

Reed Larson

Steve Jensen

Jamie Langenbrunner

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Let’s Play Hockey

April 19, 2018

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

www.letsplayhockey.com

An open letter to new Gopher coach Bob Motzko

By Kevin Hartzell Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

As most readers likely know, way back in a day, I was a Gopher hockey captain. I am proud of that. I love many of my alumni brothers. For the program, I share the following thoughts today.

I have most often seen myself as a leader.

If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have written for Let’s Play Hockey all these years. I must, however, be transparent here. I lost interest in Gopher hockey some time ago. The program veered on to a course that simply interests me less. For lots of reasons, I felt and still feel as if I have little in common with the program (other than my alumni brothers).

So mostly I am not sure I am entitled to an opinion. That said, I have one and in the interest of being helpful, here goes.

To new Gopher hockey coach Bob Motzko: First of all, Bob, I congratulate you on this new job. It’s a prestigious job, one you have earned with many years of good coaching throughout your career. I also congratulate you on your willingness to take on this new challenge.Good for you.

Bob, you are a good coach and a good guy. You have proven this over time. But as you know, there are lots of good coaches out there. Just the Division I schools within our state are populated with good coaches.

The Big Ten has some good coaches, as do the other conferences. To me, coaching the way you coach will be a good thing, but not enough to turn this program back into something that folks like me will want to support.

More is needed. Leadership on a larger scale is needed.

As much as anything, it is my opinion that you must take the lead in changing the recruiting formula. For me, it is all about the young people who populate the team. If the program is about elitist kids, just making a stop on their way to bigger and more lucrative pastures, then the program will remain unattractive to many. You can’t do anything about the unattractiveness of joining the Big Ten, but I suspect, you will at times, need to “fight city hall.” For sure, you will have to fight the current status quo, which is always more difficult than it appears.

Today’s recruiting formula, of committing to very young “stars,” is not good for college hockey. It is not good for Gopher hockey.

Bob Motzko was named the new University of Minnesota men’s hockey head coach on March 27.

Most importantly, it is not good for many of the young people college athletics is trying to serve. Such recognition so early in their development as people can and does have adverse effects.

I often relay a story given to a college team

by Justin Walker, a former Navy SEAL. We were conducting a leadership seminar and team-building event. He told a wonderful story about one of the goals as a human being in any profession is to find the fine line of confidence and humility. It’s a great story for another time. The moral of the story is simple: Developing elite skills leads to confidence, which of course, is good. But confidence without humility can and does lead to undesirable outcomes. I think I see some of these undesirable outcomes manifested in Gopher hockey and the way the players play the game. In the end, I think others have seen this very thing as well in what I can only describe as “elitism.”

No one blames the kids or their families.

I can’t imagine how I would have developed (or not developed) had Gopher hockey burst into my life when I was just a 14-yearold kid. Make no mistake, it’s a burst. It is recognition that will be seen by everyone in the young person’s life. I have little doubt that my whole life perspective would have changed right there and then. And likely, not for the better.

In my opinion, there is no better entity to lead than the University of Minnesota. Here is an idea to build upon. First, announce at

the annual coaches meetings this month in Florida that the University of Minnesota will no longer ask for or honor verbal commitments made to other institutions from players under the age of 17. Gopher hockey will advise all players, and specifically those who appear on their recruiting “short list,” to advise other institutions that if they are fishing for a verbal commitment, they retain the right to commit to the University of Minnesota at the time of their 17th birthday. These young players have nothing to lose. To be on the Gopher “short list” almost by definition means they are quite talented and will have many schools with strong interest. And Bob, work with these other schools. If you don’t have room for a player, help them with other schools. Herb Brooks often did this.

There are lots of details to work out with this basic idea, but the idea is to allow young people a chance to grow at least some through their adolescent years. Allow them time to evolve in their life perspectives. Allow their hockey skills to further evolve and be evaluated. Most importantly, allow them the opportunity to continue to work through

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these years to work towards the goal of a commitment to the University of Minnesota.

They will become better “people” for the experience, and hopefully, more humble along the way. Will you lose a player here and there? Probably. But it will all be worth it in the long run.

I personally believe that all these recruits should be strongly encouraged, if not required, to play a year of junior hockey before beginning their time at the University of Minnesota. Then, open and honest communication should be had with player agents and the NHL teams that have drafted each player. If a player is not living up to the standards of the program, either off the ice or on, don’t be afraid to be strong with your actions. NHL teams want their future players to develop while they are in your care.

Most importantly, most NHL teams know there is no shortcut to the development process. Being strong with your student-athletes to humble them and to develop them will be an attractive feature of the program.

In the end, it might just encourage these NHL teams to leave a player, now and then, for an additional year. But these NHL teams, must believe strongly in the program.

Bob, I wish you the best.

Note: Kevin Hartzell’s May camp for high school and beyond still has openings. The camp will be featuring such concepts as confidence/humility and how all this works to make better teammates and leaders. Contact Kevin at hartzellhockey@msn.com A St. Paul native and forward for the University of Minnesota from 1978-82, Kevin Hartzell coached in the USHL from 198389 with the St. Paul Vulcans and from 200512 with the Sioux Falls Stampede. He was the head coach of Lillehammer in Norway’s GET-Ligaen from 2012-14. His columns have appeared in Let’s Play Hockey since the late 1980s. His book “Leading From the Ice” is available at amazon.com.

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

Managing Editor Kevin Kurtt • (952) 288-9319

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LET’S PLAY HOCKEY (LPH) is a newspaper devoted to covering all levels of hockey. LPH is published 29 times per year — once monthly in June, July, August and September; three times in October; and weekly November through April. Deadlines for news and camera-ready advertising are Mondays preceding each issue. Advertisements to be typeset must be in LPH office by the preceding Friday. All editorial copy, advertisements and photos remain the property of LET’S PLAY HOCKEY. LPH reserves the right to edit submitted stories and letters to the editor for length, grammar, punctuation and clarity.

29-issue subscription rates (U.S. funds): $68 one-year, third-class delivery $115 two-year, third-class delivery $110 one-year, Canadian delivery $199 one-year, Canadian delivery

Assistant Editor Beth Kurtt Columnists Jack Blatherwick, Kevin Hartzell, John Russo Contributors Chris Gernentz, Tim Kolehmainen, David LeGarde, Josh Levine, Mark Lichtenfeld, Kim McCullough, Andy Ness, Andrew Vitalis, Pete Waggoner Photography Susan McPherson, Mike Thill, Christine Wisch, Nick Wosika

Additional copies or back issues may be purchased by sending $3 to the LPH office. Send subscription inquiries, address changes and/or payments to: LET’S PLAY HOCKEY 13 7th Street S. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 or call (320) 333-3279 with questions.

The opinions expressed in LET’S PLAY HOCKEY are not necessarily those of Let’s Play Hockey or Z Media, Inc., but of the individual columnists themselves.

No articles or features may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher or the editor of Let’s Play Hockey. ©2017 Z Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

LPH is online at www.letsplayhockey.com

April 19, 2018

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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.

2018 Leader Conference coming soon

Minnesota Hockey will host its third annual Association Leader Excellence Conference (ALEC) on April 27-28 at the Marriott Minneapolis West in St. Louis Park. The conference will provide youth hockey volunteers in Minnesota with opportunities for learning best practices and networking with leaders at the local, state and national levels.

Over its first two years, the Association Leader Excellence Conference has hosted more than 250 youth hockey volunteers from 75 associations. Participants traveled

have from all corners of Minnesota to take part in sessions focused on topics ranging from legal aspects of operating youth athletic associations to membership development and much more.

“The conference provides the opportunity for our association leaders to learn from presenters, panelists and each other how their association can deliver the best hockey experience to their members,” said Dave Margenau, Minnesota Hockey President. “It is inspiring to experience the passion and

dedication that the attendees to the conference bring to their positions. We truly have incredible volunteers serving on our association boards.”

In 2018, the Association Leader Excellence Conference will once again place an emphasis on providing opportunities for networking and idea sharing based on feedback from previous participants. Sessions will continue to be offered on topics such as local discipline, finance, growing the game, and player development, as well as

new topics such as goalie development.

The event is scheduled to begin the evening of Friday, April 27and will conclude in mid-afternoon on Saturday. Minnesota Hockey will supply participants with affordable lodging rates, two complimentary meals and a subsidy for those traveling more than 100 miles.

To view a complete list of topics or to register for the 2018 Association Leader Excellence Conference, visit www.minnesotahockey.org/leaders.

Green Giants, Shattuck win USA Hockey Girls Tier I national titles against Syracuse Valley (NY). Back-to-back wins over Chicago Mission (5-3) and Chicago Young Americans (8-0) in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, earned the team a place in the championship game. In the title game, Joslin Mumm gave the Green Giants an early lead on a shot from the point, and they never looked back, going on to record their third shutout in just six games.

“We are extremely proud of the Green Giants and what they accomplished this season,” said Mike MacMillan, High Performance Director for Minnesota Hockey.

“When we put these leagues together, we were focused on providing an opportunity Continued on page 22

Two Minnesota Hockey teams claimed USA Hockey Girls Tier I National Championships in Marlborough, Massachusetts, including Minnesota’s first national champion from the CCM High Performance Tier I Leagues.

The Green Giants, comprised of players from Minnesota Hockey’s District 10, claimed the Girls Tier I 14U National Championship with a 3-0 win over Assabet Valley (MA). The victory was the culmination of a dominating pre/post Tier I season in which the team only lost one game in regulation (Minnesota Polars of Districts 3 & 5) and outscored their opponents 142-20 in 22 games together.

The Green Giants went 2-0-1 during pool play with their only loss coming in a shootout

If success tastes sweet, then the Minnetonka’s High School’s boys’ hockey team were kids in a candy store this year.

It was an incredible season by any stretch.

In 2018, they won the State AA Championship, the Section 2 AA crown and were Lake Conference Co-Champions.

They were an offensive juggernaut, scoring 177 goals, the second most in school history. The Minnetonka boys won 13 games in a row en route to being crowned state champs. Runs like this aren’t commonplace at any level, in any sport.

This level of performance inevitably in-

Skippers’ secret training tool volves a combination of factors operating at the same time. Clearly talent, coaching, determination, training and team chemistry have to be there. So too does a little bit of luck delivered at the right times.

There also may have been an added advantage that helped the team’s hockey sense.

“We had the guys train off-ice with a tool called Hockey IntelliGym,” said Coach Sean Goldsworthy. “It’s a program that they could use on their personal computers and so they could train from anywhere.”

The IntelliGym helps players hone spatial

awareness, position themselves better without the puck and anticipate the play better.

It has been used by thousands of hockey players of all levels. USA Hockey has used it for the National Team Development Program (NTDP) since 2009. During this time, they’ve won 28 gold medals in international tournaments, including 7 (!!) IIHF World Championships.

“We believe the use of IntelliGym supplemented our on-ice drills that implement multiple decisions with and without the puck. Our younger players were able to adjust earlier to the high school level of play,

helping them move the puck faster and more efficiently. It was a great tool for our style of play which is all about thinking fast and playing fast,” explained Goldsworthy.

The Minnetonka boys’ use of IntelliGym helped them succeed against top-notch competition (indeed they had the second hardest schedule in the state according to Minnhock).

“I’m proud of our guys, and happy we implemented this program into our training,” said Goldsworthy.

For more information on the Hockey IntelliGym visit usahockeyintelligym.com

Minnesota Hockey unveils new-look equipment grant program Minnesota Hockey today announced a partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods as the official Grow the Game partner of Minnesota Hockey. With the partnership, DICK’S will be the presenting partner of the new-look Gear Up Minnesota equipment grant program aimed at outfitting young hockey players throughout the state, making hockey more affordable for families.

“We believe every boy and girl in Minnesota should be playing hockey,” said Minnesota Hockey President Dave Margenau. “It was clear to us that DICK’S Sporting Goods shared this vision and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board in our mission to provide hockey gear to our associations so we can get more and more youngsters into our amazing hockey culture in Minnesota.”

The Gear Up Minnesota program began

during the 2010-11 season and has become one of the most successful programs at increasing the amount of Minnesota’s 8 & Under players, which last year surpassed 18,000 for the first time ever. Over the seven years since Gear Up Minnesota has been implemented, more than 3,000 sets of starter gear have been distributed to over 120 of the 150 Minnesota Hockey community associations.

Gear Up Minnesota will continue to assist community associations in Minnesota by providing gear to new players. However, instead of sets of starter gear (which did not include skates or sticks), associations will now be provided with gift cards to purchase the equipment most

needed by the associations. This can include skates, sticks or any other hockey gear they deem necessary.

“At DICK’S, we believe that sports matter and make people better,” said Matt Teske, Community Marketing Manager, DICK’S Sporting Goods.

“Partnering with Minnesota Hockey to make the game of hockey more accessible to the kids here in Minnesota aligns perfectly with our goal to inspire and enable sports’ participation. We’re excited to help make hockey more affordable for families across the state.”

Associations will still apply for the Gear Up Minnesota grant by submitting an application that states what growth initiatives

they are employing, what equipment is most needed and what the equipment will be used for. The application process is open through June 15. Associations that earn grants will be notified in July and will receive their gift cards in early September. Gift cards can be used to purchase equipment online, or at any of the eight DICK’S Sporting Goods’ locations in Minnesota.

DICK’S Sporting Goods will also host a Hockey Season Kickoff at all Minnesota locations from Friday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 16. The event will include special guest appearances and all in-store or online purchases will be discounted 20%.

To learn more about DICK’S Sporting Goods, visit them on the web at dicks.com or visit their social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

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Joel Seethaler wins Patrick Schoonover Award Elk River PeeWee B2 Red defenseman wins fourth annual award

Joel Seethaler, a defenseman for Elk River PeeWee B2 , has been named the 2018 recipient of the Patrick Schoonover Award, an annual award named in honor of the Eastview Bantam AA player who passed away during a game during the 2014-15 season. The award is given to the Minnesota PeeWee or Bantam hockey player who best exemplifies Patrick’s ideals of hard work, high character, loyalty, honesty, humor and athletic achievement.

Seethaler was nominated by his coach, Chad Peterson. Peterson said that Joel was the perfect representative for the award.

“On the ice, Joel is a defender, leader and excellent teammate,” Peterson wrote in his nomination of Seethaler. “Off the ice, he is a leader, defender, excellent friend and classmate, and loving son and grandson. He is a hockey player who displays great character as a teammate on and off the ice, which is why I made him one of our team captains this season.

“Joel is an exceptional hockey player, and just an awesome kid away from the rink.

