The Trek to the X: A midseason review - Jan. 10, 2019 by Let's Play Hockey

Volume XLVII • Number 9 • Issue 1250

January 10, 2019

Photos by Nick Wosika, Mike Thill and Christine Wisch

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

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

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE JOHN RUSSO

Stats & concepts for better shooting ... pg. 4

KIM MCCULLOUGH

5 ways to score more goals ... pg. 6

JACK BLATHERWICK

Hockey endurance on the slide board ... pg. 7

ANDY NESS

Building practice habits ... pg. 8

JOSH LEVINE

The danger of elitism with young athletes ... pg. 9

HAL TEARSE Coach said … pg. 17 KEVIN KURTT Off to college ... pg. 18

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

Stats and concepts for better shooting

Statistics • 71 percent of all goals are scored in the bottom 12 inches of the net. There is more room down low. • 58 percent of successful shots are released within one second. • 80 percent of goals are scored with little or no wind-up. • 27 percent of all goals are scored in the five-hole – between the goalie’s legs.

Photo: Nick Wosika

I haven’t dealt with the subject of shooting for over 10 years, so it’s time to lay it out again – especially for all of the new coaches that have come into youth hockey over the decade. There are, by the way, videos and other aids and devices that can help players shoot harder, better and more accurately. However, knowing what the odds are, the stats for where (most) goals are scored, and the concepts are just as important. I think every young player needs to shoot off-ice to get their 10,000 or 50,000 shots that it takes to be a good shooter. Studying the following stats and concepts and applying them on the pond or in practice so they come naturally is also just as critical. The video “Shooters Edge” from decades ago provided some of these items. The rest come from goaltender coaches and other stats-oriented hockey folks. I have helped install shooting ranges for my grandkids that play hockey. They are in the garage or the driveway – and have targets of some shape or sort applied at the various points on the nets to help them learn to shoot at high potential areas. I currently use a coal shovel turned up-side down, for example, with my youngest (mite) granddaughter. She has learned to hit the upper corners by “bopping” the coal shovel and knocking it over. Great fun! So, here we go.

• Only 20 percent of high goals are scored over the goaltender’s blocker – 80 percent are over the catcher. • Only 6 percent of one-timers scored in the top 12 inches of the net. • 47 percent of goals are scored from within 10 feet of the net. These statistics alone tell a big story. They say: shoot low, shoot quick, shoot at the five-hole when no obvious hole exists, and if shooting high, go over the catcher. Concepts • For goaltenders, it is easier to move their hands than their feet, thus the advantage down low. Also, low shots only have to gauge the left-right situation, not the leftright and high-low. With 71 percent of goals low, who can argue? • Of the three aspects of shooting – velocity, accuracy, release – release is most important. Higher velocity takes time, allowing goaltenders to prepare and also for a defender to get a stick on the shot. It is important to practice at full speed and get shots off quickly with as much accuracy as possible. Accuracy will come if quick release is properly practiced. • Learn to shoot directly off of the stick handle and off of both feet, not just the power foot. The snapshot is the most effective of all shots. It has more power than wrist shots, it is quick and accurate, and can be shot even without full control of the

puck. • Backhand shots are the least practiced of all shots, but are the hardest shots to read by the goaltenders. • Always shoot low from the outside, higher from the inside, if goaltenders are down. For butterfly goaltenders, the low shot is often 6 to 12 inches off the ice. • Shoot on righthanded goaltenders: a. Low blocker side is best for left-handed shooters b. Low catcher side is best for right-handed shooters c. Up over the blocker is the poorest choice by all shooters d. Up over the catcher is the best high option e. The five-hole is the best overall option, especially when the goaltender is moving • It is important to visualize openings to shoot at from the puck’s viewpoint. The shooter’s eyes see a considerably different situation than actually exists. Their eyes see holes up high that do not exist and miss low holes that do exist. It is generally best to shoot low on the side that the shooter’s stick is on (right side for righthanders, etc.). This is generally where the biggest hole is from the puck’s viewpoint. Defensemen Shooting for defensemen is a little different. Most of the time defensemen aren’t really able to move inside the top of the

circle. So defensemen can get the best results by: • Not overshooting the puck – A hard, low wrist shot that is in the feet at the front of the net is a great shot. Too-hard shots tend to be not as accurate. A defenseman wants to get an assist due to a tip or rebound – or a “bumper pool” goal off of skates or equipment. • Shooting low – A good low shot has the best odds of producing a good result. The goaltenders are more susceptible low and the chances of good deflections are best low. Skates and legs also take up less space in front of the net. • It is critical to hit the net area. A hard shot over or missing the net just often ends up out of control and into the possession of the other team. • It is good to move sideways. Even a little lateral movement makes the goaltender move. That is when they are most vulnerable. • Move toward the net if open. There is nothing wrong with moving closer in if the opportunity exists. It also allows time to look for wide forwards to pass to – or the best options for getting higher-odds shots on net. •Shots should be strategic, timely and accurate. Shots should not be hard slappers with no real thought of what or when. Order John Russo’s new chapterized book, “The Best of 26 Years of John Russo’s Coaches Corner.” It has been described as a “must read” for all youth coaches. Go to Russocoachescorner.com for information and ordering. John Russo, Ph.D., is founder and now mentor to the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He was a captain at the University of Wisconsin and recipient of prestigious hockey awards at the state (Peterson award) and national levels (Snooks Kelly). His Coaches Corner columns have appeared in Let’s Play Hockey each year since 1986.

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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

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January 10, 2019

www.stateofhockey.com

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.

By Shane Frederick

Learning the art of deception

Deception is a tool used in almost every sport. A quarterback looks one way, getting a safety to move and zips the ball to the other side of the field. A point guard uses a crossover dribble to turn around a defender. A pitcher hides the ball and uses the same throwing motion so a batter cannot read what pitch is coming. “I’m a proponent of multi-sport athletes,” said Cory Laylin, a St. Cloud native and head coach for the Hamline University men’s hockey team. “You learn other things in other sports, but a lot of it is the same when it comes to how you win your battles. Guys are so equal. You have to figure out how to beat a guy and win your game and win your battles.” As in other sports, deception can help you do that in hockey. Getting opponents to think you’re doing one thing as you do another can turn defenders, open up passing lanes and get goaltenders off their angles. Laylin, who scored 58 goals for the Golden Gophers between 1988 and 1992 before embarking on a 16-year professional career that took him all around Europe, says that the art of deception starts with getting your mind, feet and hands in sync. The Minnesota Wild’s Mikael Granlund is

into a goal.” Here are a few tips for improving your skills, creating time and space, generating more offense – and to keep opponents guessing.

a good example. “He’s a small guy, but he’s very deceptive,” Laylin said. “He spins back and looks the other way. All kinds of little things. He’s patient. He looks down, looks up, knows where his teammates are. Little things turn

Watch and learn Players today have access to resources past players never had, namely video. Laylin says to use your screen time to watch highlights of your favorite teams and players and then hit the rink and try out some of those moves. Find the players who play your position or your style and try to copy what they’re doing. “This generation has more information available to it with YouTube and the NHL Network,” he said. “They can watch all the highlights and watch them over and over.

Kids are doing things now we never used to do.” Then, imagine yourself making those plays in games. “The most important thing in all of it is mental preparation,” Laylin said. “Visualize how you’re going to make plays and believe you can do it. See yourself doing it successfully. “Connor McDavid, Johnny Gaudreau, Brock Boeser … they’re not born to do that. They’ve had to work at it.”

Don’t be afraid to fail When it comes to trying new moves and adding layers of deception to players’ repertoire, it’s not just up to the players. Coaches and parents also play a key role. “It’s a mistake for coaches who don’t let players make mistakes,” he said. “It’s not about wins and losses at younger ages. It’s about development. High-end players aren’t afraid of making mistakes.” Small-area games are good times to work on those moves in practice and to create a team culture that rewards creativity and trying new things. “The compete level goes up, the game speed goes up, the thinking goes up,” Laylin Continued on page 28

The role of systems in youth hockey

At age levels often characterized by chaos, the idea of adding some structure and organization to youth hockey can be a comforting notion for coaches and parents. Add in the natural desire to compete and win, and it’s easy to understand the allure of implementing systems as soon as players can perform basic skills. The challenge for parents and coaches though is too much emphasis on systems at young ages may limit players’ long term potential. “If you’re focused on systems, at a young age especially, it really takes away the kids’ creativity out on the ice,” said Rochester, MN native Guy Gosselin who serves as USA Hockey ADM Regional Manager for Minnesota. “They get kind of stuck in the mode of this is what I’m limited to. We want kids to be able to be creative hockey players and dynamic hockey players and really enjoy the game and develop that passion.” In addition, kids at young ages are often slow to understand systems, which can lead to a waste of effort for coaches and a waste of ice time that could be better spent developing other skills and concepts.

The desire to have kids know where to go and what to do on the ice isn’t lost on Gosselin though. He just encourages a different approach. “Habits and concepts essentially is your system in youth hockey,” said Gosselin, a two-time U.S. Olympian. “If we can teach the kids good habits and concepts through small area games or drills, it’s really going to help them in the long term.”

What’s the difference? At times, it may be easy to confuse hockey systems or positioning with hockey sense and concepts, but for Gosselin, it’s a key distinction when it comes to developing young players. “Systems would be a zone coverage where they’re playing a 1-2-2 defensive zone coverage,” said Gosselin. “They go to a spot out

on the ice, and this area is your area. That’s X’s and O’s type of coaching.” “A defensive concept would be to understand to take ice away, use proper angling and outnumber the other team in order to get the puck, utilizing that concept that we always start in the middle and take ice away.” Taking that one step further, defensive habits would be teaching players to have their head up, looking around for opposing players and to use their stick to take away passing lanes. “This stuff should come immediately to our older players,” said Gosselin, emphasizing that habits and concepts must be built over time with repetitions in practices and games, whereas systems can be picked up quickly by older players.