He’s also a great and loyal friend to his buddies. Joel is a student of the game, and loves everything about the game of hockey – practices, games, competition, tournaments and the lasting friendships he has made with his

coaches and teammates. Joel works hard, has fun, and is ALWAYS determined to be better both on and off the ice.”

Seethaler was presented with the 2018 Patrick Schoonover Award at the April 2 Minnesota Wild game vs. Edmonton. He made the “Let’s Play Hockey” announcement with the Schoonover family, watched the game

from a suite with his parents Aaron and Chrissy, and was recognized by Fox Sports North between the second and third periods. Seethaler will also be recognized in the Patrick Schoonover Award’s permanent display at the Xcel Energy Center.

“While on the ice, Joel puts forth 100 percent every time he laces up his skates, whether for a game, practice or helping out every once in a while with the Elk River Learn to Play Hockey program,” Chrissy Seethaler said. “After any game, win or lose, he is very humble and doesn’t want to hear or talk about his personal achievements, but rather prefers to focus on the team play and what the team accomplished or didn’t. My husband and I are extremely fortunate to have Joel as our son who, like Patrick, lives and breathes hockey on and off the ice.”

“It’s challenging to select a winner, especially when there are so many worthy candidates,” Mike Schoonover said. “They are all wonderful kids and they make the State of Hockey a great place to be. Gayle and I would like to congratulate Joel Seethaler as this year’s Patrick Schoonover Award winner. Joel shares many of Patrick’s attributes. He is kind-hearted and humble. He is passionate about playing hockey and being with his friends. And he is an excellent

leader and hard worker.”

The Patrick Schoonover Award is presented by Let’s Play Hockey and the Minnesota Wild.

Nominees for the 2018 Patrick Schoonover Award: Colton Becker Cayden Casey Tim Chalmers Connor DeWandeler Jacob Fritz Toby Holtz Brayden Houge Caleb Rivera Joel Seethaler Preston Senne Isaac Swanson Michael Webster Dylan Wolf

South St. Paul Bantam B1 Elk River PeeWee AA Albert Lea PeeWee A Andover PeeWee AA Spring Lake Park Bantam A Austin PeeWee B Stillwater PeeWee AA Windom Bantam B Elk River PeeWee B2 Red Austin PeeWee B North Shore Bantam B Sartell Bantam A Farmington PeeWee B1

Cale Morris wins 2018 Mike Richter Award

Notre Dame sophomore netminder backstopped the Fighting Irish to the 2018 NCAA Championship game Sophomore Cale Morris of the University of Notre Dame was named the winner of the 2018 Mike Richter Award as the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey. Morris was presented with the award by Mike Richter on Friday, April 6 in St. Paul, Minn., site of the 2018 NCAA Frozen Four.

A native of Larkspur, Colo., Morris backstopped Notre Dame to a runaway win of the Big Ten regular season championship, the Big Ten tournament title and a stellar run to the 2018 national championship game. Morris led the Big Ten in save percentage (.944), goals-against average (1.94), shutouts (4, tied with MSU’s John Lethemon), wins (27), winning percentage (.764) and saves (1,202). The Big Ten Player and Goalie of the Year posted a 27-8-1 record and ranked first in the nation in save percentage, wins and saves, second in winning percentage, eighth in goals-against average, ninth in minutes played (2134:11) and tied for 12th in shutouts.

After playing one period (19:43) in Notre Dame’s first game of the 2016-17 season in mop-up duty for starter Cal Petersen in an eventual 9-2 win over Arizona State (Oct. 7), Morris burst onto the scene with an impressive sophomore season for the Irish.

He allowed two goals or less 25 times and posted a .930 or better save percentage in 27 games during the 2017-18 season. He stopped 30 or more shots in 25 games,

• Candidates must display outstanding skills on the ice • Candidates should be in good academic standing at an NCAA college or university • Consideration should be given to academic achievement and sportsmanship • Candidates must comply with all NCAA rules; be full-time students at an NCAA college or university; and complete 50 percent or more of the season • Consideration should be given to the candidate’s activities in the community Past winners: 2017 Tanner Jaillet (Denver), 2016 Thatcher Demko (Boston College), 2015 Zane McIntyre (North Dakota), 2014 Connor Hellebuyck (UMass Lowell).

including a career-high 55-save performance in a 2-2 tie at Penn State on Feb. 3.

Morris’ save percentage for the 2017-18 season set the Notre Dame single-season record, while his goals-against average ranks third all-time and his total saves rank second in the single-season record book.

His 27 victories are the second-most in school history, trailing only 30-win seasons

by David Brown (2006-07) and Jordan Pearce (2008-09). A Hobey Baker Award top 10 finalist, Morris is a business major at Notre Dame.

The other finalists for the 2018 Mike Richter Award were Matthew Galajda of Cornell, Tanner Jaillet of Denver, Colton Point of Colgate and Cayden Primeau of Northeastern.

Candidates for the Mike Richter Award were determined by nominations from all 60 NCAA Division I men’s hockey head coaches. The finalists and winner were selected by a committee of coaches, scouts and members of the media.

Criteria for the Mike Richter Award:

NOTES: Morris becomes the second sophomore to win the Mike Richter Award after inaugural winner Connor Hellebuyck • Morris is the fourth American to win the award • Morris becomes the first goaltender from the Big Ten to earn the Mike Richter Award each of the first three Mike Richter Award winners have played at least one game in the NHL: 2014 Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets), 2015 Zane McIntyre (Boston Bruins), 2016 Thatcher Demko (Vancouver Canucks) • Connor Hellebuyck recently passed Mike Richter for most NHL wins in a season by an Americanborn goaltender (44).

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

Sidney Peters earns Hockey Humanitarian Award

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Minnesota senior goaltender honored for her significant volunteer contributions

Photo: Susan McPherson

University of Minnesota senior goaltender Sidney Peters was named the 2018 Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient on April 6 at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minn., as part of the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four weekend.

The Hockey Humanitarian Award is given each year to college hockey’s finest citizen -- a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team, but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.

Peters’ contributions on the ice and in the classroom are only topped by her impact in the community over the past five years. She brings a grounded perspective to the Gophers’ locker room and is the first to say that, while she loves the sport, there is more to life than hockey. Her teammates describe her as compassionate, dedicated, and thoughtful.

“As we’ve gotten to know Sidney through the nomination process, we have been increasingly impressed with her core values of volunteerism and her passion to make a difference,” said Matt Patrick, Executive Director of the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation.

Peters has logged over 830 volunteer hours with various community outreach volunteer activities as a Gopher. A certified Emergency Medical Technician, Peters has spent significant time volunteering with the University of Minnesota EMS and the RushCopley Emergency Department in Aurora, Ill., near her hometown of Geneva, Ill. “Receiving the Hockey Humanitarian Award is a huge honor,” Peters said. “It places me in a category with past nominees and award winners who are just phenom-

enal people who have made a huge difference in their communities; most importantly, inspiring people around them to think and serve differently. I’m really proud to be associated with this award and really thankful to be associated with the other finalists.

“I got into volunteering as a freshman with the University of Minnesota Maroon & Gold Impacting the Community (M.A.G.I.C.), which is a student-athlete development program. They give us many opportunities to get out in the community, to volunteer with local schools and hospitals. That was my first step into volunteering, and it gave me the opportunity to meet people and build a community. That’s when I fell in love with service and began pursuing other opportunities, mostly as an EMT because medicine is my passion.”

Ever service-minded, Peters traveled to Haiti during the summer of 2016 with Project Medishare, which is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of all Haitians by empowering them to provide and receive access to comprehensive, quality health care. She spent eight days in Haiti volunteering at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the country’s only critical care and trauma hospital, as well as the only newborn and pediatric intensive care unit.

Combining her love of hockey with her faith, Peters volunteered as the head goalie coach for Hockey Ministries International at the organization’s camp in Chicago for two years as well. Her volunteer experience during her Gopher career includes significant time giving back locally with HopeKids, Special Olympics Minnesota, and University

of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, along with efforts at local elementary and middle schools and youth hockey associations.

“We’re so happy for Sidney – what an incredible honor,” Gopher Women’s Hockey Head Coach Brad Frost said. “Sidney’s story is one of perseverance and fighting through adversity and still being able to think of others in the midst of that, and I think that speaks volumes to who she is as a person.

She loves to do things for others. She has a heart for people and desires to be the light of the world wherever she goes.”

A fifth-year senior, Peters is a four-year letterwinner for the University of Minnesota.

A two-time NCAA national champion team member, Peters appeared in 82 games with a career record of 53-17-6. After seeing limited playing time her first two seasons in uniform, Peters backstopped the Gophers to an NCAA Frozen Four berth last season.

Her 53 wins, 16 shutouts, 1.65 goals against average, and 1,464 total saves all rank fifth among all-time Gopher goaltenders. Peters ranks sixth in program history with a .921 career save percentage.

A four-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete, WCHA All-Academic, and Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Peters will graduate with a degree in kinesiology with a minor in biology and has been accepted into medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences where she will serve in the Air Force.

The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation also presented Peters with a check for $2,500 during the ceremony, which will be donated to her designated charity, Project Medishare.

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April 19, 2018

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Hot ‘Dogs: UMD captures second national title Bulldogs use a stellar defensive effort to edge Notre Dame 2-1

Photo: Christine Wisch

In front of a pro-Bulldog crowd of 18,303 at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center, Minnesota Duluth captured its second national championship, edging Notre Dame 2-1 on April 7.

The Bulldogs got goals from Minnesota natives Karson Kuhlman (Esko) and Jared Thomas (Hermantown), and a 19-save effort from 2018 Mike Richter Award semifinalist Hunter Shepard (Cohasset) to claim the NCAA title after first winning the top prize seven years ago on the same ice.

Minnesota Duluth was the last team into the NCAA Tournament, edging rival Minnesota by .0001 in the RPI. Karson Kuhlman struck first for the Bulldogs at 9:06 of the first period, capitalizing on a Notre Dame neutral zone turnover to enter the Irish zone and beat Cale Morris with a wrist shot to the glove side.

Minnesota Duluth pushed the lead to 2-0 about nine minutes later when Jared Thomas notched his second goal of the Frozen Four, beating Morris on a sharp-angle shot.

Kuhlman picked up the single assist on the play.

The Bulldogs out-shot the Irish 10-7 in the opening period.

Minnesota Duluth won four straight one-goal games in the NCAA Tournament en route to the national title.

Notre Dame got the lone goal of the second period. After killing off a pair of penalties to start the period, the Irish got on the board with a power-play goal at the 7:40 mark. Andrew Oglevie capitalized off a nice passing play to beat UMD netminder Hunter Shepard to the 5-hole. Cam Morrison and Jake Evans earned the assists.

Minnesota Duluth headed into the sec-

ond intermission with a 2-1 lead and a 2815 advantage in shots.

UMD was spectacular defensively the entire game, but especially in the third period, holding the Irish to only five shots and few scoring chances. Notre Dame pulled Morris with 1:34 to play, but was unable to muster much of an attack.

Minnesota Duluth finished the game with

a 35-20 advantage in shots.

“Obviously it’s a special championship for the program,” UMD head coach Scott Sandelin said. “I was fortunate to be part of the first one, but this one is just as special.

They never get old. And I’m extremely happy for these three guys here that get to go out on a really, really good note. It’s pretty remarkable what they’ve done to be up here as national champions. They deserve all the credit, especially our leaders.”

Kuhlman was named the NCAA Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player, notching 12--3, including a goal and assist tonight.

UMD's Thomas, Shepard and defenseman Scott Perunovich joined Kuhlman on the AllTournament Team, along with Oglevie and Jordan Gross from Notre Dame.

A team from Minnesota has now won three straight national championships at Frozen Fours hosted in the State of Hockey - 2002 Minnesota, 2011 UMD, 2018 UMD. The UMD roster includes 17 Minnesota natives. At least one player from the State of Hockey has now won an NCAA title in 19 of the last 21 years (131 total Minnesotans).

Bulldogs use opportunity, team defense to win national crown

Let’s Play Hockey photos by Mike Thill

By Dave LeGarde Let’s Play Hockey On the afternoon of St. Patrick’s Day, UMD’s Karson Kuhlman hit the Xcel Energy Center ice late in the third period against North Dakota, likely for the final time in his college career. The Bulldog captain, as always, went all out. Despite an insurmountable deficit on the scoreboard, he hustled for all 200 feet in one last attempt to give his team a spark.

A contingent of UMD fans seated a few rows below my group stood and applauded Kuhlman’s effort, showing appreciation of a collegiate career that looked to be ending with a loss in the third-place game of the NCHA Frozen Faceoff. The Bulldogs’ season was headed to a disappointing finish, just shy of the NCAA Tournament. Only an improbable series of results from other playoff games later that evening could save them.

But the seemingly impossible happened.

Capped with a nerve-wracking overtime victory by Notre Dame over Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament championship game, the Bulldogs qualified as the final seed. Seizing that opportunity, they edged both Minnesota State and Air Force in the NCAA West Regional to qualify for the Frozen Four in St. Paul.

Back at the Xcel Energy Center facing Ohio State on college hockey’s biggest stage, UMD looked unflappable in a 2-1 national semifinal win. Two goals in the opening minutes proved to be the difference, as a stifling defense surrendered very few

effort. Everyone contributed to the consistent pressure needed to quell a powerful Notre Dame offense that continued to battle right to the end.

Much credit must be given to head coach Scott Sandelin and the Bulldog coaching staff. After losing numerous key contributors from last season’s national runner-up team, they rebuilt with a combination of great recruiting and a style that was an ideal fit for their personnel. They stuck with their plan despite some early-season struggles and injuries, and their meshing of a talented freshmen group with gritty upperclassmen was masterful.

With two national titles and several NCAA Tournament appearances in the past decade, the Bulldogs are now established as one of the truly elite programs in college hockey.

Buckeye scoring chances.

So here again was Kuhlman, back on the same ice where his college playing days appeared to end a few weeks earlier, playing for the national championship against Notre Dame. Fittingly, he scored the title game’s opening goal on a hustle play that ended with a sizzling wrist shot that ended in the top corner of the Irish net. When fellow senior Jared Thomas put the Bulldogs up 20 later in the first period, it was time for the UMD defense to again take command.

Time and again, the Irish were stifled before they could get the puck to the Bulldog net. While they did manage a second period tally, they could not draw even as UMD captured its second NCAA Championship in eight seasons, with both coming at the

Xcel Energy Center. The 2-1 final matched the Bulldogs’ previous two 2018 tournament victories.

It was extraordinary to watch UMD’s team defense as the championship game unfolded. Notre Dame was a team loaded with size, speed and offensive skill, yet they could not gain any traction against a Bulldog squad that was almost always in the right place. It seemed whenever the Irish generated any speed in the neutral zone, either passes were tipped by defenders or there were simply no lanes to move the puck. On the occasions where Notre Dame was able to get chances near the net, Bulldog goalie Hunter Shepard had a clear look at shots and kept rebounds limited.

The UMD victory was a complete team

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By Andy Ness

Let’s Play Hockey

April 19, 2018

Finding the right pair of skates

As the hockey season is officially over, I have seen many younger skaters who are in need of a different pair of skates. Buying the proper fitting skate for every skater is essential. When trying to buy skates, fit, type of skate, stiffness of a boot and sharpening are some things to consider. This is the most important piece of equipment a skater can have. Parents may be able to cut costs on some other equipment, but make sure to invest in a good pair of skates. There are so many choices out there, so following are some things to consider.

First, and possibly most important, is getting the proper fit to a skate. A general rule of thumb is that the skate will fit one-and-ahalf or two sizes smaller than a standard shoe size. The skate should have a snug fit that will limit heel movement or general foot movement in the boot. Too many younger skaters are “swimming in their skates” because their parents want the skater to “grow into them.”

Doing this only hinders the skater. Poorfitting skates contribute to a lot of skaters becoming “ankle skaters” or limiting them in their ability to do basic skating skills such as stopping and doing power turns.

Older skaters can choose skates that fit tighter in the heel or tighter in the toe box, depending on the shape of the skater’s foot. Ask someone who has skate knowledge at your local sporting goods store which boot would be the best fit for your foot. Each skate is different and the best skate for you may not be what your buddy wears but what is best for your foot.

Another thing to consider is the stiffness of the boot. This is something that is impor-

tant to understand and it could go either way. We see a lot of younger skaters that are in really flimsy skates. This again hurts in ankle support and limits the skater’s ability to execute basic skills.

A younger skater needs a supportive boot that is fitted properly. With that being said, the way skates are made now (especially adult skates), they are almost too stiff for some skaters.

Consider this situation. We have many skaters who are around the age of 12 and are in adult skate sizes, but still buy the top end, stiffest skate on the market. Many of these skaters may not even be 100 pounds, but are in skates that

215-pound NHL skaters wear. This is a reason why most of these kids will not be able to get ankle flex or really ever break in their skates because they are way too stiff.

Being in a skate too stiff would be like being in a ski boot in which the skater will have limited flexibility.

For this situation, the skater should consider getting a lowerend model (that will still be a good skate) to help give them the ability to have some flex in their ankle. Again, it may not be the most expensive skate on the market that will be the best skate for the individual.

As parents bring skates to get sharpened, it may get confusing. After getting a new

9

pair of skates, they should be rockered (also called contouring or profiling) to help take some of the blade off the toe and heel.

When you buy skates, they come with a standard radius, so this helps give the blade some “shape.”

Once this is done, the skater should decide what hollow to get their skates sharpened. The hollow is the upside down U shape of the blade, separating the inside and outside edges. The deeper this is, the more the skate will “cut” into the ice. The shallower the hollow, the more the skate will “slide” across the ice.

A pretty standard hollow is half-inch. As you move closer to an inch, the shallower the hollow gets. A goalie would use a very shallow hollow because he/she needs to slide side to side. Most of the pros that I skate with have a relatively shallow hollow because you are able to get more of a glide and become a little more efficient. Again, this a personal preference in which a skater can determine on their own what they like best.

Remember to ask a lot of questions when buying your next pair of skates. Skates are expensive these days, so it is important to have as much knowledge on each and every brand that is out there. Also, the right skate for you or your child may not be the right skate for someone else, so be selective. Good luck.

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.

Skates are the most important piece of performance equipment

By Hal TTear ear se earse Providence Academy Hockey Director/ Varsity Head Coach Having proper fitting skates is very important, but most players fail to have the blades shaped and sharpened properly. I have mentioned this before, but I think it is very

important to repeat.

In essence, ALL skates need to be reshaped when they are new and at least once a year.

Skate blades are shaped for the average player and range from a 9- to 10-foot radius. Here is a link to explain: http:// www.ssmprodukt.com/contour-askate.html.

To simplify, the larger the radius the more blade there is on the ice, and that means more speed. I recommend that the boys play with an 11foot radius shape on their skates.

Speed is very important in hockey.

The next critical element is hollow grind (sharpening). This is also re-

ferred to as the “bite “ of the blades. Typical hollow grind is 3/8ths to 5/8ths. Two reasons for this: 1. Young players are OK with these grinds as they do not weigh very much and the extra bite helps them skate.

2. Most sharpening places like to use the same hollow grind because it is easier for them so they do not have to reshape the grinding wheel.

For the past 10 years, I have encouraged our high school players to gradually increase the hollow to 1 inch or even 1¼ inches. This reduces the “bite,” but also allows for more speed, less energy burn and better performance from the skates. The offseason is a

great time to gradually move the hollow grind up until they find a comfortable level.

It will take a bit of time, but it is worth doing.

See images below. This matters.

A hollow of 1 inch or 1¼ inches is best for high school players, while ¾ inches is good for PeeWees and Bantams.

One final piece is balance point. Be sure that your son/daughter is present and puts the skates on and bends at the knees. The technician would then measure for the balance point around which the radius is centered.

For more from longtime coach Hal Tearse, go to mminnesotahockey.blogspot.com.

10

April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

Officially Speaking: Nameplates

Nameplates.

They’re cool. Sleek.

Nameplates represent the individuality of every particular official.

Take them away and the game loses a piece of its character.

Oh, that last sentence – it’s a quote from a pair of former NHL referees, as personally told to OS in the dreary confines of the Las Vegas Ice Center referees’ room.

Yeah, those NHL guys are on to something. So OS is in good company.

I love nameplates. But too many guys don’t. I can’t understand why. Oh sure, I hear the usual retorts, like “I don’t want the fans screaming my name” or other lame excuses.

Hey, if you don’t want people to know you’re out there, then just stay home. Ditch this business.

And trust me, they’re gonna know who you are anyway.

In fact, it’s great to showcase your name.

Let me give you several reasons why this is so.

Initially, when you’re built the same way

Mark Lichtenfeld

as a dozen other officials and your face is semi-hidden by a scratched-up half-shield, fans and players are often unable to tell you apart from the next guy. Now, I can’t tell you how many times I have been accosted in a double-rink scenario whereby I am coming in for the next contest and some parent accuses me of blowing the prior game for their kid’s low-level JV tournament game.

And even when I tell them I just arrived at the rink for my first game, they think I’m lying because I look just like the other guy.

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That’s one reason why we need nameplates.

Here’s another. Last week, less than 20 hours after arriving back in town from a hiatus in Chicago, I’m already at the Knights practice rink and as you can imagine, it’s an NHL pre-playoff zoo with reporters and hockey buzz everywhere. And wouldn’t you know, the NBC Channel 3 crew is doing a piece right along the glass at the game I was officiating. Suddenly, Facebook and social media is going wild since everyone sees me in their living rooms. How did they know it was me?

The nameplate, of course. And to my partner’s dismay, he was wearing his other jersey with no name and as far as the world was concerned, he could have been wasting his night away at Jackpot Joanie’s saloon because no one had any idea he was officiating a game on television.

Still not convinced? Let’s go back to OS’s Chicago trip. In the old days, us Illinois refs

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used to always wear nameplates for high school league games. But suddenly, we were prohibited from doing so. The reason, I was told – and mind you, this is hearsay and may not be accurate – is that a male or female referee was officiating a rough game and the fans were screaming out his or her name and the circumstances continued until he or she felt unsafe. Therefore, a ban on nameplates was instituted.

If this is true, it’s weak. Very weak. Nevertheless, while I was in town, the annual high school championship game was played at the United Center. Now, thanks to our local association and the Blackhawks, this game is always televised live. And it was always cool to be selected to ref that game because everyone in the city can see your nameplate, and it’s just a great experience.

But like the former NHL refs said, taking away nameplates diminishes individuality.

So watching the varsity championship game on television last month, I had no idea who the officials were, and if I couldn’t figure it out, then there’s no way Aunt Marge and Grandpa Joey could discern their relatives either.

Too bad. A real shame.

Nameplates. There’s nothing wrong with them. The old NHL guys loved them. So if you’re scared to wear one, then maybe you’re in the wrong business.

It’s like the old Zenith commercial from the 60s: “The quality goes in, before the name goes on.”

Questions and comments can be sent to editor@letsplayhockey.com, via Twitter @OSpeaking or through the Let’s Play Hockey Facebook page.

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

Summer conditioning for hockey

11

None of it should be slow

By Jack Blatherwick Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

Photo: Susan McPherson

Two U.S. Olympic Teams trained for more than six months prior to their respective Olympics: the 1980 men and the 2018 women. They did no slow conditioning – none – and both won gold medals. Both teams finished the game executing skills at the same fast pace as at the beginning.

Many other factors enter into a win like this, but conditioning is one that can be planned and executed. This is unlike the debilitating grind of an NHL season where games, travel, injuries and loss of sleep trump all plans for conditioning and recovery.

Stated simply: The purpose of endurance conditioning is to maintain, for an entire game, the fastest pace possible while executing all defensive and offensive skills.

So why do so many coaches (in most sports) advocate slow conditioning?

The most important neurological fact that must be considered first when you train: Repetitions result in anatomical changes to the specific nerve pathways used often in your workouts. Read that sentence a couple more times, because speed and mechanics of movement are memorized in your central nervous system whether you intend for that to happen or not. Micro-ana-

Hockey endurance is maintaining skills at high speed for an entire game and overtime.

tomical changes to nerves and supporting (glial) cells can be “seen” after just a few workouts using modern scanning technologies.

If you repeat slow movement (such as jogging), it is memorized and repeated at the wrong time – in a sprint workout where it is counterproductive. Or if you skate while fatigued, the inefficient mechanics will become part of your stride, and show up when

you least want it – in games.

You become what you repeat most often.

That is an unbreakable law of neuro-science.

To develop speed-endurance for long games and tournaments, the two goldmedal teams first researched this question: Knowing that we want to practice skills at a super-fast pace, can we simultaneously improve aerobic-cardiovascular fitness without long, slow aerobic training? Short an-

swer: YES. High-Intensity Interval Training has been proven (over and over again) to improve aerobic-cardiovascular fitness as well as the anaerobic qualities required to even think about a gold medal: speed-skill, explosive strength and speed-endurance.

Third period and overtime speed-skillendurance by the 2018 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team was the specific goal of every workout on and off the ice for more than a year.

Coaches Robb Stauber, Brett Strot and Paul Mara kept the pedal to the floor, knowing the Canadian women were big, fast, strong and skillful – a combination that wasn’t defeated until late in the game.

And the 1980 Miracle on Ice was really no miracle at all. It was the result of intelligent, but excruciating preparation. Team skills were rehearsed for two-hour practices at an uncomfortably fast pace for six months – nothing slow or the wrath of Coach Herb Brooks was unleashed.

Did the young amateur U.S. team dominate? Of course not. But the speed-skill attack by the Soviets was never allowed to take over the game as it did relentlessly for 40 years. Overspeed preparation put the U.S. team in position to challenge the Red Machine the entire game.

A word to the wise regarding hockey endurance? Train fast.

The No. 1 confidence killer for players

By Kim McCullough

Photo: Christine Wisch

No two players are the same. So why do we constantly compare ourselves to others?

Comparisons are the No. 1 confidence killer in hockey.

Here’s the problem: When players compare themselves to others, they generally focus on what makes others better than they are. That makes them concentrate on their own weaknesses, which hurts their confidence. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t look up to players who are more talented than you are and strive to get up to their level of performance. You absolutely must have that kind of drive to get to the next level.

But I’m not talking about those players who are your role models and signposts for your improvement as an athlete. I’m talking about comparing yourself to your teammates and the players you play against regularly. There is always going to be someone you play against who skates better than you, or has a better slap shot, or has more points, or more shutouts, or more fancy moves, or more coaches and scouts recruiting them. The truth is that you shouldn’t be wasting your time, energy and focus worrying about how much better another player is than you or how you should be the one that is the favorite because you are really the best at skill X, Y and Z. And I’m not just talking to the players here either. As a coach, I sometimes catch myself doing this, too. When I am helping a player on a skill or with a concept during the game, I sometimes slip into mentioning how another player does it really well. And while I might think it is a great idea that they can

brings something unique and valuable to the table. We must recognize that as coaches and parents, and communicate that to our children and players on a regular basis. Because as we all know, confidence is king in hockey and in life. If a player is constantly comparing themselves to others, they lose their ability to focus on what they do well and what they need to do to play their best. To be confident, players must own their strengths and know that delivering on those strengths are what makes them and their team perform at the highest level.

watch that player execute that skill and learn from it, I also realize that the player I am talking to is probably thinking, “Coach thinks that player is better than me.” It’s not what I am trying to say at all, of course, but perception is reality.

I can’t let the parents off the hook on this one either. I think we sometimes forget that we can be doing more harm than good by comparing our player’s performance directly to someone else. You will certainly never help your son or daughter’s confidence by putting another player down in order to make him or her feel better about their own performance. Not every parent does this, but I’ve seen it being done far too many times. I can guarantee you that you are sending a poor message to your child – namely that it’s OK to put someone else

E-mail your hockey stories and photos to editor@letsplayhockey.com.

The Let’s Play Hockey Expo is set for March 8-9, 2019 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

down to make you feel better about yourself.

Whether you are legitimately better than that player or not, it is not a constructive comparison.

Directly comparing player to player is unfair and unrealistic. Every single player

To get complete access to articles, videos and secrets that addresses the specific needs of female hockey players, visit www.totalfemalehockey.com.

Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS, is an expert in the development of aspiring female hockey players. She is a former NCAA Division I captain at Dartmouth and played in the National Women’s Hockey League for six years. She is currently the head coach of the TorontoLeaside Jr Wildcats in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League and is the Director & Founder of Total Female Hockey.

12

April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

Understanding college recruiting

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A data-driven approach

By Josh Levine Let’s Play Hockey

Photo: Nick Wosika

When a freshman commits to a major division one school, we hear about it. We talk about it on social media and in the rink.

You might read about this “stud” hockey player online. This one commitment distorts our view of the college recruiting process because it receives such a disproportionate amount of attention. To understand better how college recruiting is actually taking place, it’s important to look at the data that we have and see what it tells us.

I analyzed all commitments to NCAA Division I men’s hockey programs from Sept.