No more bubble hockey One of the key benefits of emphasizing habits and concepts starting at a young age is they can be applied all over the ice. “In bubble hockey, you go north/south and Continued on page 28

2018 scholarship applications now available

The deadline to apply for one of Minnesota Hockey’s 2019 Scholarship Awards is March 9. College scholarship awards of $1,000 will be provided to eligible, registered members of Minnesota Hockey, boys and girls high school hockey players and Minnesota Disabled Hockey will offer a similar scholarship for its athletes to use to-

wards personal growth and development. Minnesota Hockey has provided scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors for over a decade with intent of assisting its members in pursuing post-secondary education. This emphasis on personal and development was expanded to disabled hockey in 2014 with the addition of a dis-

abled hockey scholarship, which can also be used for therapy services, rehabilitation services or specialized equipment. The Metro Hockey League, which oversees Junior Gold hockey in the metro area, also offers two scholarships called the Wes Barrette Scholarship and Bruce Kruger Scholarhip. These scholarships are provided

each season in honor of the legendary Junior Gold coach Wes Barrette and long time Metro Hockey League and Minnesota Hockey board member Bruce Kruger. For application information, visit www.minnesotahockey.org. Applications must be submitted to Minnesota Hockey no later than March 9.

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

Five ways to score more goals per game

By Kim McCullough, M.Sc, YCS

forwards that the only time I really want them taking a full slap shot is when they are trying to clear the puck 200 feet on the penalty kill or when they are dumping the puck in on the offensive attack. The rest of the time, it should be wrist shots, snapshots and backhands.

Most girls’ hockey games are decided by one goal. There seems to be a whole lot of scoreless or 1-1 ties in the female game along with many 1-0 or 2-1 decisions. You do see the occasional 3-1 or 3-2 game, but final scores like 5-2 or 4-3 are exceedingly rare. Every team out there would love to score at least one more goal per game. So here are some ideas I’ve put together to help you make that happen as we head down the playoff stretch.

2. Shoot through the eyes of the stick When the shooter is releasing her shot, she must pretend that she is looking through the eyes of her stick instead of her own eyes. What looks open relative to the

Photo: Christine Wisch

1 . TTak ak e green sho ts ake shots Teaching and using the concept of green vs. red shots has revolutionized the way that I teach attacking and scoring to my players. There is a great video online made by former NHL goalie Steve Valiquette explaining the difference between a red and green shot and which ones contribute the most to goal scoring. You can check out the whole video here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=G3YLwDWpaZA. At the basic level, he describes a green shot as one where the goalie has less than half of a second to set for the shot. These types of shots include tips, redirects, screens, one-timers, shots taken after the puck carrier cuts east-west (forcing the goalie to move and therefore not to be set when the shot is taken), or shots off quick passes that force the goalie to move (these can be made east-west or north-south – especially from below the goal-line to the front of the net). These shots typically only account for 25 percent of the shots taken in the NHL, but they account for 75 percent of the goals scored. So increase the percentage of green shots you take and you’ll score more goals. Trust me, this one works.

puck versus her line of sight is very different. Shooting through the eyes of the stick increases the chances that shots will get through and go into the back of the net. 3. Always be ready to shoot from tops of circles down Players need to be taught how to be in a good shooting position any time they are below the tops of the circles in the attack zone. They need to have two hands on the stick, stick on the ice, stick blade opened up to the passer (preferably on the forehand) as a target and stick pulled back so that they can move into the puck as it comes and take a quick snapshot. This one-time snapshot with the stick on the ice is a true goal scorer’s shot. Most important of all, the player’s body must be positioned so that they can release a shot immediately. The most critical pieces of proper body positioning are to have your feet pointing at the net and to have your chest opened up to the passer. So many goals are left off the table because players simply aren’t ready to shoot when the puck comes to them. In every drill you work on in the offensive zone, prioritize the importance

of players being in this shooting position whenever they are in from the tops of the circles down. 4. Shoot fewer boomers Every season, we got through a period where I don’t let my defensemen take any slap shots. This is usually because they are having trouble getting shots through quickly. And while they usually complain about having to take wrist shots and snap shots for the time being, they also typically get more assists and goals during this time because they are getting more shots on the net more quickly. Winding up for a big slap shot takes time and it requires space. If you’ve got both of those, and a pretty accurate shot that rarely gets blocked and mostly hits the net, then by all means wind up. But the vast majority of the time, players would be better off simply getting a low, hard shot through quickly instead. These shots generate rebounds and have a way of finding the back of the net all on their own. Forwards should rarely be taking big slap shots. Make sure they practice taking snapshots or half slap shots (where the wind-up goes no higher than their waist) so that they can get shots off more quickly when in the scoring area. I always tell my

5. Stress that any time we have the puck, we’re trying to score I know that this makes sense intuitively, but let me explain. Too many players, coaches and teams wait to focus on scoring once the puck gets into the offensive zone. Our entire playing scheme feeds off the mindset that we are trying to score as soon as we get full possession on the breakout. Think of watching a video of your team picking up the puck in your own end and scoring 10 seconds later. What does that entire video look like? What is every player doing? How are they moving? Where are they moving? Watch every detail and then write out how it happened. Now you need to teach your team how to do that. You’ll do it piece by piece, of course. And you’ll have many different “videos” in your head that you’ll have to break down and teach. And, yes, I know that very few of those videos will play out exactly as you scripted them and taught them. But players need to know what their options are for getting the puck down the ice quickly and with support and how to generate offense as a team, instead of solely relying on the individual skill of a few players to put the puck in the net. Hopefully these five ideas give you a great starting point and lead to at least one more goal per game in the coming weeks. To learn more about how to use what you do off the ice to take your game to the next level on the ice, 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 and played in the National Women’s Hockey League for six years. She is currently the Director and Founder of Total Female Hockey as well as the head coach of the Toronto-Leaside Junior Wildcats in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

www.stateofhockey.com

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Hockey endurance on the slide board

By Jack Blatherwick Let’s Play Hockey Columnist Hockey leaders never bothered to convene a panel of coaches to define “hockey Endurance.” If they had, coaches would have said, “It is the ability to maintain (for an entire game) the qualities needed to win: skating speed, agility, efficiency, explosive strength, stick skills, and most importantly, grittiness and decision-making.” There’s nothing slow in that description. But nobody met. Coaches were not asked, and traditional slow endurance training without a strategic (hockey) purpose has dominated the training manuals of players forever. Scientists defined “hockey endurance” for us. Textbook definitions of endurance in other sports were super-imposed, even though the demands of a hockey game are unique. Laboratory tests measured cardiovascular fitness – mostly on bicycles, not on the ice, even though research by Daub and co-workers (1983) had shown that lab physiological test results were not related to those on the ice1. Daub’s research protocol called for half a team to train on bikes all winter – three times per week after practice. Pre- and post-season endurance tests measuring oxygen consumption and expired gases showed no on-ice advantage for the bikers compared to players who left practice without the extra bicycle training. For the record, aerobic-cardiovascular fitness is very important, but two questions should have been discussed by the nonexistent panel before athletes were assigned to long distance aerobic training

Young players will develop muscular endurance and efficient skating habits. Emphasize knee bend from the first rep to the last.

(slow cardio): 1) Of what value are welltrained hearts and lungs if players lack muscular endurance to maintain knee bend for an entire shift and game? 2) Can we train to develop skating speed and efficiency, while increasing the endurance capacity of skating muscles, and at the same time improve aerobic-cardiovascular fitness? The short answer is, “YES.” There are many workouts that contribute to skating endurance, but any solution – whether on the ice or off – must incorporate High Intensity Interval Training, not long, slow distances. Remember, it is SPEED we’d like to maintain for the whole game.The slide

Photo: Eileen Ness Photography

E-mail the following information to editor@letsplayhockey.com: Goalie’s name, team name, level, opponent, shutout date, total saves, final score, mailing address

E-mail the following information to editor@letsplayhockey.com: Player’s name, team name, level of play, opponent, date of game, # of goals/assists, final score, mailing address Submitted hat tricks/playmakers from recent games are below. The complete list will appear on stateofhockey.com. Two players each week will be randomly chosen to win gear from Kobe.

2017-18 Kobe Sportswear Hat Trick/Playmaker Wall

* This week’s prize winners

Opponent Jefferson St. Cloud Alexandria Blaine Blaine St. Paul Caps Blaine St. Paul Caps Warroad Edina Green Crookston Burnsville/AV Wayzata Royal WBL Black Wayzata Royal Armstrong/Cooper Wayzata Royal Buffalo Cloquet AA Elk River Kennedy/Richfield

Date Dec. 6, 2018 Dec. 8, 2018 Dec. 9, 2018 Dec. 9, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018 Dec. 18, 2018 Dec. 21, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 22, 2018 Dec. 23, 2018 Dec. 27, 2018 Dec. 28, 2018 Dec. 28, 2018 Farmington Orange Dec. 29, 2018 Farmington Orange Dec. 29, 2018 Langford Park Jan. 4, 2019 Langford Park Jan. 4, 2019 Farmington Jan. 5, 2019 River Falls Black Jan. 6, 2019

G-A--P 3-1--4 3-0--3 3-1--4 4-0--4 3-0--3 0-3--3 1-3--4 3-0--3 3-2--5 3-0--3 0-3--3 4-0--4 0-3--3 3-0--3 0-4--4 3-0--3 3-2--5 3-1--4 3-0--3 5-2--5 3-0--3 0-3--3 4-0--4 4-0--4 0-3--3 3-1--4 3-0--3

Daub WB, 1983. Specificity of physiologic responses from ice hockey training. MED SCIENCE SPORTS and EXERCISE, Vol 15(4): 290-294.

Know a goalie who posted a shutout? Let us know for a chance to win gear from Carroll Goalie School and Brian’s Custom Sports!

Know a youth hockey player who scored three goals or three assists in one game? Let us know for a chance to win gear from Kobe Sportswear!