1, 2017 to April 5, 2018. What I found was that 42 percent of all commitments over this period were to play in the 2018-19 hockey season, meaning that 42 percent of commits were seniors in high school or older!

The majority (70 percent) of male college commitments take place during or after a player’s junior year in high school.

It “feels” like that percentage is quite high because we hear about the young players committing. But our perception is skewed by two major factors. First, some players get de-committed by their schools. They don’t develop as they were expected to and the college they originally committed to roughly half a decade earlier says they are no longer interested. We don’t hear or talk about these players. An older player that goes to the USHL after graduating from high school and commits is not even a blip on our hockey radar.

The below table shows which year players are committed to start their college career.

A player that commits to the 2018-19 season is labeled a “senior or older.” This data does not distinguish between players that are seniors and those that are committing to colleges post-high school.

Positionally, there were minor differences.

Forward Garrett Worth committed to Arizona State during his senior year at Duluth East High School.

Fifty percent of goalies commit during their senior year or later. Defensemen committed the earliest, possibly in part because size is a greater factor in recruiting defense than forwards.

College recruiting for female athletes takes place earlier, with a greater percentage of commitments occurring during a player’s sophomore or freshman year, compared to males. Yet, even this data surprised me. When discussing college prospects with female athletes, they sometimes feel as if it is impossible to

Current Commits to NCAA Division I Hockey Programs Sept 1, 2017-April 5, 2018 MEN % of recruits Year in HS when commit 42% Senior or older * 29% Junior or older 19% Sophomore or older 9% Freshman or older 1% 8th grade or older * A senior commit is considered anyone that commits after Sept. 1, 2017

Recruits to NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Programs – By Position Sept 1, 2017-April 5, 2018

2018-19 Goalies 52% Defense 37% Fowards 43%

commit to a school as seniors. But one out of five of female college hockey players commit their senior year (to U.S. college programs – if you include Canadian colleges, it is a MUCH higher percentage).

Why is female college recruiting taking place so much earlier? Females go directly to college, so the late bloomers don’t have an additional year to develop. Sadly, we don’t know who we missed. We can’t identify the top female athletes that simply figured “it’s not in the cards for me” and gave up the dream of playing college hockey.

Projected starting year in college 2019-20 2020-21 29% 17% 32% 18% 27% 20%

2021-22 0% 11% 9%

2022-23 2% 1% 1%

WOMEN % of recruits Year in HS when commit 20% Senior * 24% Junior 37% Sophomore 19% Freshman * A senior commit is considered anyone committing to the 2018-19 season after June 1, 2017

The same pattern by position exists in women’s college recruiting. Defense tends to be recruited the youngest and goalies probably stand the best chance of being recruited during their senior year.

College commitments by girls in Minnesota tend to be far earlier than the rest of the countr countryy . There are 16 current college commits that committed to play college hockey in eighth or ninth grade.

Ten (63 percent) are committed to play for the University of Minnesota. Many colleges overwhelmingly take commitments from Minnesota high school players before their junior year. See the rest of the Minnesotaborn college commitment data in Kevin Kurtt’s article on the next page.

We all know the recruiting of the youngest players is silly and wrong. Eventually, I think it’ll be solved with rule changes at the collegiate level.

But the data should also provide hope to all high school hockey players who aspire to play in college that their dreams aren’t over if they are uncommitted sophomores.

Forget about the social media exposure, the popularity contests, and the egos. Focus on what matters – set goals, train hard in the gym, sprint fast at the track, stickhandle with purpose in your garage, and play with joy and tenacity whenever you have the chance to showcase your skills.

Josh Levine is the Assistant Coach of the Bloomington Jefferson Girls Varsity Hockey team and owner of The Fortis Academy. Fortis works with youth associations to implement skill development programs with all teams, from Mites to Bantams. The program includes parent education seminars, coaching clinics and Fortis skill-based practices. If you’re interested in learning more, shoot Josh an email at joshletsplayhockey@gmail.com. Follow Fortis on Facebook and Instagram facebook.com/thefortisacademy and Instagram.com/thefortisacademy.

Recruits to NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey Programs – By Position June 1, 2017-April 5, 2018

2018-19 Goalies 27% Defense 19% Fowards 19%

Projected starting year in college 2019-20 2020-21 19% 42% 19% 34% 26% 38%

2021-22 12% 28% 17%

All that matters

The tragedy that struck the Humboldt Broncos provides everyone with a valuable lesson

By Bryan Zollman Let’s Play Hockey When it is all said and done, most players who lace up a pair of skates and hit the ice will one day take those skates off without ever playing a college, junior or professional hockey game. Some may not even see the ice for their high school team.

Yet, in the end, none of that matters.

In today’s hockey climate, and maybe it has always been this way, there seems to be a false hope held by many parents of young players who yearn for their kid to be the best, to be elite, to go Division I. And when that doesn’t happen, fingers are pointed and blame is dispersed, and hopes come crashing down.

If we can learn anything form the tragedy that struck the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, it’s that none of that stuff matters.

Sure, we all get caught up in the hype when our kid scores a hat trick or posts a 35-save shutout. “Do we actually have something here?” is a question many parents ask themselves when their young

player enjoys individual success.

We get too bent out of shape on wins and losses.

We care too much if our kid gets credit for the second assist.

We yell at referees too much.

We chastise other kids behind their backs because of their abilities or lack thereof.

We point fingers at coaches when we lose and pat the players (and ourselves) on the back when we win.

We blame the association when our kid makes the B team. It must be politics, right?

But the truth is these are all adult problems. We are the ones who are overly involved in every stride, every shot and every score.

And sometimes it takes the impact of a

semi to remind us that none of it matters.

While we can learn from the Humboldt tragedy, we can also try and take solace in the fact that those boys and young men were doing exactly what they wanted to be doing. They were with the people they enjoyed being around the most and they were on their way to doing something they loved.

That is what hockey is about – the long rides, the locker room, the early morning practices, the late nights after games, the camaraderie, and all the funny and goofy things that happen along the way.

Sure, every season we are taught to chase that trophy, to do our best to win as much as possible. And that is good. It feels great to hoist that trophy at the end of the year.

But trophies gather dust. Memories last

forever.

As parents, as coaches, as members of the hockey community, we often get caught up with doing anything to achieve that final result, whether it be a championship or a jump to the next level.

As they say, the end justifies the means.

But it is the means that matters most.

It’s all about the journey.

Those Humboldt players were on their own journey. And now their journey can provide us with a valuable lesson – to make sure our kids enjoy the moment, celebrate their teammates and embrace the atmosphere that this great sport offers.

And when the day comes when they take off their skates for the last time, ask them one question: Did you have fun?

Because in the end, that is all that matters.

Follow Let’s Play Hockey on Twitter @LetsPlay_Hockey

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

13

The path to college hockey

Over 1,000 Minnesota natives have played NCAA Division I hockey the last eight seasons

By Kevin Kurtt Let’s Play Hockey Editor

Photo: Bob Perzel

Every year, thousands of athletes in numerous sports sign their name to a National Letter of Intent (NLI), fulfilling a dream of earning a scholarship to play Division I or II college athletics. That dream has become a reality for countless hockey players over the years in Minnesota, and this season is no different.

As of April 17, 257 Minnesotans (157 boys, 100 girls) have capped their recruiting process and have verbally or officially become scholarship college student-athletes. Among those 257 are 152 players (58 boys, 94 girls) who played in Minnesota high school hockey this past season.

Hundreds more will play college hockey at one of the nation’s many Division III institutions. The numbers will only grow as more commitments surely will come in the spring and summer.

In addition to the 58 high school boys’ hockey players who will play college hockey, 92 other Minnesotans bound for college are currently playing their hockey on one of the many junior teams across North America.

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and North American Hockey League (NAHL) are home to 58 and 20 future college hockey players from Minnesota, respectively. Four Minnesota natives with Division I college commitments are currently playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich.

On the girls’ side, 94 of the 100 Minnesota-based players set for college played high school hockey this past season. Of the remaining six players, five played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minn., and one player competed with Gentry Academy.

As of April 17, 257 Minnesota natives have committed to an NCAA Division I men’s or women’s hockey program.

When looking at the current list of Minnesota natives who have committed to a Division I men’s or women’s hockey program, a profile of a “typical” player emerges. For boys, about 70 percent of players with a college commitment come from a Class AA public school in the Twin Cities metro area.

The majority (65 percent) of commitments took place during or after a player’s junior year in high school. Of note, only 20 of the 157 players made their college commitments after leaving high school hockey early.

The vast majority (87 percent) of Minnesota boys headed to Division I either made their commitment while in high school, made their commitment before leaving high school early OR made their commitment after graduation.

The numbers are similar for girls with the majority also coming from a Class AA public school in the Twin Cities metro area. However, the data differs in regards to when

Current Commits to Division I Men’s Hockey Programs – Minnesota Natives Position Forwards Defense Goalie

# 93 52 12

Pct. 59% 33% 8%

MSHSL Class Class AA Class A Shattuck Other

# 109 33 10 5

Pct. 69% 21% 7% 3%

School type Public Private Shattuck Other

# 110 32 10 5

Pct. 70% 20% 7% 3%

Hometown Metro North South Central

# 111 26 12 8

Pct. 71% 16% 8% 5%

Year when commit Graduate Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman

# 40 40 24 30 23

Pct. 25% 25% 15% 19% 14%

Proj. starting year 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23

# 79 42 21 13 2

Pct. 51% 27% 13% 8% 1%

players make their college commitments.

For girls, the majority (72 percent) of commitments take place before a player’s junior year in high school.

Since the start of the 2010-11 season, 1,012 Minnesota natives (587 men, 425 women) have played college hockey at the Division I level.

But what Minnesota high schools are producing the most Division I hockey players?

Perhaps not surprisingly, it’s Edina that has advanced the most players to college hockey’s top level. Between 2010 and today, the Hornets boast 56 Division I players – 33 men and 23 women.

Following the Hornets are Benilde-St. Margaret’s (43 total DI players), Hill-Murray (41), Shattuck-St. Mary’s (38), Minnetonka (36) and Eden Prairie (35).

It should come as no surprise that Minnesota’s hockey players are getting noticed by college scouts with the multitude

of exposure opportunities available.

Prior to the high school season, the Upper Midwest High School Elite League has been an invaluable resource for both players and scouts alike. The Elite League provided exposure to nearly all of the 110 Minnesota natives who have committed to a Division I institution.

Once the Minnesota high school season rolls around, the exposure continues as numerous regular season games are broadcast both on TV and the Internet. And, of course, come February and March, the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments provide yet another chance for players to be seen, both live at the Xcel Energy Center and across the state via TV. After the high school season, the Ted Brill Great 8 All-Star Hockey Festival gives Minnesota’s top graduating seniors another chance to impress the scouts. For over 30 years, the Great 8 has grown and expanded over the years to include eight teams and 80 players today. Following the Great 8, 40 players are invited to represent Minnesota at the eight-team CCM Minnesota High School Hockey National Invitational Tournament.

Yet another exposure opportunity exists with the CCM Minnesota Hockey High Performance Programs that are designed to identify and develop the top 14-, 15-, 16-, 17- and 18-year-old hockey players in Minnesota. The top players at each level are then provided national exposure at the USA Hockey National Festival Camps.

Playing college hockey is a dream of countless players in the State of Hockey.

That dream became reality for the 257 Minnesota natives who have committed to a men’s or women’s NCAA Division I hockey program.

Current Commits to Division I Women’s Hockey Programs – Minnesota Natives Position Forwards Defense Goalie

# 63 28 9

Pct. 63% 28% 9%

MSHSL Class Class AA Class A Shattuck Other

# 79 15 5 1

Pct. 79% 15% 5% 1%

School type Public Private Shattuck Other

# 68 26 5 1

Pct. 68% 26% 5% 1%

Hometown# Metro North South Central

Pct. 86 7 6 1

86% 7% 6% 1%

Year when commit Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman 8th Grade

# 9 19 56 15 1

Pct. 9% 19% 56% 15% 1%

Proj. starting year 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23

# 39 31 21 8 1

Pct. 39% 31% 21% 8% 1%

Top-producing Minnesota High Schools to Division I Hockey (2010-18) • Top 50 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 15

19 22

High School Edina Benilde-St. Margaret’s Hill-Murray Shattuck-St. Mary’s Minnetonka Eden Prairie Blaine St. Thomas Academy Burnsville Blake Breck Lakeville North Elk River Wayzata Holy Angels Lakeville South Roseau Roseville Duluth East Hopkins Moorhead Grand Rapids Hermantown Maple Grove Stillwater Warroad

Enrollment 2626 892 629 432 3044 2804 2658 988 2191 523 478 1717 1500 3120 624 1721 305 1903 1378 1838 1514 972 629 2170 2595 283

Men 33 25 29 30 19 19 15 23 14 6 10 14 11 12 14 9 8 3 13 4 12 7 12 7 6 6

Women 23 18 12 8 17 16 11 0 6 13 9 5 6 5 2 7 8 13 2 11 3 7 2 7 8 8

Total 56 43 41 38 36 35 26 23 20 19 19 19 17 17 16 16 16 16 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14

# 28 29 30

34

39 42

47

High School White Bear Lake Eagan Centennial Andover Bloomington Jefferson Cloquet Eastview Apple Valley Bemidji Cretin-Derham Hall Forest Lake Mounds View Brainerd Mahtomedi Totino-Grace Chaska East Grand Forks Hibbing Red Wing South St. Paul Holy Family International Falls Mound Westonka New Prague St. Cloud Cathedral Woodbury

Enrollment 1995 1910 1888 1638 1556 594 2058 1392 1179 1145 1874 1712 1640 1136 734 1270 489 569 692 799 394 335 614 1250 438 1776

Men 11 5 8 5 7 6 6 7 5 5 7 2 8 6 6 1 5 6 2 4 6 5 3 3 5 5

Women 3 8 3 5 3 4 4 2 4 4 2 7 0 2 2 6 2 1 5 3 0 1 3 3 1 1

Total 14 13 11 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6

14

April 19, 2018

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Brett Larson named new St. Cloud State head coach

St. Cloud State University Director of Athletics Heather Weems has announced the appointment of Brett Larson as the new head coach of the Huskies Men’s Hockey program. Larson joins the staff at St. Cloud State with a decorated college hockey coaching resume that includes helping lead NCHC rival Minnesota Duluth to one of its most successful runs in the history of that program – including two NCAA titles.

“As an assistant coach during both of UMD’s National Championships, and with a stop at Ohio State University during their program’s elevation, Coach Larson has proven himself a top recruiter and helped to develop multiple players during their collegiate careers and as they advance to the next level of play,” Weems said.