Player Team Mason Garcia Kennedy/Richfield PeeWee A Brody Goodnature Owatonna PeeWee B Brody Goodnature Owatonna PeeWee B Kaden Julik Coon Rapids Squirt A Cooper Anderson Elk River PeeWee AA Adelaide Marr Roseville 10U B White Kole Mears Elk River PeeWee AA Kacy Nguyen Roseville 10U B White Braydin Lund Thief River Falls PeeWee A Ryder Peace Shakopee PeeWee B1 Jackson Boyer Thief River Falls PeeWee A Mason Garcia Kennedy/Richfield PeeWee A Hugh Kocourek Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Adelaide Marr Roseville 10U B White Rocco Murray Pezzella Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Will Morse Wayzata Squirt B2 Royal Alexander Pasdo Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Kole Mears * Elk River PeeWee AA Mason Garcia Kennedy/Richfield PeeWee A Mason Garcia Kennedy/Richfield PeeWee A Alexander Pasdo Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Gavin Jensen Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Alexander Pasdo Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Jake Carpenter South St. Paul PeeWee C Jamison Hammond * South St. Paul PeeWee C Oliver Brasel Roseville Squirt C Kayla Nguyen Roseville 10U B White

board is one solution. Eric Heiden and his coach, Diane Holum, wore their slide board out in preparation for the 1980 Olympics, where he eventually won ALL FIVE speedskating events. It would be impossible in track to win all the sprints and distance races, but Heiden did it because of the skating-specific efficiency and endurance he developed from legendary workouts: low skate-walks around a golf course with a sand-bag on his

shoulders, weighted skate jumps, sprints, hills and strength training. He “rested” in an isometric squat position for a half hour, rehydrated and continued training. Slide board workouts should feel just like skating. Swing your arms and shoulders freely, so your torso actually rotates slightly as you push to the side from your hips (abduction first, then hip rotation and extension). This is the movement pattern in every skating stride. Bend your knees – from the first rep to the last. This requires discipline, because it can get painful. Use video, and have a training partner watch for good squat posture with your weight more toward the heels than the toes. Use a 1-to-2 work-to-rest ratio. In other words, pretend there are three of you training on the same slide board – one works while two rest and recover. As muscular endurance improves, add more sets and reps, but start with five sets (perhaps 10, 12, 14, 12, 10 reps per set). I encourage everyone to visit a speedskating competition or practice and observe the athletes. Then ask, what if hockey trained legs as hard and intelligently as they do? How fast could our sport be?

Score 5-4 9-2 5-4 8-2 5-2 9-1 5-2 9-1 6-7 5-2 6-2 7-1 11-1 6-4 11-1 8-1 11-1 6-1 5-3 9-2 8-0 7-0 7-0 8-0 8-0 4-5 5-0

Submitted shutouts from recent games played are below. The complete list of submitted shutouts will appear on stateofhockey.com. One goalie each week will be randomly chosen to win gear from Carroll Goalie School or Brian’s.

2018-19 Carroll Goalie School/Brian’s Shutout Wall Player Ericah Folden Tiago Hettig Benny J. Jensen Neelah McLeod Helen Sautter Rebecca Albertson Garret Wenninger Henry Charcut Ari Sigelman Maverick Kuhl Wynter Cunningham Allison Johnson Ryan Pellinger Mikey Shroat Casey Anderson Conner Roff Max Worthington Casey Anderson Caden Conoryea * Ryan Pellinger Caden Conoryea Ericah Folden Rebecca Albertson Alayna Adamez Zach Becker Lauren VanVickle Bennett Wilmer Alayna Adamez Drake Bowman Derek Rakotz Bennett Wilmer Alayna Adamez Addison Larson Allison Olson Ryan Pellinger * This week’s prize winner

Team Opponent Date Brainerd/Little Falls 12U A GR/Greenway Dec. 16, 2018 Le Sueur/St. Peter Squirt B White Mankato Purple Dec. 16, 2018 Cottage Grove Squirt C Grey Woodbury Black Dec. 16, 2018 Proctor/Hermantown 12U A Alexandria Dec. 16, 2018 Minneapols 10U B Orange WBL Black Dec. 16, 2018 OMGHA 15U B Black Bloomington Dec. 18, 2018 Mankato West HS Faribault Dec. 18, 2018 Minneapolis Squirt B1 Orange North Metro Dec. 19, 2018 Minneapolis Squirt B1 Orange North Metro Dec. 19, 2018 Wayzata Squirt B1 Blue Mpls Orange Dec. 22, 2018 Stillwater 10U A MV/Irondale Dec. 23, 2018 Owatonna 10U B Faribault Dec. 23, 2018 Wayzata Squirt B1 Navy Armstrong/Cooper Dec. 23, 2018 Minneapolis PeeWee A Osseo/Maple Grove Dec. 27, 2018 Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Kennedy/Richfield Dec. 28, 2018 Thief River Falls PeeWee A Virginia Dec. 28, 2018 CCHA Squirt B1 Purple Burnsville/AV Dec. 28, 2018 Mpls PeeWee B2 Purple Farmington Orange Dec. 29, 2018 Sibley Area Squirt A Eagan Dec. 29, 2018 Wayzata Squirt B1 Navy North Metro Dec. 29, 2018 Sibley Area Squirt A Arapahoe Dec. 30, 2018 Brainerd 12U A East Grand Forks Dec. 30, 2018 OMGHA 15U B Black Minnetonka Jan. 2, 2019 Cottage Grove 10U B Green Hastings Jan. 3, 2019 South St. Paul PeeWee C Langford Park Jan. 4, 2019 Sauk Rapids/Sartell 10U Alexandria Jan. 4, 2019 Eden Prairie Squirt A St. Cloud Jan. 4, 2019 Cottage Grove 10U B Green Sibley Gold Jan. 5, 2019 Somerset Squirt A Menomonie Jan. 5, 2019 St. Cloud Squirt A Marshall Jan. 5, 2019 Eden Prairie Squirt A LDC Jan. 5, 2019 Cottage Grove 10U B Green Rosemount Green Jan. 6, 2019 Roseville 10U B White River Falls Black Jan. 6, 2019 OMGHA 12U B White OMG Black Jan. 6, 2019 Wayzata Squirt B1 Navy St. Louis Park Jan. 6, 2019

Saves 11 11 25 28

10 16 5 10 18 12 29 20 18 13 6 28 17 17 11 14 9 5 13 15

Score 4-0 4-0 6-0 4-0 4-0 5-0 3-0 3-0 8-0 6-0 5-0 7-0 2-0 8-0 4-0 10-0 7-0 5-0 7-0 6-0 5-0 4-0 5-0 8-0 2-0 3-0 6-0 3-0 7-0 10-0 4-0 5-0 2-0 3-0

January 10, 2019

By Andy Ness As teams are at about the midway point of the season, habits become so critical. How can we get skaters to become better and continuing to improve? When I work with the pros in the summer, there is so much attention to detail while working on skating. If younger skaters were able to learn this concept, they would make great strides throughout the year. Granted, we are working on skating and skating-specific drills in the summer, but the general idea always applies. Practice makes permanent, practice how you play, and make sure you focus on details each and every practice. In reality, there are thousands of skaters beyond college that play at the next level (minor and European leagues included). There are so many pro leagues and there are so many good players. What are some of the traits that make the top players the top players? First, work ethic is a foregone conclusion. Everybody works hard. When doing the skating sessions in New Jersey and Minnesota for the summer develop-

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Building practice habits

ment camp, everyone has an incredible work ethic. There are over 50 draft picks and free agents that attend these camps each summer and every NHL team has one. When players show up, they tend to find out quickly that there are tons of guys in their very same position. Everyone wants to get to the highest level. The difference when we look at skating is the player’s ability to have what I like to call “uberfocus.” These are the guys that understand and process what is being taught and are able to put it into action. It goes from their brain to their feet, and they are able to execute the skating skill fluidly. When looking at youth levels, there can tend to be a “good enough” aspect to skating skills. Drills may be done, but are they done well? Are drills used as fillers or with a purpose? The biggest key when looking at drills is that there is an enormous difference between doing a skill and doing a skill well. Players can do skating skills, but can they focus on the details of every skill to make improvements? Details are what separates the great skaters from the good

skaters. It is what allows skaters to make improvements as well as form good habits. While working with the top level skaters during the summer, an hour is 60 minutes of WORK. There is no wasted time. Every minute counts, and it is how much energy and effort that is put into the specific time frame that is the key. It really comes down to what results come out of each and every session. Sixty- or 90-minute sessions are really just an arbitrary number. A wasted session is a wasted session regardless of time. When working with NHL skaters, their time is at a premium, so we better get the results we want out of the session. Finally, results are results. Things today have definitely changed. Sometimes we feel as if we need to “wow” kids with drills when really sometimes good old “keeping it simple” drills are the key. I do like being creative, always trying to come up with new drills and different ways to teach the same skill. It is what keeps things fresh for coach and skater alike. With that said, always coming back to the basics seems to work the best. While recently rehabbing a number of

skaters, it always seems to come back to the fundamentals. Can you execute the fundamentals? That is the key to really any sport. One thing I noticed about the higher level skaters is that their fundamentals are so much more consistent. For example, I was giving passes to Zach Parise in the slot for him to catch and shoot quickly. The key was that I was giving him bad passes – bouncing pucks, pucks in skates, pucks on the backhand. The thing was that it didn’t matter. The result was always a quality shot on net. If I did this same drill with a good youth player, we would be lucky to get quality shots off on 50 percent of the pucks. We always stress quality repetition because that is where the improvement happens. Keep working and 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.

The United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum & Let’s Play Hockey salute:

Vic Heyliger 1974 Hall of Fame Enshrinee Vic Heyliger, with his ever-present cigar clenched between his teeth, came out of the East to forge an outstanding coaching record at his alma mater, Michigan, as well as at the University of Illinois and the United States Air Force Academy. The stocky, black-haired coach played high school hockey at Concord and prep school hockey at the Lawrence Academy in Groton, Conn. Entering Michigan in 1934, he starred in 1935-36-37, earning All-American honors at forward. He scored 116 goals, a school record at the time, which was later broken by one of his players, Gordon McMillan. Following graduation in 1937, Heyliger played for the Chicago Blackhawks in 1937-38 and 1943-44 while sandwiching in coaching at Illinois in the intervening years. With the Blackhawks, Heyliger alternated at left wing and center with Johnny Gottselig, who later coached the Chicago team. He attributed his own development as a coach to the teaching of former Blackhawk coaches Bill Stewart and Paul Thompson. Heyliger’s greatest years were at Michigan. Starting with the first NCAA Championships ever staged in 1948 at Colorado Springs the Wolverines captured six national titles. Dartmouth fell 8-4 that year to be followed by Boston College in 1951, Colorado College in 1952, and Minnesota in 1953. The later victory was particularly noteworthy as the Gophers had defeated the Wolverines in three of the four regular season meetings. 1955 saw Michigan oppose Colorado College in the final and take home a 5-3 victory. Heyliger’s sixth and final national title followed the next year with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over St. Lawrence when Michigan’s Tom Rendall scored from the faceoff. Among the outstanding American players coached by Heyliger at Michigan were John Matchefts and Willard Ikola. Both helped the United States to a silver medal victory in the 1950 Olympics. After a period of retirement, Heyliger became coach at the United States Air Force Academy guiding that relatively new hockey program through its early years before retiring at the close of the 1973-74 season.

Visit the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Eveleth, Minn. • www.ushockeyhallmuseum.com Honoring America’s Hockey Heritage

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

The danger of elitism with young athletes

By Josh Levine Let’s Play Hockey

pointing season, they take it as a reflection of their self-worth. Perhaps the best way to develop elite hockey players is to ensure they mature into more than just talented athletes. This way, when they face adversity, they’ll have much more in life that puts hockey into perspective and helps them overcome. http://www.minnesotahockey.org/page/ show/87022-boys-high-performance-15 1

Photo: Christine Wisch

The dark side of youth and high school sports occurs in the shadows. The root cause is “elitism” – the marketing of nineyear-old players as “all stars”, the parental boasting of their player’s “talent”, and the social validation (online, at school, and home) youth receive for being successful athletes. All of these factors can harm youth and high school athletes, while probably making it tougher for them to succeed on the ice, in the classroom, and beyond. Imagine a high school skater who has been told he was elite since middle school. This player’s life, his social validation, his perception of self-worth has been tied up in these terms. He’s been told, “You’re a great hockey player.” While this is not inherently dangerous, in most cases that sentence is uttered far more than “you’re a great teammate and hard worker” or “you’re a dedicated student”. This player’s life becomes identified as a talented hockey player. What happens now as this player slowly

descends from the elite ranks? Who is he? Does he have a life outside of hockey? Any other hobbies or interests? It is at this point that the real dangers of elitism come to fruition. But few are paying attention. It is not uncommon to be considered elite one year and to not be the next. Even when athletes are in high school, the turnover at the elite level can be surprisingly high. In 2012, the Minnesota high performance program saw a 58 percent turnover from the previous year’s National 15 list and a 38 percent turnover from the previous year’s National 16 list1. Players develop at different rates. Look at goaltender Adam Carlson who was cut twice from Edina’s high school program, yet signed an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals. The dangers of “elitism” extend beyond the athlete who was elite and then was sur-

passed by the competition. They include many athletes that play high level hockey. Why? Because they’ve been told their performance is who they are. When they have a bad stretch of games or perhaps a disap-

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.

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Officially Speaking: An open letter to all associations and schedulers

100 games! What? That’s right, 100 games. One hundred games is the amount of experience it takes for a new referee to actually know what’s going on. C’mon OS. I’ve played hockey my whole life. I know the game better than most zebras. And you’re just the guy I’m writing about. Look, with tournaments going on throughout the holiday season, OS has heard complaints emanating from three different states about the quality of officiating – meaning lack of experience. In particular, OS has received beefs about green officials handling high-level Squirt and PeeWee games, with numerous erroneous calls involving black-and-white rules interpretations that oftentimes significantly changed the outcome of the contest. I’m talking simple things like high-sticking faceoff locations, delayed penalties goals versus shorthanded teams and similar issues that, coincidentally, OS wrote about in last month’s piece. One hundred games. Yeah, OS played hockey for years before donning stripes. And that’s when everything changes. Simple things like staying out of the play, performing split-second mental decisions and even learning how to confidently assess a simple penalty. Don’t let anyone tell you that two dozen games makes a Kerry Fraser.

Mark Lichtenfeld

Photo: Christine Wisch

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So back to the complaints. In one scenario, it was reported that a PeeWee game was staffed by two new officials with a combined experience of five games. Now, it’s understood that tournament time can be most difficult for associations to find enough officials to go around. But too many times it’s simply a matter of getting bodies there and hoping for the best. Which often turns into the worst. Plus, it’s not fair to out-of-town teams that pay decent money to stay and play. And it definitely can be an embarrassment for the local organization.

Naturally, no one wins in these situations. Particularly the inexperienced referee who suddenly panics from the Rule 601 abuse, and there you have it – complete inability to retain the youngster for the next year’s Level 2. Let’s shoot for a minimum combined 50 games under the belt. Maybe 25 for house. And 25 should be the bare minimum in the utmost emergency scenario when no one can be found. Of course, 100 games is best, but OS is realistic. So let this column be a reminder. Sure, a coach fosters the abuse. But oftentimes, this can be easily rectified by placing at least one reasonably-experienced official on a two-person crew to begin with. With MLK and Presidents’ Day tournaments on the horizon, let’s at least try. 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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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

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Champions crowned at 2018 Schwan’s Cup The tournament will return in 2019 with a new name and partner, the Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

The 18 annual Schwan’s Cup high school hockey tournament ended its six-day run on New Year’s Day, with the final three boys’ champions being crowned after title games at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. A total of 28 boys’ varsity teams competed in four divisions. Forty girls’ varsity teams played in five divisions. This year, games were played at the Schwan Super Rink, Aldrich Arena and Ridder Arena. Congratulations to these nine new Schwan’s Cup champions: • Boys’ Gold: Cretin-Derham Hall • Boys’ Silver: Hudson, Wis. • Boys’ Bronze: University School of Milwaukee • Boys’ Open: Marshall • Girls’ Gold: Blake • Girls’ Silver: Buffalo • Girls’ Bronze: East Ridge • Girls’ Open American: Chisago Lakes • Girls’ Open National: Western Wisconsin Stars The National Sports Center, owner of the tournament, also announced that Schwan’s 17-year sponsorship of the tournament will end after this year’s edition. The tournament will continue from 2019 onward with a new name, the Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, with a partnership with the Herb Brooks Foundation. th

“Schwan’s is a proud supporter of youth athletics across the state of Minnesota and has deeply appreciated the opportunity to work with the National Sports Center on the Schwan’s Cup for nearly 20 years,” said Mike Smith, vice president, corporate communications, public relations, sponsorships & events for Schwan’s Company. “We are excited to pass the puck to the Herb Brooks Foundation as they take the lead on the annual holiday tradition of staging a great hockey experience for high schoolers and fans. We wish the event nothing but success in the years to come and look forward to continuing our support of thousands of youth hockey players at the Schwan’s supported Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall, Minnesota.” The tournament started in 2001 as the Capital City Classic, with just eight varsity teams playing at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Schwan’s joined as the tournament’s title sponsor the next year, 2002, and has been the title sponsor

through the 2018 edition. Over the years, 1,788 varsity and junior-varsity high school teams have played in Schwan’s Cup – 820 girls’ teams and 968 boys’ teams. A total of 214 championship banners have been raised (112 boys’ teams and 102 for the girls). A total of 3,120 games have been played, 43,584 high school players have taken the ice, and Schwan’s Cup games have been played in front of an estimated 118,000 spectators, and for several years, a live television audience on Fox Sports North. Dozens of Schwan’s Cup players have gone on to hockey greatness. Gigi Marvin (Warroad HS) and Ryan McDonough (Cretin-Derham Hall) played on USA Olympic teams. Many other Schwan’s Cup alumni played for Team USA at various World Championships, including Nick Bjugstad (Blaine), Sarah Erickson (Bemidji), Max Iverson (Edina), Gabby Hughes (Centennial), Keegan Iverson

(Breck), Anders Lee (St. Thomas Academy and Edina), Brian Lee (Moorhead), Vinnie Lettieri (Minnetonka), Anneke Linser (Centennial), Milica McMillen (Breck) and Casey Mittelstadt (Eden Prairie). And then there are the Schwan’s Cup alumni who went on to play in the NHL — Jonny Brodzinski (Blaine, Kings), Michael Brodzinski (Blaine, Sharks), Stephen Fogerty (Edina, Rangers), Jake Gardiner (Minnetonka, Maple Leafs), Jake Guentzel (Hill-Murray, Penguins), Anders Lee (Edina, Islanders), Brian Lee (Moorhead, Senators and Lightning), Vinnie Lettieri (Minnetonka, Rangers), Ryan McDonough (Cretin Durham Hall, Rangers and Lightning), Casey Mittelstadt (Eden Prairie, Sabres), Tyler Pitlick (Centennial, Oilers and Stars) and Dom Toninato (Duluth East, Avalanche). Schwan’s Cup games have been played at 11 different venues over the years: Aldrich Arena, Brooklyn Park Arena, Centennial Arena, Champlin Park Arena, Charles M. Schulz--Highland Arena,, Columbia Arena, Mariucci Arena, Ridder Arena, Roseville Arena, Schwan Super Rink, and the Xcel Energy Center. It’s a proud history of high school hockey, and the National Sports Center thanks the Schwan’s Company for their long-time support of high school hockey in The State of Hockey.

Boys’ Gold Champion: Cretin-Derham Hall

Boys’ Silver Champion: Hudson

Boys’ Bronze Champion: University School of Milwaukee

Boys’ Open Champion: Marshall

Girls’ Gold Champion: Blake

Girls’ Silver Champion: Buffalo

Girls’ Bronze Champion: East Ridge

Girls’ Open American Champion: Chisago Lakes

Girls’ Open American Champion: Western Wisconsin Stars

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Predicting the 2019 Champions National Hockey League 2018 Champion Washington

2018 Favorite (odds) Tampa Bay (4/1)

Minnesota State High School League – Girls Class AA Minnesota team (odds) Minnesota (35/1)

Our prediction for 2019 The Minnesota Wild miss the playoffs for the first time since 2012, with big changes coming both at the trade deadline and in the offseason.Tampa Bay wins its second Cup, defeating Winnipeg in six games in the Final.

NCAA Division I Men 2018 Champion Minnesota Duluth

Current No. 1 St. Cloud State

Minnesota teams (rank) Minnesota (2), Bemidji State (NR), Minnesota Duluth (NR), Minnesota State (NR), St. Cloud State (NR)

Our prediction for 2019 For the 16th time in 19 years, a team from a western school wins the NCAA Frozen Four as Wisconsin shuts out Cornell in the title game.