“Throughout our search, Brett’s name continually came up as a must-contact and he is well-respected across the hockey community.”

Larson is the third coach at St.Cloud State in the history of the University’s NCAA Division I men’s hockey program, and SCSU’s 17th head coach since the program stared intercollegiate play in 1931-32.

Larson will take over a program at St. Cloud State that was led by Bob Motzko for

13 seasons. The Huskies have positioned themselves among the best Division I programs in the nation and in 2017-18 won the NCHC regular season championship for the second time since 2014.

SCSU was ranked for nine weeks as the nation’s number one team and finished the 2017-18 campaign with a 25-9-6 overall record and a 16-4-4 NCHC record.

“I am honored to be taking over a program that is already filled with great student athletes who are respected on the ice, in the community and in the classroom. I am thrilled to become the next head coach at such a well-regarded institution and with one of the top programs in college hockey.”

Larson most recently served as an assistant coach at his alma mater Minnesota Duluth from 2015-18. He also was an assistant with the Bulldogs from 2008-11 and helped UMD win NCAA titles in 2011 and 2018. The Bulldogs made five NCAA tournament appearances during Larson’s tenure.

A Duluth native and 1991 Denfeld High School graduate, Larson played college hockey as a defenseman at UMD for four seasons (1991-95). He scored 24 goals and 43 assists in 133 career games. He captained the Bulldogs during his senior year in 1994-95 and was a three-time WCHA All-Academic team award recipient.

An 11th round pick by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1990 National Hockey League draft, Larson went on to play 12 years in the professional ranks, including two (1990-2001) as a player-coach with the San Diego Gulls of the now-defunct West Coast Hockey League.

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April 19, 2018

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April 19, 2018

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Champions crowned at 20th annual Stick it to Cancer hockey tournament

Annual tournament at Schwan Super Rink raises funds to benefit breast cancer research The 50 teams playing in the 20th annual Stick It to Cancer hockey tournament at the Schwan Super Rink, April 13-15, knew they were playing to raise money and awareness to fight breast cancer. They didn’t know they would also be fighting Mother Nature. But when nearly 20 inches of snow fell over the tournament weekend, that’s what happened.

Playing conditions inside the rinks were great. Driving to and from the arena, not so much.

Tournament staffer Spencer Arvold even took to Facebook after the tournament wrapped up to announce, “Next weekend we are starting a new tournament called ‘Stick it to Mother Nature.’”

But in credit to the players, referees, volunteers and staff managing the event, as hostile as the weather was outside, it didn’t dampen the sentiment of the weekend.

Everyone knew they were playing for a higher cause, the fight against breast cancer.

“We are the fortunate ones,” said Chris Hansen, parent of 11- year old cancer survivor and player Adyson Hansen. “We are at the Stick It to Cancer tournament, and I have a daughter who stuck it to cancer.”

Deteriorating driving conditions late Saturday forced tournament organizers to cancel games scheduled for that evening. But teams surmounted travel challenges and played other games as scheduled. On Sunday, champions were crowned in nine divisions. The Opening Ceremony was held as scheduled on Saturday, a highlight for the participating teams because the event honors family and friends of players who had passed away from cancer, or successfully battled the disease. Honorees are nominated by participants in the tournament, and

Teams raised money on their own. Referees volunteer their time, as do announcers and timekeepers, which increases the final donation.

“Hockey’s a very competitive sport,” says King. “When you play hockey, your goal is to win the championship, to win the game. A tournament like this ties in a greater purpose, and gives people a bigger perspective on life.”

“It’s a passion,” said Sarah Till, a forward on the Blue Line Bettys. “We are a group of women who really care. We have three cancer survivors on our team, and we care about the cause.”

“This tournament has meant a lot to me,” said Lori Geshel, with the Battle Axe Cougars from Michigan. “It has been a real lifechanging event.”

Here is the honor roll of championship teams at the 2018 Stick It to Cancer tournament:

their names go on each of the tournament’s divisions.

This year, special guests were cancer researchers Danielle Renner and Emily Irey, of the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center; and Chris Dorff, the coach of the Olson Fish Company Elks team, whose team finished as runners-up in the college division. Dorff lost his wife to breast cancer two years ago and brings teams to the Stick It tournament every year.

Over the two decades the tournament has

been held, a total of $809,723 has been donated to breast cancer research, and this year’s donation will go to the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. The final donation total for this year is still being compiled; donations continue to come in even after the tournament. But as of tournament weekend, tournament director Kristina King reported that the total was approaching $50,000.

U12, the Adyson Hansen Division: TMD, Twin Cities, Minn.

U14, the Tiffany Buonincontro Division: CV Ice Badgers, Chippewa Falls, Wis. U16, the Angela Dahl Division: Hockey Central, Blaine, Minn.

B2, the Jan Beets Division: Northern Enforcers, Twin Cities, Minn.

B3, the Patricia Klein Division: Lady Black Stars, Redwood City, Calif.

C1, the Daniel Welty Division: Team Awesome, St. Paul, Minn.

C2, the Alice’s Angels Division: Ely Chix With Stix, Ely, Minn.

C3, the Lori Jo “Flash” Geshel Division: CEC Cougars, Cloquet, Minn.

College, the Lori Dorff Division: Skate to Excellence, Twin Cities, Minn.

U12 Champions: TMD

U14 Champions: CV Ice Badgers

U16 Champions: Hockey Central

B2 Champions: Northern Enforcers

B3 Champions: Lady Black Stars

C1 Champions: Team Awesome

C2 Champions: Ely Chix With Stix

C3 Champions: CEC Cougars

College Champions: Skate to Excellence

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

One more year

17

Legendary coach Bill Smith has been coaching Edina Junior Gold for nearly 30 years

By John Conley The game sheet shows that a Rushmore team from Rapid City scored 11:43 into the third overtime to end the marathon quarterfinal and end Edina’s season at the USA Hockey 2018 High School National Championships. While the participants quickly moved on – the South Dakotans to a semifinal tilt just a few hours later and the Minnesotans to enjoy Spring Break – one man and his girlfriend – more on her later – remained. Not only did he stick around to watch that night’s semifinal suddenly missing his team, Coach Bill Smith bounced back early the next morning to see the championship game. The obvious question is why.

Accidental beginnings A 1960 graduate of Edina High School and longtime resident of the community, Smith played goalie for a few years in an outdoor adult league after finishing high school. He coached youth teams for a spell, until his son settled on skiing as his preferred cold weather activity.

With winter not conducive for his golf habit – he used to play as many as 140 rounds a year – Smith’s passion for hockey brought him back. He was slotted to go behind the bench for an Edina Bantam team when the association president asked him one night to stick around to lead a tryout for a new team with no coach. Thinking his good deed was done, he came off the ice and was met with a subsequent inquiry: “What are you doing tomorrow?” Impressed by what he saw in the two skates, he offered to swap the Bantams for the older kids. Nearly 30 years later, he has ascended to legendary status in Edina. Induction as an inaugural member of the Association’s hall of fame Cornerstone Wall serves as proof.

History of Junior Gold Hockey for the state’s high school age players outside of the varsity level has taken many forms over the years, but always falls

under Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey jurisdiction. Today, there are 72 teams statewide, but only 11 (down from around 25) competing at the highest division – Junior Gold A. Edina has won seven state championships with Smith at the helm.

“The players on our teams would be varsity players at other high schools,” Smith said.

“While they’re disappointed they aren’t playing for Edina’s varsity, that feeling goes away once our season begins. ‘It’s not what we thought it would be,’ is a frequent comment from players and their parents. Junior Gold is very good hockey. The level of play is excellent.

Everyone really enjoys it.”

Just how good is the level? One of Smith’s former players, Adam Carlson, used Junior Gold as a springboard to the NAHL, NCAA Division I and now professional hockey as a goaltender in the minors for the Washington Capitals organization. Others have gone on to play NCAA Division III. The Edina program Edina’s hockey tradition runs deep, with 12 boys’ state high school championships and countless players moving to college hockey. Young players in the association dream of playing for the varsity. Not everyone gets a chance, since high schools can only roster 20 players. Judy Goodman, the Program Administrator for the Edina Hockey Association says this leaves scores of strong players on the outside. As she sees it, “Bill IS Junior Gold hockey in Edina.” She marvels at Smith’s ability to get his season going immediately following the varsity’s final cuts. “He meets with kids at the time of their biggest disappointment. Some are

seniors with varsity experience that aren’t kept on the school team. Bill shows these kids they have value and is successful in getting everyone to continue playing.”

visioned how much time the two would spend at the rink. Fortunately, that hasn’t been a problem. “I really enjoy it. It’s our wintertime event,” she says.

Nationals A new challenge materialized in 2010 with the advent of a High School division for USA Hockey Nationals. New England Prep schools and teams in the Minnesota State High School League are not eligible, but most of the U.S. sends teams. Throughout the Sun Belt, these teams compete in competitive leagues organized by local NHL teams.

It took a while for Minnesota to send an eligible Junior Gold team, but in 2015, Edina accepted that challenge after an epic sevenovertime win over Wayzata in a game stretching over two days due to a power outage. Shortly after that victory, the team boarded a bus for St. Louis and performed well, succumbing to California’s Santa Margarita in the semifinals.

2016 was a strange year, with Edina becoming state champion by again defeating runner-up Wayzata – this time in five overtimes. Both moved on to the national tournament – Wayzata by accepting an atlarge invitation – and the two met for a rematch in the National Championship game. Smith’s team was moments from glory before a tying score with the goalie pulled forced overtime. While the resulting loss to Wayzata still stings, it serves as a reminder that a Junior Gold team can win this event.

No Minnesota teams attended in 2017 due to conflicting dates with Spring Break.

Wayzata received a berth this year as host association and Edina qualified for its third Nationals appearance as state champion.

Vacations again posed a problem, as some players available when the tournament began on Thursday were gone by the weekend. “I know we would have won the quarterfinal game with them,” Smith says.

Support network Those closest to Smith have been supportive every step of the way. During a resurface break between overtime periods of the quarterfinal, a visibly stressed lady was asked which player was her son. “I don’t have a son playing,” she said.

“My dad’s the Edina coach!” It was his daughter, Gena, who follows her dad’s teams and often attends games, recognizing what a huge part of her father’s life this is.

Lead assistant is Rick Barnes, whose bright-eyed arrival upon graduating college coincided with Smith’s early years ramping up the Junior Gold program. Barnes, who is now in his early 50s, says, “Bill’s the boss.

It’s very impressive how things are run. I’ve been with him for 28 years, but there’s no question he’s the one in charge. Responsibilities are delegated to me, Sammy Schulz for the defense and Jimmy Kohler with our goalies. We have a structure in place and it works very well.” Smith adds, “The common thread for all our coaches is we just really love the game and love being able to continue working with the kids.”

Rick’s wife, Jill, stays close to the team each winter and says, “Bill is like a father figure to me after the loss of my own dad more than 20 years ago.” He has that effect. She added, “Every time you are with Bill, it’s a memory.”

Another ever-present sidekick is Jeanne, his girlfriend of 22 years. Initially drawn to the man with a disarming smile and jovial demeanor to match, she could not have en-

Continued on page 22

Parental perspective

An interview with the parents of 2018 U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team members

By Mar ynn McPher son & Maryy LLynn McPherson Susan Rennie McPherson

Photo: Susan McPherson

Behind every great hockey player is the parent who drove thousands of miles, sat in cold rinks and provided encouragement and support. While at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, we caught up with the parents of the Minnesota players from the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team to share some of their memories and wisdom.

Tess Cameranesi reminisced about her daughter, “the orange cone,” noting that, “Sometimes as a young player, Dani liked to stand around because she didn’t feel up to playing that day.” They had an “ah-ha” moment when at the PeeWee level, Dani’s coach commented that if Dani worked hard, she could go all the way to the Olympics.

Linda and Robb Stecklein recalled that when Lee was 12, people started to comment on her hockey ability. Linda recalled, “She really started to love the game,” and it showed in her play.

Maddie Rooney’s parents, Jayne and Mike, fondly recalled watching their daughter backstop the Andover PeeWee A boys’ team to the state tournament for the 200910 season. Along the way, they defeated established programs such as Blaine, Centennial and Elk River, a monumental task for the new Andover hockey program.

Even potential mistakes can turn out for the best. Molly Pannek recalls she and hus-

band Todd putting Kelly into warm-up sessions meant for “older Mites” her first year.

Molly recalled, “The older Mites were buzzing all over the ice. This was Kelly’s first time on skates. She stepped out onto the ice and promptly fell down. Todd encouraged her from the gate to get up, which Kelly did with some difficulty, and then promptly fell down again. Once again, Todd encouraged her to get up. Kelly got up again and then thankfully made it around the rink. She was the slowest and least-skilled Mite in those warm-up sessions, but it seemed to motivate rather than frustrate her.

“Some parents would’ve known better than to put their brand new hockey player

in that situation,” Molly Pannek said. “We didn’t. In hindsight, our naïveté was probably a blessing for Kelly. She could handle being pushed to improve and to keep up with the older players.”

Having a daughter in the Olympics provided the opportunity for travel. In South Korea, not all family time was taken up with hockey events. The Cameranesi family enjoyed going to the DMZ and taking in the Korean culture.The Steckleins enjoyed many other Olympic sports and events offered to them as friends and family at the Proctor & Gamble House. The Panneks witnessed Shaun White’s historic gold medal in the men’s half pipe with a clutch final

run. They were witness to the energy and excitement of short track skating, especially when South Korean athletes were vying for a gold medal. The Brandts had two daughters playing, Marissa for the Korean team and Hannah for the USA, and spent much of their time in the hockey arenas with plans to travel at the end of the Games.

Our Olympians’ parents offered some sage advice to today’s young players and their parents. Robin and Greg Brandt spoke about listening to your child and what they feel they need. Greg noted, “We would ask Hannah about going to a specific camp, or a weekend clinic on stickhandling and at times she would say no because she felt she was doing fine in that area. We had to trust her.”

There were several points that were brought up by all of the parents: 1. Introduce your kids to a variety of sports and other activities. Let them decide which ones they are passionate about. Then fully support them even if what they select is not aligned with your interests or hopes.

2. Sports should be a positive experience for your children. Remind them to have fun!

3. As parents, allow yourselves to enjoy the experience.

4. Learn to appreciate coaches whether good or bad. They’re stepping up for little money, just love of the game. Respect them, respect the game. There are many great life lessons learned in the locker room.

Tradition.

Community.

B reezers.

THE HOME ICE

ADVANTAGE.

SAUCE

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19

Tommy Chicago AAA Hockey Club excels at spring tournaments

2009 Green – Border Battle champions

2004 Gold – Ignite the Ice runners-up

2006 Green – Border Battle champions

2004 Green – Border Battle champions

2008 Green – Border Battle third place

2005 Navy – AAA Opener third place

10U Girls Green – AAA Opener champions

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

Alexandria 15U A wins state consolation championship

Front row (l-r): Lauren Maras, MaKenna Aure, Jordan O’Kane, Peyton Boesl, Hanley Block. Middle row (l-r): Maci Tilleskjor, Riley Nyberg, Ella Johnston, Brookelyn Stender, Ella Westlund, Aliejah Castle, Ellie McDonald. Back row (l-r): Chris O’Kane, Brad Nyberg, Steve Block.

Alexandria Elden’s Fresh Foods 15U A hockey team took the consolation championship at the 2018 Minnesota Hockey State Tournament in Thief River Falls. The Cardinals fell to Edina in the first round of the tournament and then beat Woodbury 4-1 to move them into the consolation title game where they defeated Roseville/St. Paul 3-0. The Cardinals are coached by Head Coach Steve Block and Assistant

Coaches Chris O’Kane and Brad Nyberg.

Alexandria and Roseville/St.Paul happened to stay at the same hotel throughout the tournament. In recognition of the teams sharing a hotel, a “C’mon Inn Cup” (pictured in the photo) was created and awarded to the winning team. It was a great display of sportsmanship as the two teams got to know each other over the weekend!

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Osseo/Maple Grove 10U B Black wins District 3 title

Coaches (l-r): Asst. Coach Dan Hamman, Asst. Coach Ben Benson, Asst. Coach Cal Durdahl, Head Coach JP Nei. Middle row (l-r): April Watson, Kaylee Sondrall, Madison Olson, Natalie Laurance, Gina Gaspard, Audrey Carlson, Addison Doherty. Front row (l-r): Abby Benson, Izzy Nei, Carly Hamman, Bella Durdahl. Goalie: Alli Olson.

Osseo/Maple Grove 10U B Black are District 3 Champions! After an amazing undefeated district season, OMGHA Black worked hard throughout their season to take home the championship hardware once again. They defied the odds, they never gave up. Hard work, determination and TEAMWORK set them up for success throughout their season.

Their successes include first place at the 42nd Annual Hopkins Thanksgiving Tournament, first place at the Breezy Point Ice Fest, first place at the OMGHA Cabin Fever Tournament, consolation at the Callie Briggs Memorial Tournament, District 3 Overall Champions and District 3 Playoff Champions. The team credits their success to their strong teamwork and love of the game!

Moose Lake 12U B earns trip to Sartell PeeWee A takes second State Tournament at State

The Sartell PeeWee A team took home second place at the State Tournament on March 16-18 at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. The Sabres defeated Stillwater 4-3 in the quarterfinals and Alexandria 5-3 in the semifinals. The team fell to Warroad in the championship game 6-3, after remaining tied through the second period. The team’s second-place finish was the best any Sartell Youth Hockey Association team has ever placed in state tournament play.

First row (l-r): Elliot Testa, Ella Boerger, Baylor Stebbins, Noah Hacker, Jack Schmitz, Courtney Stagman. Second row (l-r): Cullen Grahek, Drew Ritter, Teddy McCabe, Tory Lund, Casey Hansen, Holden Schwarzentraub, Nolan Smith, Trey Hilger, Elias Hill. Coaches (l-r): Mike Stagman, Eric Grahek, Troy Stebbins, Ryan Hacker.

Roseville/St. Paul 15U A earns bid to State

Roseville/St. Paul 15U A finished third in the National Region tournament to earn a spot in the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament. Roseville/St. Paul defeated Hastings 9-0 in the quarterfinals before falling 2-1 to eventual champion St. Cloud in the semifinals. The team responded by downing Forest Lake 4-3 and Eagan 5-0.

Moose Lake 12U B Girls Hockey team defeated Northern Lakes-Crosby-Ironton 4-0 to advance to the 2018 State Tournament in South St. Paul. Coach Jenny Gamst said, “Being that we only have 10 skaters and a goalie, we are fortunate to continue this exciting/fun season. The girls and us coaches will cherish this moment forever!”

Goalie: Mallory Hartl. Second row (l-r): Gracie Gamst, Hallie Klavu, Julia Jusczak, Megan Hattenberger, Lily Kahara-Wallace. Third row (l-r): Gracie Hartl, Summer Wekseth, Sandra Ribich, Jorja Jusczak, Julia Matson.

Coaches (l-r): Mike Hartl, Jenny Gamst, Joel Ribich.

Owatonna Bantam A takes second in South Region

Owatonna Bantam A qualified for the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament with a second-place finish in the South Regional. After a 4-3 loss to Woodbury in the opening round, Owatonna rattled off four straight wins to advance to State, defeating Apple Valley 6-1, New Ulm/Sleepy Eye 5-1, Albert Lea 5-3 and Woodbury 8-1.

Bottom row (l-r): Sam Sampson, Zack Kubicek, Brody Homan,True Gieseke, Carter Jensen, Dominic Valento, Devon Roush, Preston Meier. Top row (l-r): Coach Fletcher, Zack Kirsch, Casey Johnson, Sam Knoll, Aaron Bangs, Grant Achterkirch, Wyatt Oldefendt, Tanner Stendel, Sam Snitker.

NAHL.com

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April 19, 2018

21

INSIDE THE NAHL

12 with NAHL ties on NHL Central Scouting list

It has been another impressive year for the NAHL for player recognition and advancement with several players recognized on the NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters and goalies for the 2018 NHL Draft. The list includes 12 total NAHL players, including four players that played in the NAHL during the 2017-18 season and eight more players that have previously played in the NAHL. Over 100 NHL scouts, including those from NHL Central Scouting, were on hand at both the NAHL Showcase in September, and the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in February. The next big event for NHL scouts to see the NAHL’s talent on display is the 2018 NAHL Robertson Cup National Championship, which will be held in Blaine, Minn., from May 11-14.

Current NAHL players on the list • Mitchell Gibson, G, Lone Star – Gibson, a Harvard commit, has been one of the top goalies in the NAHL all season long. The native of Phoenixville, Penn., tied an NAHL single-season record at 11 shutouts in 2017-18. Gibson finished the regular season leading in the NAHL in goals-against average (1.59), save percentage (.935), and shutouts (11). He was also second in wins with 26 and played in the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.

• Daniel Lebedeff, G, Janesville – Lebedeff, a Wisconsin commit, has had a very good season for the Jets. The native of Helsinki, Finland, posted a 17-8-5 record during the regular season and had a 2.41 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. The NAPHL alum was also selected to and played in the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.

• Jakov Novak, F, Janesville – A Bentley commit, Novak won the NAHL’s scoring title

during the 2017-18 regular season with 73 points (32 goals, 41 assists) in 56 games played. The native of Riverside, Ont., has appeared in the last two NAHL Top Prospects Tournaments, but his performance at the 2018 event put him on the NHL radar with four points in two games.

• Juraj Ovecka, G, Springfield – The native of Skalica, Slovakia, has had a very good year for the Jr. Blues. He has posted an 12-6-3 record with a 2.67 goalsagainst average and a .924 save percentage, which ranked in the top 10 in the NAHL. Ovecka also was selected to and played in the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.

Former NAHL players on the list • Paul Cotter, F, Brookings Blizzard (Lincoln Stars, USHL) • Mikael Hakkarainen, F, Brookings Blizzard (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL) • Chase Hartje, D, Bismarck Bobcats (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL) • Jake Kucharski, G, Austin Bruins (Des Moines Bucs, USHL) • Ivan Prosvetov, G, Minnesota Magicians (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL) • Vinnie Purpura, G, Johnstown Tomahawks (Omaha Lancers, USHL) • Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup, F, Coulee Region Chill (Fargo Force, USHL) • Zach Solow, F, Janesville Jets (Northeast University, Hockey East) The Dallas Stars will host the 2018 NHL Draft at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The 2018 NHL Draft will be held over two days on June 22-23.

A total of 17 players have been selected right after playing in the NAHL in the past five NHL Drafts.

2017-18 Final Regular Season Standings/Stats Central Division Team GP y Aberdeen 60 x Austin 60 x MN Wilderness 60 x Minot 60 Bismarck 60 Brookings 60

W 39 33 33 28 24 23

L 16 19 21 26 30 30

OTL 4 4 3 4 4 2

SOL 1 4 3 2 2 5

PTS 83 74 72 62 54 53

GF 194 176 184 161 165 169

GA 140 160 181 168 184 211

DIFF 54 16 3 -7 -19 -42

PCT 0.692 0.617 0.600 0.517 0.450 0.442

PIM 931 894 727 839 1186 778

East Division y Philadelphia x New Jersey x W-B/Scranton x Northeast Johnstown

60 60 60 60 60

41 29 30 29 23

15 22 24 26 33

3 7 5 4 2

1 2 1 1 2

86 67 66 63 50

206 203 175 184 142

134 183 196 205 195

72 20 -21 -21 -53

0.717 0.558 0.550 0.525 0.417

922 1163 761 1008 1121

Midwest Division z Fairbanks 60 x Janesville 60 x Springfield 60 x MN Magicians 60 Coulee Region 60 Kenai River 60

45 38 33 28 17 18

8 13 21 24 34 38

4 6 5 5 4 1

3 3 1 3 5 3

97 85 72 64 43 40

223 181 169 164 162 153

125 140 166 183 214 238

98 41 3 -19 -52 -85

0.808 0.708 0.600 0.533 0.358 0.333

713 856 670 789 661 1269

0.742 0.717 0.592 0.533 0.475 0.317

1163 929 1211 1302 1333 1217

South Division y Shreveport 60 41 x Lone Star 60 38 x Odessa 60 33 x Corpus Christi 60 27 Amarillo 60 23 Topeka 60 17 x = clinched playoff position Leading Scorers PLAYER Jakov Novak Travis Kothenbeutel Hunter Wendt

TEAM JNE AUS FAI

12 3 4 12 6 4 22 3 2 23 5 5 26 8 3 39 2 2 y = clinched division P F F F

GP 56 56 60

89 191 112 79 86 164 111 53 71 192 163 29 64 160 177 -17 57 166 193 -27 38 128 233 -105 z = regular season champion G 32 24 17

A 41 43 44

PTS 73 67 61

2017-18 NAHL College Commitments Aberdeen Wings Nathan Burke Zach Noble Jimmy O’Brien Andrew Sinard Nate Smith* Keenan Spillum Joey Strada Gabe Vinal Dalton Weigel

St. Cloud State Michigan Tech Colorado College Miami Minnesota State Colorado College Arizona State Brown Air Force

Amarillo Bulls Cameron Bartkoski Jason Brancheau Brandon Bussi Marcus Chorney Bray Crowder* Billy Duma Luke Edgerton* Anthony Firriolo Brendan Furry Brendan Michaelian Trevor Miccucci Austin O’Rourke Brendan Walkom*

Utica Ferris State St. Lawrence Quinnipiac Omaha Air Force Niagara Colorado College Niagara Robert Morris Buffalo State UMass Lowell Bentley

Austin Bruins Jacob Berger* Zach Driscoll* Travis Kothenbeutel Che Landikusic Kyle Looft* Alex Mella Joseph Mysak Dan Petrick Chase Pilawski Alex Schilling Levi Stauber

Alaska Alaska Anchorage Robert Morris Holy Cross Ferris State

Janesville Jets Joey Abate* Grant Anderson Regan Cavanagh Carter Ekberg Kip Hoffmann Matt Jurusik* Luke LaMaster Robert Lebedeff Brenden MacLaren Ian Malcomson Garrett Nieto Jakov Novak TJ Polglaze Sam Renlund Alec Semandel

Omaha Omaha Bentley Air Force Robert Morris Michigan Tech Wisconsin Wisconsin Ferris State Northern Michigan Union Bentley Michigan Tech Colorado College Lake Superior State

Johnstown Tomahawks Joey Baez Alabama Huntsville Hunter Carrick Penn State Justin Cmunt* Mercyhurst Zak Galambos* Minnesota State Minnesota State Donovan Ott RPI Bemidji State Vinnie Purpura Boston University Nebraska Omaha Army Lake Superior State Andrew Quetell Bemidji State Kenai River Brown Bears Northeastern Anthony Tzveyn* Aurora Alaska Anchorage Northeastern Lake Superior State Air Force Michigan Tech

Bismarck Bobcats Tristan Ashbrook* Grant Johnson Jared Resseguie Adam Stacho Alex Troumbley Ryan Ullan Tanner Vescio

RPI Northern Michigan Denver American Int’l Ohio State Northern Michigan Northern Michigan

Brookings Blizzard Benjamin Beck Cade Borchardt Josh Boyer Derek Hammer Logan Nelson Blake Pietila Parker Revering Max Sasson Taylor Schneider* Marek Wazny

Maine Minnesota State Omaha UW-Eau Claire UW-Stout Michigan Tech American Int’l Maine Bowling Green New Hampshire

Corpus Christi Ice Rays Matt Acciaioli Cam Burggrabe Jake Garman* Joey Kubachka Griffin Loughran* Brendan Miller Aleksi Peltonen Ryan Rosenberg Angus Scott Chris Smith Chad Veltri Coltan Wilkie

Northern Michigan Northern Michigan Framingham State Cornell Northern Michigan Air Force Wisconsin SUNY-Fredonia Tufts Mercyhurst Niagara Colorado College

Coulee Region Chill Trenton Bliss* Nick Bowman Matt Doran* Brady Ferner* Brandon Koch Marshal Plunkett Emil Zetterquist

Michigan Tech RPI Alaska RPI Air Force Army St. Lawrence

Fairbanks Ice Dogs Josh Benson Robert Blueger Daniel Haider Kyle Mayhew Luke Orysiuk

Samuel Ruffin Tanner Schachle Nolan Schaeffer Erkka Vanska Hunter Wendt

Lone Star Brahmas Justin Addamo Blake Evennou* Mitchell Gibson Kyle Hallbauer Steven Ipri Drew Lennon Ture Linden Ryan Orgel Chase Pletzke Jon Russell A.J. Vanderbeck* Jordan Wishman*

Robert Morris Ferris State Harvard RPI Mercyhurst Alabama Huntsville RPI Denver Bowling Green Harvard Ohio State Michigan State

Minnesota Magicians Ethan DeStefani Zach Dubinsky* Calvin Dybicz Jarrett Lee Josh Luedtke Griffin Ness* Eric Otto* Tino Passarelli Blais Richartz* Isaiah Saville Bram Scheerer John Schuldt* Cole Weaver*