NCAA Division III Men 2018 Champion St. Norbert

Current No. 1 Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Our prediction for 2019 Blake edges Edina in the Section 6AA final and defeats Forest Lake to win its fifth state title in seven years behind the strength of six players committed to a Division I school.

2018 Champion Orono

Current No. 1 St. Cloud Cathedral

Our prediction for 2019 Hermantown captures its fourth state championship, knocking off Mahtomedi in a state title game for the ages. The championship game will mark Hermantown’s final game in Class A.

Minnesota State High School League – Girls Class A

NCAA Division I Women Current No. 1 Wisconsin

Current No. 1 Blake

Minnesota State High School League – Boys Class A Other Minnesota teams (rank) Minnesota Duluth (3), Minnesota State (8), Bemidji State (NR), Minnesota (NR)

Our prediction for 2019 The NCHC wins its fourth straight national title as St. Cloud State defeats Quinnipiac to become the second consecutive team from Minnesota to win an NCAA championship in Buffalo, N.Y.

2018 Champion Clarkson

2018 Champion Edina

Ranked Minnesota teams Augsburg (5), St. Scholastica (10), Concordia (RV)

Our prediction for 2019 Geneseo captures its first NCAA Championship, defeating UW-Stevens Point in the title game.

2018 Champion Breck

Current No. 1 Warroad

Our prediction for 2019 On the shoulders of Senior Goalie of the Year candidate Quinn Kuntz, Warroad wins its first state title since 2011, edging Breck in the championship game.

Minnesota-Grown Champions Area players who won 2017-18 league titles

PRO NHL: Washington Capitals – Travis Boyd (Hopkins), Shane Gersich (Chaska), Matt Niskanen (Virginia), T.J. Oshie (Warroad)

NCAA Division III Women 2018 Champion Norwich

Current No. 1 Adrian

Ranked Minnesota teams St. Thomas (7), Hamline (8), Gustavus (10), Augsburg (RV)

Our prediction for 2019 Plattsburgh wins its fifth national championship in the last six years, downing UW-River Falls in the title game.

Current top team Muskegon (.810)

Minnesota teams n/a

Our prediction for 2019 The Muskegon Lumberjacks capture their first ever Clark Cup, defeating Tri-City in four games.

Current top team Johnstown (.853)

Swedish Hockey League: Växjö Lakers HC – Ben Youds (Brooklyn Park)

Elite Women’s Hockey League (Europe): Vienna Sabres – Laura Bowman (Minneapolis), Hillary Crowe (Eden Prairie)

COLLEGE

North American Hockey League 2018 Champion Shreveport

Liiga (Finland): Kärpät – Teemu Kivihalme (Burnsville)

National Women’s Hockey League: Metropolitan Riveters – Hillary Crowe (Eden Prairie)

United States Hockey League 2018 Champion Fargo

AHL: Toronto Marlies – Justin Holl (Tonka Bay)

Minnesota teams (win %) MN Magicians (.710), Austin (.694), MN Wilderness (.565)

NCAA Division I Men: Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs – Joey Anderson (Roseville), Matt Anderson (Shakopee), Mikey Anderson (Roseville), Kobe Bender (Cloquet), Peter Krieger (Oakdale), Karson Kuhlman (Esko), Nick McCormack (Ramsey), Scott Perunovich (Hibbing), Avery Peterson (Grand Rapids), Louie Roehl (Eden Prairie),

Our prediction for 2019 The Aberdeen Wings win their first ever Robertson Cup, defeating Johnstown in three games.

U.S. Premier Hockey League – Premier 2018 Champion Hampton Roads

Current top team Hampton Roads (.948)

Minnesota teams (win %) MN Moose (.710), MN Blue Ox (.638), Rum River (.597), MN Mullets (.548), Kasson (.279), Steele County (.200)

Our prediction for 2019 The Hampton Roads Whalers cruise to championships at both the Premier and Elite divisions.

Kobe Roth (Warroad), Dylan Samberg (Hermantown), Hunter Shepard (Cohasset), Nick Swaney (Lakeville), Jared Thomas (Hermantown), Riley Tufte (Blaine), Nick Wolff (Eagan) NCAA Division I Women: Clarkson Golden Knights – Jenna Brenneman (Eagan), Taylor Turnquist (Blaine) NCAA Division III Women: Norwich Cadets – Sophie McGovern (Hermantown) ACHA Division 2 Men: Florida Gulf Coast Eagles – Drake Stimpson (Brooklyn Park) ACHA Division 1 Women: Liberty Lady Flames – Lauren McDonald (Rochester)

Superior International Junior Hockey League 2018 Champion Dryden

Current top team Thunder Bay (.917)

Minnesota teams (win %) Thief River Falls (.621), Minnesota (.103)

JUNIOR BCHL: Wenatchee Wild – Seth Eisele (Stillwater)

Our prediction for 2019 The Thunder Bay North Stars capture their first ever Salonen Cup, defeating Thief River Falls in the finals.

MJHL: Steinbach Pistons – Austin Heidemann (Maple Grove), Jack Johnson (Bemidji), Jaret Lalli (Bemidji), Alec Severson (Roseau), Brady Tatro (Bemidji)

North American 3 Hockey League 2018 Champion Metro

Current top team Lewiston/Auburn (.906)

Minnesota teams (win %) Granite City (.833), Rochester (.724), New Ulm (.554), Alexandria (.500), Breezy Point (.317), Willmar (.233)

Our prediction for 2019 The L/A Nordiques win their first ever Fraser Cup, defeating Binghamton in the finals.

NAHL: Shreveport Mudbugs – Andrew Erwin (Eden Prairie), Jacob Holmers (Plymouth), Jack Jaunich (White Bear Lake), Nikolai Jenson (Cold Spring) SIJHL: Dryden Ice Dogs – Tristan Knott (Red Lake Falls), Eric Stout (Brainerd) USHL: Fargo Force – Ryan Bischel (Medina), Connor Mayer (Champlin), Spencer Meier (Sartell), Ben Meyers

Minnesota State High School League – Boys Class AA 2018 Champion Minnetonka

Current No. 1 Minnetonka

Our prediction for 2019 Minnetonka becomes the first Class AA team to repeat as state champions since Edina in 2013 & 2014, defeating Maple Grove in the title game.

(Delano), John Schuldt (Minnetonka), Mark Senden (Medina), Robbie Stucker (St. Paul), Blaine Warnert (Chaska) USPHL Premier: Hampton Roads Whalers – Matt Hanchon (Bemidji ), Brandon Leitz (Savage) WSHL: El Paso Rhinos – Nicholas Hames (St. Louis Park)

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

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The Hockey Doc: FCL injuries The Minnesota Wild and West Bend Mutual Insurance have launched a new captain spotlight program for this season. The West Bend Hockey Captain Spotlight program will honor two high school hockey captains per month, November through March. Candidates will be chosen based on the following criteria: • Demonstrates a passion for the sport of hockey • Exemplifies leadership and hard work

on the ice and in the classroom • Exhibits qualities of a good teammate • Contributes to their local community • Goes above and beyond to help create a greater State of Hockey The 10 honorees will receive two tickets to the Minnesota Wild game against the Boston Bruins on Thursday, April 4, a custom Wild jersey and be highlighted on the video board and on Wild social media the day of the game.

December 2018 Hockey Captains

Name: Lukas Haugen School: Southwest Christian/Richfield Age: 18 Position: Goalie

Name: Emily Wisnewski School: Wayzata Age: 18 Position: Defense

2018-19 NCAA Statistical Leaders Save Percentage (minimum 50 percent of team’s minutes) Goalie Team GP MIN W-L-T Andrew Shortridge Quinnipiac 9 495:06 7-1-1 Tommy Nappier Ohio State 11 623:16 7-1-2 Stefanos Lekkas Vermont 18 1091:13 8-9-1 Joey Daccord Arizona State 24 1443:08 16-7-1 Western Michigan 13 739:32 9-2-1 Trevor Gorsuch Ryan Larkin Miami 16 915:20 8-5-2 Matt Murray Massachusetts 13 778:50 12-1-0 Cale Morris Notre Dame 16 931:35 9-6-1 Devin Cooley Denver 14 809:30 8-4-1 Owen Savory Rensselaer 9 474:17 1-6-0 Ryan Bednard Bowling Green 17 1023:20 12-3-2 Darion Hanson Union 11 624:05 5-2-3 Sam Tucker Yale 8 439:44 4-3-1

SO 3 3 0 6 2 3 0 2 2 0 2 0 1

GA 8 16 40 50 24 32 24 34 28 21 30 24 15

GAA 0.97 1.54 2.20 2.08 1.95 2.10 1.85 2.19 2.08 2.66 1.76 2.31 2.05

SV 196 285 573 697 327 432 322 456 369 276 388 309 193

SV% .961 .947 .935 .933 .932 .931 .931 .931 .929 .929 .928 .928 .928

Goals-Against Average (minimum 50 percent of team’s minutes) Goalie Team GP MIN W-L-T Andrew Shortridge Quinnipiac 9 495:06 7-1-1 Tommy Nappier Ohio State 11 623:16 7-1-2 Mathias Israelsson Minnesota State 9 449:04 7-1-0 Ryan Bednard Bowling Green 17 1023:20 12-3-2 Matt Murray Massachusetts 13 778:50 12-1-0 Hunter Shepard Minnesota Duluth 18 1069:21 11-5-2 Jeff Smith St. Cloud State 7 381:46 4-1-1 Adam Scheel North Dakota 16 878:15 8-6-1 Hayden Hawkey Providence 19 1146:40 12-4-3

SO 3 3 1 2 0 2 2 1 4

SV 196 285 129 388 322 367 142 278 389

SV% .961 .947 .908 .928 .931 .918 .922 .908 .913

GA 8 16 13 30 24 33 12 28 37

GAA 0.97 1.54 1.74 1.76 1.85 1.85 1.89 1.91 1.94

Wins Goalie Joey Daccord Ryan Bednard Jake Kielly Matt Murray Hayden Hawkey

GAA 2.08 1.76 1.95 1.85 1.94

SV 697 388 431 322 389

SV% .933 .928 .927 .931 .913

SO 6 2 3 0 4

W-L-T 16-7-1 12-3-2 12-6-0 12-1-0 12-4-3

GAA 2.08 3.26 2.16 1.94

SV 697 427 542 389

Shutouts Goalie Joey Daccord Craig Pantano Atte Tolvanen Hayden Hawkey

Team Arizona State Bowling Green Clarkson Massachusetts Providence

GP 24 17 18 13 19

MIN 1443:08 1023:20 1046:45 778:50 1146:40

GA 50 30 34 24 37

GP 24 18 Northern Michigan 21 Providence 19

MIN 1443:08 939:05 1247:37 1146:40

W-L-T GA 16-7-1 50 5-10-1 51 11-10-0 45 12-4-3 37

Team Arizona State Merrimack

SV% .933 .893 .923 .913

SO 6 4 4 4

The Mike Richter Award annually honors the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey. The 2019 award will be presented during the 2019 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four in Buffalo, N.Y. Candidates for the Mike Richter Award will be determined by a vote of all 60 NCAA Division I men’s hockey head coaches. The finalists and winner will then be selected by a selection committee of coaches, scouts and members of the media.

Dr. Rob LAPrade

Question: I got checked on the inside of my leg and felt a pop on the outside of my knee. I was told that I have a partial tear of my lateral collateral ligament. How long will this take to heal, and what can I do to get back to playing hockey sooner?

Answer: The type of injury that you have is an injury to the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) on the outside of your knee, also known as the lateral collateral ligament. These types of injuries are much less common than medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, because most onice contact injuries happen when you are hit on the outside of your knee rather than the inside. The ligaments are usually damaged on the opposite side of where you were hit because your knee buckles away from the impact and stretches or tears the ligaments on the other side. The FCL is a very important structure to prevent the knee from feeling unstable when putting side-ways stress on your leg. This is especially true in hockey players who put more weight on the inside part of their knees when skating, which causes the outside to have more stress on it. If the FCL is torn, the knee joint can gap open on the outside and make it very difficult for any type of push-off or striding activities on the injured side. This is especially true in hockey players because most are bowlegged. The biggest concern in FCL injury is that when it is completely torn, it usually does not heal. This is in contrast to the MCL, on the inside of the knee, which almost always heals. If the FCL is only partially torn, it may heal with proper treatment in about 6-8 weeks. Therefore, it is very important to determine if there is a complete tear by using a good clinical exam, MRI scans, and stress x-rays. If there is a complete tear, a surgical reconstruction is recommended and the post-surgery off-ice recovery time is about 4-5 months. In your case, where there appears to be only a partial tear, it is important to give the ligament some time to heal before putting

significant stress on it, or it could heal in an elongated position and you could have ongoing instability problems. We usually recommend that athletes be braced for 2-3 weeks with no significant twisting, turning, or pivoting activities to minimize ligament stretching while it heals. To maintain your endurance prior to going back to any on-ice activities, you may bike with increasing resistance for the first 2-3 weeks while wearing a hinged brace – this inline activity will place little sideways stress on the knee that could stretch the ligament. For high level athletes with a partial tear, we usually recommend the use of a custom made medial compartment unloader brace. Even though it is called a “medial” brace because it is used to relieve compression on the inside of the knee, it is also effective for FCL injuries because it relieves stretching on the outside of the knee. Using this type of brace for the first 6-8 weeks after partial tears protects the FCL injury from going on to a complete tear. While it is possible that a well-fitted hinged knee brace may be effective, we believe that the use of the medial unloader brace significantly minimizes the risk of re-injury. About 1-2 weeks after the injury, we usually recommend that you can return to onice activities with the use of the medial unloader brace. For athletes that choose to return to on-ice activities prior to this time, the medial unloader brace is essential to minimize your chance of re-injury. We recommend that athletes use this brace for a minimum of three months, or until the end of the current season, to reduce their chance of re-injury or a complete tear. Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D. is a complex knee surgeon at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is very active in research for the prevention and treatment of ice hockey injuries. Dr. LaPrade is also the Chief Medical Research Officer at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute. Formerly, he was the team physician for the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team and a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the U of M. If you have a question for the Hockey Doc, e-mail it to editor@letsplayhockey.com.

Nominate your PeeWee or Bantam for the Patrick Schoonover Award

Fifth annual award to be presented at the 2019 Minnesota Boys’ High School Hockey State Tournament Banquet Nominations are currently being accepted for the fifth annual Patrick Schoonover Award to honor a Minnesota PeeWee or Bantam hockey player who best exemplifies Patrick’s ideals of hard work, high character, loyalty, honesty, humor and athletic achievement. On the ice for his Eastview Bantam AA team, Patrick Schoonover was a leader, defender and excellent teammate. Off the ice, he was a leader, defender, excellent friend and classmate, loving brother and son. In recognition of the way he led his life, Let’s Play Hockey and the Minnesota Wild are proud to present the Patrick Schoonover Award. Nominations can be made by youth hockey coaches and parents, with the winner selected by Let’s Play Hockey staff and

the Schoonover family. The winner of the 2019 Patrick Schoonover Award will be presented at the Boys’ High School Hockey State Tournament Banquet in March at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The winner will be featured in a permanent display for the award at Xcel Energy Center. Past winners: 2018 Joel Seethaler (Elk River PeeWee B2), 2017 Griffin Ludtke (Lakeville South Bantam AA), 2016 Josh Karels (Cottage Grove Bantam A), 2015 Ben Doherty (Alexandria Bantam A). To nominate a player for the Patrick Schoonover Award, go to www.stateofhockey.com/page/show/ 3801712-patrick-schoonover-award, or email editor@letsplayhockey.com to receive a nomination form. Nominations are due by noon on Friday, Feb. 16.

www.stateofhockey.com

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Hockey Day Minnesota 2019 just a week away Date Jan. 17 Jan. 18 Jan. 19

13th Annual Hockey Day Minnesota (HDM) presented by Wells Fargo is set for Jan. 17-19, in Bemidji, Minn. The telecast event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 19, and includes a full day of hockey programming beginning at 9 a.m. “Bemidji is raising the bar for Hockey Day Minnesota 2019 to be another spectacular celebration for the game we love,” said Minnesota Wild President Matt Majka. “We look forward to sharing these exciting matchups and experience with hockey fans throughout the State of Hockey.” “Bemidji and our entire region are excited to host Hockey Day Minnesota 2019 and it’s been incredible to see the amount of local support we’ve received since it was

By Hal TTear ear se earse Providence Academy Hockey Director/ Varsity Head Coach

By Kevin Bourassa We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors! This theme is becoming more and more popular throughout youth sports. More teams and associations are looking for community members to help defer some costs for that team or their association. They are the lifeblood of many organizations. Recently, a Mounds View/Irondale PeeWee team had their team sponsors in to talk to the team. They talked what sports meant to them growing up, and what it means to give back to the community, as well as wished them luck on the upcoming game and season. Chris Bale talked about his childhood and what it meant to play with

HOCKEY DA Y MINNESOTA 2019 GAMES DAY Game Bemidji vs. Woodbury (girls) Bemidji State vs. Michigan Tech (men) Minnetonka vs. Andover (boys)* Bemidji State vs. Minnesota State (women)* Bemidji vs. Greenway (boys)* Bemidji State vs. Michigan Tech (men) Minnesota Wild vs. Columbuis Blue Jackets* * televised live

shore. The outdoor games will feature the first Division I men’s hockey game on the Hockey Day rink when Bemidji State faces conference rival Michigan Tech University on Friday, Jan. 18. “The bar has been raised every year for this event and we are working to make it even bigger and better,” said Bissonette. “I’m confident our city, our region, and the State of Hockey will be very proud of Hockey Day Minnesota Bemidji 2019!” “It’s remarkable to see how Hockey Day Minnesota continues to grow year after year. Bemidji has already stepped up in a big way, we’re really looking forward to seeing what new elements they bring to the big day,” said Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President and General Manager for FOX Sports North. The three-day weekend will kick-off on Thursday, Jan. 17 with a girls’ high school hockey match-up between the Bemidji Lumberjacks and Woodbury Royals. FOX Sports North will televise four of the five match-

“Coach said ...”

program as fewer kids develop the passion they need to sustain their participation and fulfill their potential. Transformational coaches are concerned about developing the players’ mind, body and spirit. Transformational coaches can change the lives of their players in a positive direction and give the players the skills they need to succeed in life and not just in hockey. A transformational youth coach: • Plays all players regardless of game situ-

ations. • Treats all players fairly. • Models sportsmanship. • Teaches respect for the game, teammates, officials and opponents. • Is patient and takes time with every player to help them overcome obstacles and build confidence. • Understands that to be successful a coach needs to teach each individual and the team as a whole.

Venue Lake Bemidji Lake Bemidji Lake Bemidji Lake Bemidji Lake Bemidji Sanford Center Xcel Energy Center

ups on Saturday, Jan. 19, beginning with boys’ high school hockey between Minnetonka Skippers and Andover Huskies. The NHL takes the spotlight during primetime in a match-up featuring the Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets at Xcel Energy Center. Hockey Day Minnesota was originated in 2007 by the Minnesota Wild to celebrate the game that has made Minnesota the State of Hockey. It is produced in partnership with FOX Sports North, Minnesota Hockey and the respective local community that serves as host each year. Previous locations include Baudette Bay (2007, 2008), Phalen Park (2009), Hermantown (2010), Moorhead (2011), Minnetonka (2012), Grand Rapids (2013), Elk River (2014), Saint Paul (2015), Duluth (2016), Stillwater (2017) and St. Cloud (2018). For more information, visit www.wild.com/ hockeyday.