Merrimack RPI Michigan State Northern Michigan Northern Michigan Air Force American Int’l Miami Michigan Tech Omaha Colorado College Omaha Niagara

Minnesota Wilderness Garrett Daly Chase Ellingson* Eric Gotz Brian Hurley* Dylan Mills * Alex Truscott Ben Ward Garrett Worth

Bowling Green Alaska Miami Clarkson Niagara Niagara St. Cloud State Arizona State

Minot Minotauros Alex Adams Dakota Boutin Colby Enns Aaron Grounds Luke Johnson* Grant Loven Luke Manning* Spencer Meier* Miroslav Mucha Jack Robbel Sacred Heart Lake Superior State Nolan Sawchuk Army New Jersey Titans Denver Maxim Andreev* Bentley

Bemidji State Northern Michigan Omaha Ohio State Providence Northern Michigan Air Force St. Cloud State Lake Superior State Lake Superior State UMass Lowell

Brad Becker* Nicholas Boyagian Matthew Cameron Jimmy Dowd, Jr. Chris Garbe Todd Goehring Ryan Naumovski Zack Parrott Tate Singleton Ryan Wheeler

Utica Sacred Heart RPI Penn State Brown Sacred Heart Niagara Trine Army Connecticut

Northeast Generals Colin Bilek Louis Boudon Brian Chambers Matt Demelis Austin Halpin* Justin Jallen Colin McCabe Luke Perunovich Jeff Skinner Matt Wiesner

Army Lake Superior State UMass Lowell Northeastern Colby Brown Connecticut College Providence UMass-Boston Babson

Odessa Jackalopes Matt Brown Lucas Herrmann Zac Herrmann Evan Somoza Ludwig Stenlund*

UMass Lowell Niagara Niagara Utica Niagara

Philadelphia Rebels Ben Allen* Andrew Bellant Jonathan Bendorf Diarmad DiMurro Bryant Gunn Michael Underwood* Kolby Vegara Jensen Zerban

Alabama Huntsville Michigan Tech RPI Dartmouth Amherst Clarkson Massachusetts Air Force

Shreveport Mudbugs Jonatan Asplund Jack Clement Cam Cook Jake Cox* Kieran Durgan Zach Faremouth Gueorgui Fedulov Gustavs Grigals Jack Hatton* Dominick Procopio Jake Transit*

Michigan State Omaha Niagara S. New Hampshire Air Force Western Michigan Mercyhurst Alaska St. Mary’s UMass Lowell Ferris State

Springfield Jr. Blues Aiden Beck Spencer DenBeste Danny DiGrande* Fletcher Fineman TJ Freidman* Jordan Muzzillo Dylan Rauh Nick Schulze Zach Tyson* Marcus Walter

Canisius Lake Superior State RPI Union Quinnipiac Alaska Aurora Tufts Hobart Bentley

Topeka RoadRunners Nick Granowicz Lucas Herrmann Joey Moore* Ryan Snowden*

Michigan Niagara Hamilton Ohio State

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Jeff Belstrand Penn State Tyrone Bronte Bemidji State Paul Cimilluca Wilkes Justin Engelkes Miami Thomas Farrell Army Anthony Firriolo Army Mike Gelatt Skidmore Greg Japchen Omaha Paul Maust* Mercyhurst Jack Olmstead Michigan Reed Robinson Niagara Gabe Temple Michigan Tech NAHL Alumni Roman Kinal * NAHL Alumni

Connecticut

Cornell

2018 Robertson Cup finals coming to Fogerty Arena

The NAHL’s 2018 Robertson Cup National Championship will be played at the Fogerty Arena in Blaine, Minn., from May 10-13. The Robertson Cup is awarded to the playoff champion of the NAHL. The oldest junior hockey trophy in the U.S., the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan.

One of the things the NAHL does better than any other junior league is seeing their players earn an NCAA opportunity while playing in the NAHL. To date, over 90 NAHL players have already made an NCAA Division I commitment during the 2017-18 season and last year a record number of 305 NAHL players made an NCAA commitment. The NAHL’s

Robertson Cup Championship plays a big role in that success, with dozens of players earning an NCAA Division I opportunity following their participation in the event. For more information, visit robertsoncup.com The four NAHL divisional playoff champions will advance to the Robertson Cup Championship. Once the four NAHL Divisional Playoff Champions are determined, clubs will be seeded 14 based upon their finish in the NAHL regular-season standings.

The game schedule will be as follows: The #1 seed will face the #4 seed in a best-ofthree series. The #2 seed will face the #3 seed in a best-of-three series. The two series’ winners will advance onto a one-game championship to determine the Robertson Cup National Champion.

22

April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey

www.letsplayhockey.com

Perunovich named Rookie of the Year UMD freshman defenseman helped Bulldogs capture the 2018 NCAA Championship

Scott Perunovich led UMD in scoring with totals of 11-25-36 in 42 games. Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

University of Minnesota Duluth freshman defenseman Scott Perunovich (Hibbing, Minn.) was named the recipient of the 2018 Tim Taylor Award, bestowed annually upon the best first-year player in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey, the Hockey Commissioners’ Association announced on April 6. He is only the second defenseman to receive this honor in the 12-year history of the award. The award is voted on by the

nation’s assistant coaches and is named for the former Yale University and U.S. Olympic Team head coach.

Perunovich was 11-25--36 through 42 games for the Bulldogs, putting him fourth in NCAA freshman scoring and the only nonforward in the top eight. He was also eighth in scoring among all defensemen nationally.

A strong two-way player, Perunovich is a major reason that Minnesota Duluth captured the 2018 NCAA Championship.

“We certainly knew he had the offensive ability and I’m not surprised that he is where he is,” said UMD coach Scott Sandelin. “He does surprise me with some of the plays he makes game in and game out. The big thing is defensively he’s been really good. Overall, it’s probably a little more than we expected as far as the kind of year, but I’m not surprised he’s done what he’s done.”

“He’s a special player. He’s got great vision on the rink. He’s got the ability to create space when space isn’t there. He’s elusive.

There are a lot of good instincts, good offensive instincts. I think the year in

Pure Hockey acquires Bauer’s “Own the Moment” stores Pure Hockey, the largest hockey retailer in the U.S., announced that it has acquired both of Bauer Hockey’s “Own The Moment” retail stores.

The new stores will operate as “Bauer Hockey Experience” locations. With the acquisition, Pure Hockey will now operate 53 retail locations across the United States, as well as three ecommerce sites focused on

hockey and goalie equipment.

Both stores will remain Bauer-exclusive locations, now owned and operated by Pure Hockey. The Burlington, Mass., store will move to Pure Hockey’s existing store location in Burlington, and is expected to reopen to the public by the end of July. The Bloomington, Minn., store will continue to operate in its current location.

(juniors) helped him defensively. He learned how to use his stick better. He’s not a big guy, so he’s not going to get into a lot of the heavy, physical battles. He’s got to be smarter and he certainly has that.”

The runner-up for the 2018 National Rookie of the Year Award was Minnesota State forward Jake Jaremko (Nowthen, Minn.).

USA Hockey

Bill Smith

for players to train and compete at a high level without leaving home. An added benefit of this league is the ability for our players to compete for a USA Hockey National Championship and these girls seized the opportunity and delivered an outstanding performance in Massachusetts. Congratulations to all of the players, coaches, parents and district staff on an outstanding season!”

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Girls Prep team continued their dominance at the Girls Tier I 19U level, going undefeated in six games and winning their third consecutive national title 5-1 over Belle Tire (MI).

Minnesota Hockey’s Tier I structure was established in 2016 to enhance Minnesota’s community-based association and high school model by bringing together the most talented 14-, 15- year olds from all over Minnesota for highly competitive League play and 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.

Registration for the 2018 Tier I 15 (2003 birth year) and 14U (2004 & 2005 birth years) Fall Leagues will open on April 23 following the conclusion of the CCM High Performance Spring Festivals on April 22.

One more year A joke amongst friends is that the answer committing to “one more year” hasn’t changed when Bill is asked if he’ll continue coaching. He says what keeps him going is “the interaction with the kids at an age where they grow up and mature into adults.”

He’ll spend time this summer at his farm near Rockford, and at this point his life is divided into two parts: hockey season and waiting for hockey season. “I can’t wait ‘til fall!” he beams, knowing that Edina is stocked players for another successful run.

Additionally, there’s no conflict between the school’s Spring Break and the 2019 USA Hockey High School Nationals. He’s checked.

“The only thing we haven’t accomplished with this program is the National Championship.” He obviously hopes to change that, a point clear to those that saw him watch the 2018 semifinal and championship games.

There is another milestone on the nottoo-distant horizon. Several of his former players have settled in Edina and have children playing. Fit at age 75, it isn’t a stretch to think he’ll remain at the helm long enough to have a second-generation player on his team.

continued from page 5

continued from page 17

Update DelCastillo named Willmar coach The Willmar Warhawks announced that Doc DelCastillo will return next season and take on the head coaching responsibilities. DelCastillo has 25 years experience coaching hockey, beginning at the conclusion of his playing career at St. Cloud State.

DelCastillo’s coaching experience at higher levels, including NCAA Division I and III, USHL, NAHL and now Tier III juniors, will add value and insight that players at this level seek for opportunities to advance.

“I’m very excited to return to Willmar with a fresh start to the season. It’s a great community with a lot of passionate fans, and the programs operated by Mr. Canavati are first class,” Delcastillo said. “We will be recruiting a lot of new faces over the summer to join the Warhawks core that will be returning, in hopes of creating a championship team that sees a lot of players move on to higher levels.”

The relationship between the NAHL’s Brookings Blizzard and the Willmar NA3HL program is one that DelCastillo hopes to utilize more consistently next season.

“The advantage of a program like Willmar, in addition to the amazing venue for young men to grow and develop as hockey players and people, is the fact that our ownership group also owns a team at the NAHL level. This is the exact relationship players should want to be in, where they can advance for opportunities at the next level, and borderline Tier II players can spend time at the tier-3 program for

development and additional ice time to finetune their game.”

Frerks commits to Becker The La Crosse Freeze of the NA3HL have announced that defenseman Josh Frerks has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Becker College. Frerks, 20, just completed his final season of junior hockey, which was cut short to a season-ending injury after appearing in just two games during the 2017-18 season. The 6-2, 195pound native of Rochester, Minn., appeared in 20 games during the 2016-17 season and recorded nine points.

Prior to playing junior hockey in the NA3HL, Frerks was a standout defenseman for three seasons with Rochester John Marshall High School .

“Josh has overcome massive adversity this season with his injury. I am very excited to see him get this opportunity with a great college program and look forward to watching next season,” said Freeze head coach Jon Vaillancourt.

“We’re extremely excited that Josh has chosen Becker to continue his hockey career as a student-athlete,” said Dale Adams, Becker College Assistant Coach. “Coach Valliancourt, the LaCrosse Freeze, and the North American league deserve all the credit in preparing him for the next level. We're looking forward to seeing Josh come to Becker this fall healthy and ready to contribute not only to our lineup, but our campus next season and years to come.”

NA3HL.COM @NA3HL NA3HL

Leading Scorers • Regular Season PLAYER TEAM P Brad Becker BNG F Eric Vanderhoff SKY F Riley Butler YEL F Connor Inger MET F Cole Stewart YEL F Ryan Reifler BNG F Logan Nelson ALX F Tyler Bump NIO F

GP 47 47 46 45 39 36 46 45

G 53 53 40 41 37 33 38 29

A 63 53 54 52 54 57 47 56

PTS 116 106 94 93 91 90 85 85

Defenseman Scoring • Regular Season PLAYER TEAM P Mason Stewart YEL D Tim O’Connor BNG D Cole Ouellette LEA D Matt Goodman PTM D Alec Skar ALX D Cole Barney WOO D

GP 47 49 45 45 46 45

G 13 31 18 23 11 12

A 66 31 41 31 42 40

PTS 79 62 59 54 53 52

Save Percentage • Regular Season PLAYER TEAM GPI Drew Scites NIO 21 Reid Waszczenko YEL 33 Brady Anderson BNG 22 Carson Murison TEX 28 Tyler Hawk PIT 16

MINS 1224 1951 1309 1551 964

W-L-OTL-SOL 20-0-0-0 24-6-1-2 17-1-1-2 24-2-0-0 14-2-0-0

GAA 1.42 1.85 1.38 1.43 1.62

SV% .949 .947 .945 .939 .938

Goals-Against Average • Regular Season PLAYER TEAM GPI Brady Anderson BNG 22 Drew Scites NIO 21 Carson Murison TEX 28 Brian Tallieu MET 23 Tyler Hawk PIT 16 Andrew Ghimpeteanu NWE 20 * bold indicates Minnesota native

MINS W-L-OTL-SOL SV% 1309 17-1-1-2 .945 1224 20-0-0-0 .949 1551 24-2-0-0 .939 1209 18-2-0-0 .935 964 14-2-0-0 .938 1189 15-3-1-0 .931 * More stats on NA3HL.com

GAA 1.38 1.42 1.43 1.54 1.62 1.67

MAKE OUR ICE, YOUR ICE. JOIN THE WARMING HOUSE, A WAITING LIST FOR SEASON TICKETS. FULL SEASON • HALF SEASON • 11 GAME PLANS

651.222.WILD | TICKETS.WILD.COM

24

Tournament Calendar

April 19, 2018

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) 2743509; 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.