Photo: Christine Wisch

There are 53.8 million kids playing sports in the United States and the most common phrases they all say to each other and their parents is, “Coach said ….” Because kids pay close attention to what their coaches say and do, coaches hold great power to influence young people. Research shows that in the hierarchy of adults, coaches have the highest position in the minds and hearts of their players. Understanding this stature places quite a responsibility on youth and high school coaches. What you say, and do, matters. Coaches have a choice between being a transactional coach or TRANSFORMATIONAL coach. Transactional coaches are concerned primarily about winning games. The inevitable results are short benches, misplaced priorities, too many games and similar strategies that support winning as a priority. These strategies can be successful in the short run but they leave kids empty, uninspired and looking elsewhere for what they need. The strategies also drain the depth out of a

announced,” said Brian Bissonette, Marketing Lead of the Bemidji Local Organizing Committee. “Our hockey roots run deep, from our long-established youth and high school programs through Division I programs at Bemidji State University and we can’t wait to showcase that history and all of what the first city on the Mississippi has to offer.” Bemidji will be the first host city to make Hockey Day Minnesota into a three-day celebration. The broadcast lineup features four live games at two separate locations, three in Bemidji and one in Saint Paul. The first city on the Mississippi will serve as the backdrop for three games played on an outdoor rink constructed on Lake Bemidji’s south

Time 7 pm 7 pm 9:30 am 1 pm 4:30 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm

• Has a strong set of values that guide their daily interactions with individual players and the team. A transformational high school coach: • High school is supposedly about winning! But high school coaches can also be transformational and arguably their teenage players are desperate for this type of adult in their lives. This age group is where coaches can make the biggest impact on their players. • With all of the attention and pressure placed on high school players, their coaches need to help keep them grounded and provide an environment in which they can succeed regardless of the final. With all of the knowledge and resources we have about how to inspire and support our young people in sports, it only makes sense that we not tolerate anything but a transformational approach to coaching. This approach can be hard and it can be challenging at times, but the effort is worth it. Youth sports are called “youth sports” for a reason. It is about our kids. For more from longtime coach Hal Tearse, go to mminnesotahockey.blogspot.com.

Sponsors in youth sports

his friends and classmates. He also talked about the sacrifices every family makes in order to let their kids play sports. It was great to have them come in and say a few words. These two sponsors – Country Financial (Chris Bale) and InMotion (Megan Higginbothan) – have been on jerseys for years inside our hockey community. I do not recall them asking for anything in return. These two sponsors know what it means to give back to the community that they love. In their own way, they have guided kids about what

it means to be a part of a community. Sponsoring comes in all sorts. It is amazing what their gift can give to a team. The No. 1 thing is an enhanced experience for the players on that team. It provides extra money needed, be it for games, travel or some of the extra perks. It provides extra opportunities to enhance the game-day experience. In today’s age with the costs associated with youth sports, sponsoring is greatly appreciated. It helps teams and families navigate some difficult waters at times. It gives the

youth of today an opportunity that might not otherwise be afforded to them. We would like to say thanks to all of those that sponsor all the teams across the state and a very special thank you to Country Financial and InMotion for all that you have done and are doing for the youth of today. We, as parents, say thank you very much for helping us out. The Mounds View/ Irondale PeeWee team says THANK YOU! The players include: Zach Baird, Aiden Bale, Gavin Bourassa, Johnny Conlin, Clayton Derr, Tyler Guerin, Andrew Hermes, Emery Jungmann, DJ Koch, Owen Lee, Justin Obrochta, Mitchell Olson, Alex Sabev, Sam Schulte and Lincoln Urdahl. The team is coached by Darrell Schulte, Jared Lee, Troy Urdahl and Blake Guerin.

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

Off to college

Over 1,100 Minnesota natives have played NCAA Division I hockey the last seven seasons By Kevin Kurtt Let’s Play Hockey Editor Last November, thousands of athletes in numerous sports signed 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 Jan. 9, 240 Minnesotans (139 boys, 101 girls) have capped their recruiting process and have verbally or officially become scholarship college student-athletes. Among those 240 are 147 current high school hockey players (56 boys, 93 girls) who will continue their career at the Division I level. Hundreds more will play college hockey at one of the nation’s many Division III institutions. The numbers will only grow as the hockey season wears on with more commitments to come in the spring and summer. In addition to the 56 high school boys’ hockey players who will play college hockey, 80 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 48 and 16 future college hockey players from Minnesota, respectively. Another four Minnesota natives with Division I college commitments are currently playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Mich. On the girls’ side, 97 of the 101 Minnesota-based players set for college are playing high school hockey this season, including seven at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minn. The remaining four are playing for Gentry Academy in Vadnais Heights, Minn. Since the start of the 2010-11 season, 1,113 Minnesota natives (646 men, 467 women) have played college hockey at the Division I level. This season, Minnesota leads all states with 356 players in Division I, followed by Massachusetts (210), Michigan (187), New York (133) and Illinois (130). 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 68 Division I players – 41 men and 27 women. Following the Hornets are Benilde-St. Margaret’s (46 total DI players), Hill-Murray (42 ), Shattuck-St. Mary’s (40, Minnesota natives only), Eden Prairie (39) and Minnetonka (39). 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 240 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 online. 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 136 players today. Following the Great 8, 40 players are invited to represent Minnesota at the 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. As seen on the next page, the exposure opportunities have paid off for the 240 Minnesota natives who have committed to a men’s or women’s NCAA Division I hockey program. Playing college hockey is a dream of countless players in the State of Hockey. For over 1,110 players since 2010, that dream became reality.

Top-producing Minnesota High Schools to Division I Hockey (2010-19) • Top 50 # 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10

13 15 16 17

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

Enrollment 2626 892 629 482 2804 3044 2658 988 2191 523 478 3120 1500 1717 972 629 1721 305 2595 624 1838 1903 1378 2170 1514 283 1995

Men 41 27 29 31 21 22 16 26 17 6 11 16 13 14 12 16 14 8 9 14 4 3 13 7 12 6 11

Women 27 19 13 9 18 17 12 0 6 15 10 5 7 6 7 2 3 9 8 2 12 13 2 8 3 9 4

Total 68 46 42 40 39 39 28 26 23 21 21 21 20 20 19 18 17 17 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 15 15

# High School Eagan 29 Centennial 30 Cretin-Derham Hall 31 Andover Bloomington Jefferson 33 Cloquet Eastview 35 Apple Valley Bemidji Forest Lake Mounds View Totino-Grace 40 Brainerd East Grand Forks Hibbing Mahtomedi New Prague Red Wing South St. Paul 47 Chaska Holy Family St. Cloud Cathedral Thief River Falls 51 Alexandria International Falls St. Paul Academy Woodbury

Enrollment 1910 1888 1145 1638 1556 594 2058 1392 1179 1874 1712 734 1640 489 569 1136 1250 692 799 1270 394 438 546 1120 335 411 1776

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

Women 9 5 7 6 3 4 4 2 4 2 7 2 0 2 1 2 5 6 4 6 0 2 3 4 1 3 1

Total 15 13 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6

Top-producing Minnesota High Schools to Division I Hockey (2010-19) • By Enrollment 100-499 Students # High School 1 Shattuck-St. Mary’s 2 Breck 3 Roseau 4 Warroad 5 East Grand Forks 6 Holy Family St. Cloud Cathedral 8 International Falls St. Paul Academy 10 Duluth Marshall

Enrollment 482 478 305 283 489 394 438 335 411 282

Men 31 11 8 6 6 7 5 5 3 3

Women 9 10 9 9 2 0 2 1 3 2

Total 40 21 17 15 8 7 7 6 6 5

500-999 Students # High School 1 Benilde-St. Margaret’s 2 Hill-Murray 3 St. Thomas Academy 4 Blake 5 Grand Rapids 6 Hermantown 7 Holy Angels 8 Cloquet 9 Totino-Grace 10 Hibbing Red Wing South St. Paul

Enrollment 892 629 988 523 972 629 624 594 734 569 692 799

Men 27 29 26 6 12 16 14 6 7 7 2 4

Women 19 13 0 15 7 2 2 4 2 1 6 4

Total 46 42 26 21 19 18 16 10 9 8 8 8

1000-1999 Students # High School 1 Elk River 2 Lakeville North 3 Lakeville South 4 Hopkins Roseville 6 Duluth East Moorhead White Bear Lake 9 Eagan 10 Centennial

Enrollment 1500 1717 1721 1838 1903 1378 1514 1995 1910 1888

Men 13 14 14 4 3 13 12 11 5 8

Women 7 6 3 12 13 2 3 4 9 5

Total 20 20 17 16 16 15 15 15 15 13

2000+ Students # High School 1 Edina 2 Eden Prairie Minnetonka 4 Blaine 5 Burnsville 6 Wayzata 7 Stillwater 8 Maple Grove 9 Eastview 10 Rosemount

Enrollment 2626 2804 3044 2658 2191 3120 2595 2170 2058 2058

Men 41 21 22 16 17 16 9 7 6 2

Women 27 18 17 12 6 5 8 8 4 3

Total 68 39 39 28 23 21 17 15 10 5

www.stateofhockey.com

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Minnesota-Grown College Commitments Men’s Division I Name, Position Ben Almquist, F * Grant Anderson, D * Carter Batchelder, F * Jack Bayless, F * Chase Beacom, D * Cameron Berg, F Blake Biondi, F * Ryan Bischel, G Jake Boltmann, D * Cade Borchardt, F Tyler Borsch, D Jake Braccini, F * Brock Bremer, F Bobby Brink, F * Bryce Brodzinski, F * Cameron Buhl, F Evan Bushy, D Ray Christy, F * Rob Christy, F * Garrett Daly, D * Ben Dexheimer, D * Grant Docter, D * Henry Enebak, F * Gavin Enright, G Brock Faber, D * Chase Foley, D * Will Francis, D Ethan Frisch, D * Owen Gallatin, D * Darian Gotz, D * Luke Gramer, D * George Grannis, F * Ethan Haider, G * Jake Hale, F * Chase Hamstad, F * Joe Hankinson, F * Hobie Hedquist, G Ben Helgeson, F * Drew Helleson, D Sam Huff, F * Aaron Huglen, F * Justin Janicke, F * Trevor Janicke, F * Jack Jensen, F * Hunter Johannes, F Luke Johnson, D Jett Jungels, F * Jackson Jutting, F * Wyatt Kaiser, D * Connor Kelley, D * John Keranen, F Brandon Koch, D Carson Kosobud, D * Tyler Kostelecky, F * Mike Koster, D * Kyle Kukkonen, F * Trevor Kukkonen, F * Jackson LaCombe, D Teddy Lagerback, F * Jack Lagerstrom, D * Luke LaMaster, D * Taylor Lantz, F Shane LaVelle, F * Nick Leitner, D Luke Levandowski, F * Luke Loheit, F * Kyle Looft, D Chaz Lucius, F Cruz Lucius, F Griffin Ludtke, D Josh Luedtke, D * Keenan Lund, F Sam Malinski, D Luke Manning, F James Marooney, D * Jake Martin, D Connor Mayer, D * Devlin McCabe, F * Lucas McGregor, F * Jonny Meiers, F * Brady Meyer, F * Ben Meyers, F Zach Michaelis, F * Christian Miller, D * Joe Miller, F * John Mittelstadt, F * Luke Mittelstadt, D * Jared Moe, G Joe Molenaar, F * Jax Murray, F Henry Nelson, D * Jaxon Nelson, F * Griffin Ness, F * Mason Nevers, F * Bennett Norlin, F Nik Norman, F Brett Oberle, D * Joe Palodichuk, D * Jack Peart, D Keaton Pehrson, D * Jack Perbix, F Nick Pierre, F * Garrett Pinoniemi, F * Rhett Pitlick, F * Carter Randklev, F * Jake Ratzlaff, D * Marko Reifenberger, F Jack Robbel, G Christian Sanda, F Ryan Sandelin, F * Bram Scheerer, F * Colin Schmidt, F Spencer Schneider, F * Charlie Schoen, F * Nate Schweitzer, D * Grant Silianoff, F Jack Smith, F * Hank Sorenson, D John Stampohar, D Jaxson Stauber, G Levi Stauber, F * Casey Staum, D