20-22 Twin Cities, MN: Early Trailblazer AA, Boys 2002-2009, U16, Girls U10-U19; Contact dan@midwesthockey.net or (763) 225-7320 26-29 Twin Cities, MN: Shock Doctor Shootout, Boys 2003-09; Contact Tim Hawkinson (952) 920-8826 or tim.hawkinson@ showcasehockey.com or visit www.unitedaaahockey.com 27-29 Duluth, MN: Wings Showdown, Boys 2004-2009, Girls 12U (06/05); Contact Bryan Mortenson (218) 410-65-26 or bgmortenson@msn.com or visit www.northernwings.net 27-29 Green Bay, WI: Cheese Cup, Boys 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006; Contact Jay Boxer (920) 403-2000 or jboxer@netnet.net 27-29 Niagara Falls, ON: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s, Women’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 27-29 Ottawa, ON: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s, Women’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 27-29 St. Cloud, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2006, 2005, 2004; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 28-30 Chicago, IL: Elite AAA & AAAA, all ages; Visit www.onehockey.com

APRIL 2018 MAY 2018 19-22 Twin Cities, MN: Minnesota Meltdown Tournament, Boys 2004-10 Invite, Boys 2004-10 Open, Girls 10U-19U; Contact Eric Knutsen (952) 920-8826 or eric.knutsen@ showcasehockey.com or visit www.showcasehockey.com 20-22 Clearwater Beach, FL: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s, Women’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 20-22 Green Bay, WI: Cheese Cup, Boys 2005, 2004, 2003; Contact Jay Boxer (920) 4032000 or jboxer@netnet.net 20-22 Green Bay, WI: Girls 14U, 12U, 10U; Contact Jay Boxer (920) 403-2000 or jboxer@netnet.net 20-22 Montreal, QC: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s & Coed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 20-22 St. Cloud, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2010/09, 2008, 2007; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

3-6 Twin Cities, MN: Stars & Stripes, Boys Elite & Open 2004-11, Girls 8U-16U; Contact Adam Hauser (952) 641-6887 or adamh@mnmadehockey.com or Steve Mularky (612) 701-4140 or stevem@mnmadehockey.com or visit www.mnmadehockeytournaments.com 4-6 Atlantic City, NJ: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 4-6 Blaine, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2002; Contact Randy at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 4-6 Blaine, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Girls Open 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 4-6 Boston, MA: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s & Coed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com

4-6 Fargo, ND: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2010/09, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 4-6 Niagara Falls, ON: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 4-6 Toronto, ON: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s & Coed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 10-13 Edina, MN: The Clash Hockey Tournament, Girls U18-U19; Contact J Lindsay (612) 7473030 or jlindsay@ lindsaygroup.com or visit www.theclashtourney.com 11-13 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys 2008 & 2009; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 11-13 Twin Cities, MN: Spring Stampede, Boys 2002-2010, U16, Girls U10-U19; Contact dan@midwesthockey.net or (763) 225-7320 17-20 Twin Cities, MN: Independent Classic, Boys 2003-09, 16U, 18U, Girls 8U-19U; Contact Tim Hawkinson (952) 920-8826 or tim.hawkinson@ showcasehockey.com or visit www.eastonaaa.com 18-20 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys 2006 & 2007; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 18-20 St. Cloud, MN: Boys Open 2003; Contact Randy at randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 18-20 Twin Cities, MN: Boys Open 2010/09, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 18-20 Twin Cities, MN: Spring Stampede AA, Boys 2002-2010, U16, Girls U10-U19; Contact dan@midwesthockey.net or (763) 225-7320 25-27 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Girls 10U & 12U; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 25-27 Duluth, MN: MN Female Elite Prospects Showcase, Girls 16U & U19; Contact Kevin Mudrak at kmudrak@yahoo.com or visit www.mnfemalehockey.com 31-3 Duluth, MN: Boys’ Battle By The Bay Tournament; 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009; Contact northernstormhockey@yahoo.com or visit www.northernstorn.net 31-3 Rapid City, SD: Rushmore Cup, Boys Squirts, Minor PeeWees; Contact Dave at dave@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

www.letsplayhockey.com

JUNE 2018 1-3 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys 2005; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com Atlantic City, NJ: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 1-3 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s, Women’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 7-10 Rapid City, SD: Rushmore Cup, Boys Major PeeWees, Bantams; Contact Dave at dave@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 7-10 Twin Cities, MN: Shock Doctor Shootout, Girls U10-U19; Contact Tim Hawkinson (952) 9208826 or tim.hawkinson@showcasehockey.com or visit www.unitedaaahockey.com 8-10 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys HS; Contact matt@alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 22-24 Blaine, MN: NHG Cup, Boys Open 2010/09, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 22-24 Nashville, TN: 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+; A, B, C, D, E Levels; Men’s, Women’s & Co-ed; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com

JULY 2018 6-8 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys 2004; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 13-15 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Girls HS; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 20-22 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys HS; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 20-22 Duluth, MN: Northern Exposure, Boys 2001/02-2009; Contact Kasey Yoder (651) 4321840 or kaseyyoder@ gmail.com or visit www.northernexposureaaahockey.com

AUGUST 2018 2-5 Twin Cities, MN: AAA Hockey Showdown, Boys 2004-10 Invite, Boys 2004-10 Open; Contact Eric Knutsen (952) 920-8826 or eric.knutsen@showcasehockey.com or visit www.showcasehockey.com 3-5 Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Blizzard Hockeyfest, Boys 2003; Contact matt@ alexandriablizzard.com or visit www.alexhockeyfest.com 3-5 Sioux Falls, SD, MN: NHG Cup, Boys Open 2010/09, 2008, 2007, 2006; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 3-5 Twin Cities, MN: Blaze Cup AAA Tournament, Boys 2003-10, Boys U16; Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@ somersethockey.com or visit www.blazehockey.net 9-12 Twin Cities, MN: Rumble at the Rink, Boys Elite 2007-10; Contact Adam Hauser (952) 641-6887 or adamh@mnmadehockey.com or Steve Mularky (612) 701-4140 or stevem@mnmadehockey.com or visit www.mnmadehockeytournaments.com 10-12 Twin Cities, MN: Combat Cup, Boys Open 2010/09, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 16-19 Twin Cities, MN: Easton AAA Cup, Boys 2004-10 Invite, Boys 2004-10 Open, Girls 10U19U; Contact Eric Knutsen (952) 920-8826 or eric.knutsen@ showcasehockey.com or visit www.showcasehockey.com 17-19 Sioux Falls, SD: Combat Cup, Boys Open 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 17-19 Twin Cities, MN: Combat Cup, Girls Open 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U; Contact Randy at randy@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 17-19 Twin Cities, MN: Summer Round-Up AA, Boys 2002-U18, Girls U10-U19; Contact dan@midwesthockey.net or (763) 225-7320 23-26 Twin Cities, MN: Summer Finale AAA Hockey Classic, Boys 2003-09, 16U, 18U, Girls 8U-19U; Contact Tim Hawkinson (952) 920-8826 or tim.hawkinson@ showcasehockey.com or visit www.eastonaaa.com

April 19, 2018

Tournament Calendar

www.letsplayhockey.com

24-26 Duluth, MN: World Cup of Youth Hockey, Squirts, PeeWees; Contact Dave Druk (763) 242-9575 or dave@ northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 24-26 Stillwater, MN: World Cup of Youth Hockey, Mites, Squirts, PeeWees, 12U Girls; Contact Dave Druk (763) 242-9575 or dave@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 24-26 Twin Cities, MN: Summer Round-Up, Boys 2002-U18, Girls U10-U19; Contact dan@midwesthockey.net or (763) 225-7320

23-25 Roseau, MN: Aaron Broten Bantam B Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 30-1 Roseau, MN: Center Ice Club Bantam A-AA Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 6890636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com

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11-13 Roseau, MN: Dave Wensfloff Squirt A Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 18-20 Roseau, MN: Dick Johnson PeeWee AA Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 25-27 Roseau, MN: Jon Wensloff PeeWee B Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com

DECEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 14-16 Fargo, ND: World Cup of Youth Hockey, Mites, Squirts, PeeWees, 12U Girls; Contact Dave Druk (763) 242-9575 or dave@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 14-16 Sioux Falls, SD: World Cup of Youth Hockey, Mites, Squirts, PeeWees, Bantams; Contact Dave Druk (763) 242-9575 or dave@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

7-9 Roseau, MN: Neal Broten Squirt B Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 14-16 Roseau, MN: Paul Broten PeeWee A Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 21-23 Warroad, MN: Bantam A & B; Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or visit www.visitwarroad.com

FEBRUARY 2019 1-3 Roseau, MN: Girls 10U A; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 8-10 Warroad, MN: Squirt A & B; Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or visit www.visitwarroad.com No portion of the tournament calendar may be copied, reproduced or transmitted without written permission from Let’s Play Hockey and its publisher.

JANUARY 2019 4-6 Roseau, MN: Stan Ostby Bantam A-AA Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com OCTOBER 2018 26-28 Warroad, MN: PeeWee A & B; Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or visit www.visitwarroad.com

NOVEMBER 2018 2-4 Warroad, MN: Warroad Girls Youth Hockey Tournament, Girls 10U & 12U; Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or visit www.visitwarroad.com 16-18 Roseau, MN: Girls 12U A; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com

Advertise your tournaments in the Let’s Play Hockey Tournament Calendar Powered by TAG-UP. E-mail bryan@letsplayhockey.com or call 320-333-3279

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April 19, 2018

Let’s Play Hockey Rankings

www.letsplayhockey.com

Want tto o be a yyouth outh hoc key rank er? Send an e-mail tto o edit or@le tspla yhoc key.com. hock ranker? editor@le or@letspla tsplayhoc yhock

HS BOYS AA FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

MINNETONKA Duluth East Edina St. Thomas Academy Holy Family Catholic Wayzata Andover White Bear Lake St. Michael-Albertville Cretin-Derham Hall Centennial Eastview Moorhead Brainerd Duluth Marshall Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lakeville North Hill-Murray Rosemount Elk River/Zimmerman

HS BOYS A FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

BANT AM AA BANTAM FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

OSSEO/MAPLE GROVE Eden Prairie Minnetonka Wayzata Cloquet Rosemount Centennial Hermantown Grand Rapids Andover Mahtomedi Chaska/Chanhassen Prior Lake/Savage Sibley Lakeville North St. Michael-Albertville Edina White Bear Lake Duluth East Champlin Park

STILLWATER RED Minnetonka Stillwater Black St.Thomas Academy Eagan Centennial Black Wayzata Lakeville Edina Centennial Red

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

BANT AM A BANTAM FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

JUNIOR GOLD 16U FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ORONO Alexandria Hermantown Mahtomedi Greenway St. Cloud Cathedral Mound Westonka East Grand Forks Sartell-St. Stephen Virginia/MI-B Minneapolis Delano Thief River Falls Monticello Simley Warroad South St. Paul North Branch Mankato East/Loyola Litchfield/D-C

HS GIRLS AA FINAL

EDINA Cottage Grove East Grand Forks Osseo/Maple Grove Roseville Sartell St. Paul Capitals Owatonna Little Falls Duluth Denfeld Tartan Minnetonka Delano Warroad Eveleth-Gilbert/ME Armstrong/Cooper Virginia Wayzata Litchfield/D-C Hutchinson

WAYZATA Osseo/Maple Grove Edina Blaine White Bear Lake

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

BANT AM B1 BANTAM FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

GIRLS 19U FINAL 1 2 3 4 5

EDINA Centennial Blake Andover Hill-Murray Blaine Maple Grove Wayzata Forest Lake Eagan Eden Prairie Lakeville South Brainerd/Little Falls Roseau Farmington Minnetonka White Bear Lake Mounds View Cretin-Derham Hall Shakopee

EDINA WHITE Osseo/Maple Grove Morris/Benson Moorhead Black Wayzata Minnetonka Lakeville North St. Paul Capitals Forest Lake Hastings Edina Green Crookston Grand Rapids Elk River Waconia Prior Lake/Savage St. Cloud Red Becker Big Lake Owatonna North Shore

EDINA GREEN Proctor/Hermantown Minnetonka Black Centennial Alexandria Roseville/St. Paul St. Cloud Woodbury Black Wayzata Blue Edina White

JUNIOR GOLD A FINAL

JUNIOR GOLD B FINAL

BRECK Warroad Alexandria St. Paul United Proctor/Hermantown Red Wing South St. Paul East Grand Forks Thief River Falls New Ulm Delano/Rockford Mahtomedi Duluth Marshall Hutchinson Rochester Lourdes Fergus Falls Orono Hibbing/Chisholm Mound Westonka River Lakes

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EDINA Stillwater White Bear Lake Wayzata St. Louis Park Lakeville Minnetonka Eagan Blaine Eden Prairie

PEEWEE AA FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

GIRLS 15U A FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HS GIRLS A FINAL

WOODBURY Hermantown Moorhead Stillwater Osseo/Maple Grove Chaska/Chanhassen Edina Rosemount Rogers Andover Minnetonka Blaine Duluth East Rochester Champlin Park Mahtomedi Farmington Prior Lake/Savage Eastview Eden Prairie

GIRLS 15U B FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PEEWEE A FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

WARROAD Sartell Alexandria Osseo/Maple Grove Duluth Denfeld Apple Valley Stillwater Chaska/Chanhassen Minneapolis Chisago Lakes Forest Lake Fergus Falls Cottage Grove Delano Luverne East Grand Forks Tartan Sibley Burnsville Coon Rapids

PEEWEE B1 FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

GIRLS 12U A FINAL

CHAMPLIN PARK/CR 1 2 Alexandria 3 Edina 4 Osseo/Maple Grove 5 Shakopee 6 Mankato 7 Roseville/St. Paul 8 Stillwater 9 Mahtomedi 10 Sartell

ANDOVER Edina Eagan/IGH Apple Valley/Burnsville Centennial Proctor/Hermantown Orono/Westonka Warroad Waconia Blaine/SLP

ST. THOMAS ACAD. Edina White Elk River Black Minnetonka Blue Duluth Woodbury Prior Lake Navy Edina Green Eastview Burnsville

EDINA GREEN Farmington Wayzata Gold Chaska/Chan Gold OMGHA Black Lakeville South Morris/Benson/Silver Lake of the Woods Moorhead Black Stillwater Buffalo Black Edina White Waconia St. Francis-North Branch White Bear Lake Black Pine City Champlin Park Rochester Red St. Cloud Red Winona

GIRLS 12U B FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

STILLWATER RED New Ulm/Sleepy Eye Hibbing/Chisholm Eagan/IGH Blue Hutchinson Moose Lake Litchfield/D-C Stillwater Black Armstrong/Cooper Edina White

EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION 2018-19 Hosted Tournaments Schedule 14th Annual

TRADITION CAKE EATER CLASSIC Nov. 23-25, 2018

Girls 10A, 10B, 12A, 12B, 15A, 15B 4 Game Guarantee ~ Cost: $1500

42nd Annual

JOHN E. REIMANN TOURNAMENT Jan. 10-19, 2019 Junior Gold B & U16

4 Game Guarantee ~ Cost: $1500

R O F E E F E T A G O N ANY EHA HOSTED TOURNAMENT rd Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3 and Consolation

50th Annual ual

TRADITION INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT Dec. 27-31, 2018 Bantam AA, A, B1, Pee Wee AA, A, B1

4 Game Guarantee ~ Cost: $1500

34th Annual

BOB O’CONNOR TOURNAMENT Feb. 7-10, 2019

Squirt A, B, C, Pee Wee B2, C, Bantam B2, C 3 Game Guarantee ~ Cost: $1200

REGISTER TODAY! Space is limited

Applications are available online at

www.EdinaTourney.com