Hometown Victoria Wayzata Eden Prairie Minnetonka Bloomington White Bear Lake Hermantown Medina Edina Burnsville Maple Grove Hanover Forest Lake Minnetonka Ham Lake South St. Paul Thief River Falls St. Paul St. Paul Lakeville Edina Golden Valley Lakeville Farmington Maple Grove West St. Paul Shoreview Moorhead Hugo Hermantown Moorhead Duluth Maple Grove Minneapolis White Bear Lake Edina Heron Lake Lake Elmo Farmington Maple Grove Roseau Maple Grove Maple Grove Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Edina Edina Prior Lake Ham Lake Maple Grove Delano Hastings Moorhead Maple Grove Chaska Maple Grove Maple Grove Chaska Chanhassen Edina Duluth Coleraine Chaska Bemidji Rosemount Minnetonka Mankato North Oaks North Oaks Lakeville Minnetonka Sartell Lakeville Stillwater Chaska White Bear Lake Champlin North Oaks Lino Lakes Eagan North Branch Delano Elk River Coleraine Minneapolis Eden Prairie Eden Prairie New Prague Minnetonka Elk River Maple Grove Luverne Wayzata Edina Farmington Maplewood Woodbury Cottage Grove Grand Rapids Lakeville Elk River Cottage Grove Delano Chaska Moorhead Rosemount Hastings Bloomington St. Paul Hermantown Edina Maple Grove Lakeville Andover Champlin Edina St. Cloud Plymouth Grand Rapids Wayzata Duluth Falcon Heights

2018-19 Team Cedar Rapids (USHL) Omaha (USHL) Eden Prairie HS Minnetonka HS Bloomington Kennedy HS Omaha (USHL) Hermantown HS Fargo (USHL) Edina HS Sioux Falls (USHL) New Jersey (NCDC) Buffalo HS Muskegon (USHL) Sioux City (USHL) Blaine HS MN Magicians (NAHL) Thief River Falls HS Waterloo (USHL) St. Thomas Academy Dubuque (USHL) Edina HS Minnetonka HS Carleton Place (CCHL) Kenai River (NAHL) USNTDP Central Illinois (USHL) Cedar Rapids (USHL) Green Bay (USHL) USNTDP Hermantown HS Moorhead HS Green Bay (USHL) MN Magicians (NAHL) MN Magicians (NAHL) Cedar Rapids (USHL) Cedar Rapids (USHL) Sioux Falls (NAPHL) Vernon (BCHL) USNTDP Waterloo (USHL) Roseau HS Maple Grove HS Central Illinois (USHL) Eden Prairie HS Bismarck (NAHL) Sioux City (USHL) Edina HS Prior Lake HS Andover HS USNTDP MN Magicians (NAHL) Wenatchee (BCHL) Central Illinois (USHL) Maple Grove HS Chaska HS Maple Grove HS Maple Grove HS Shattuck-St. Mary’s Minnetonka HS Penticton (BCHL) Tri-City (USHL) Minot (NAHL) Chaska HS Green Bay (USHL) Rosemount HS Penticton (BCHL) Cedar Rapids (USHL) Gentry Galaxy U15 Gentry Galaxy U15 Lakeville South HS Minnetonka HS Minot (NAHL) Bismarck (NAHL) Des Moines (USHL) Waterloo (USHL) Gentry Galaxy 15U Fargo (USHL) Lincoln (USHL) Sioux Falls (USHL) Eagan HS Des Moines (USHL) Fargo (USHL) Elk River HS Greenway HS Blake School Eden Prairie HS Eden Prairie HS Waterloo (USHL) Tri-City (USHL) Fairbanks (NAHL) Maple Grove HS Omaha (USHL) Waterloo (USHL) Edina HS West Kelowna (BCHL) Shattuck-St. Mary’s Hill-Murray HS Hill-Murray HS Grand Rapids HS Tri-City (USHL) Green Bay (USHL) Hill-Murray HS Holy Family Catholic HS Chaska HS Fargo (USHL) Rosemount HS Sioux Falls (USHL) MN Magicians (NAHL) Coquitlam (BCHL) Penticton (BCHL) Dubuque (USHL) Waterloo (USHL) Lakeville North HS Andover HS Benilde-St. Margaret’s Cedar Rapids (USHL) St. Cloud Cathedral HS Waterloo (USHL) Fairbanks (NAHL) Sioux Falls (USHL) Dubuque (USHL) Chicago (USHL)

High School Holy Family Wayzata Eden Prairie Minnetonka Kennedy n/a Hermantown Benilde-SM Edina Burnsville Maple Grove Buffalo Hill-Murray Minnetonka Blaine South St. Paul Thief River Falls St. Thomas St. Thomas Lakeville North Edina Minnetonka Lakeville North Farmington Maple Grove St. Thomas Centennial Moorhead White Bear Lake Hermantown Moorhead Duluth Marshall Maple Grove Mpls Southwest White Bear Lake Holy Family n/a Hill-Murray Shattuck Maple Grove Roseau Maple Grove Maple Grove Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Edina Edina Prior Lake Andover Maple Grove Delano Shattuck Moorhead Maple Grove Chaska Osseo Osseo Shattuck Minnetonka Shattuck Duluth East Greenway Chaska Bemidji Rosemount Minnetonka Mankato West Gentry Academy Gentry Academy Lakeville South Minnetonka Sartell-SS Lakeville South Stillwater Holy Family Gentry Academy Benilde-SM St. Paul Acad. Centennial Eagan North Branch Delano Elk River Greenway Blake Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Holy Family Minnetonka Elk River Maple Grove Luverne Wayzata Edina Shattuck Shattuck Hill-Murray Hill-Murray Grand Rapids Lakeville North Elk River Hill-Murray Delano Chaska Moorhead Rosemount Hill-Murray Shattuck St. Paul Johnson Hermantown Edina Wayzata Lakeville North Andover Benilde-SM Shattuck SC Cathedral Wayzata Grand Rapids Holy Family Duluth Marshall Hill-Murray

College Wisconsin Omaha Colorado College UMass Lowell St. Cloud State Omaha Minnesota Duluth Notre Dame Minnesota Minnesota State Dartmouth Minnesota Omaha Denver Minnesota Alaska Anchorage St. Cloud State Colorado College Colorado College Bowling Green Miami Michigan Tech St. Cloud State Bemidji State Notre Dame Colorado College Minnesota Duluth North Dakota Minnesota Duluth Minnesota Duluth Northern Michigan Clarkson Clarkson Minnesota Duluth Minnesota State Western Michigan Colorado College Wisconsin Boston College Minnesota Minnesota Notre Dame Notre Dame Minnesota American Int’l Providence Northern Michigan Colorado College Minnesota Duluth Minnesota Duluth Army Air Force Arizona State Arizona State Minnesota Michigan Tech Michigan Tech Minnesota Arizona State Cornell Wisconsin Alaska Anchorage Wisconsin Bemidji State Wisconsin Minnesota Duluth Bemidji State Minnesota Minnesota Omaha Denver Air Force Cornell Air Force Ohio State Miami Colorado College Minnesota Duluth Minnesota Colorado College Minnesota Duluth Minnesota Omaha St. Cloud State Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota St. Cloud State Arizona State Notre Dame Minnesota Air Force Minnesota Air Force Minnesota Minnesota Duluth Wisconsin St. Cloud State Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin Minnesota Minnesota North Dakota Minnesota Massachusetts Lake Superior St. Union Minnesota State Colorado College Union Bowling Green Arizona State Colorado College Notre Dame Minnesota Duluth Northern Michigan Canisius Minnesota State Michigan Tech Colorado College

Zach Stejskal, G * Grand Rapids W-B/Scranton (NAHL) Grand Rapids Minnesota Duluth Andy Stoneman, F Faribault Bismarck (NAHL) Shattuck St. Lawrence Nolan Sullivan, F * Eden Prairie Muskegon (USHL) Eden Prairie Omaha Ben Troumbly, F * Coleraine Greenway HS Greenway St. Cloud State Noah Tussey, F * Stillwater Stillwater Area HS Stillwater Minnesota Ryan Ullan, G Hibbing Green Bay (USHL) Hibbing/Chisholm Northern Michigan Mike Vorlicky, D * Edina Edina HS Edina Wisconsin Ben Ward, F * Annandale MN Wilderness (NAHL) MAML St. Cloud State Nate Warner, F * St. Cloud St. Cloud Cathedral HS SC Cathedral Minnesota Blaine Warnert, F * Chaska Chaska HS Chaska Omaha Dalton Weigel, D * Bloomington Aberdeen (NAHL) Breck Air Force Nick Williams, D * Edina Edina HS Edina Minnesota Garrett Worth, F * Duluth Tri-City (USHL) Duluth East Arizona State Brady Ziemer, D * Carver Merritt (BCHL) Holy Family St. Cloud State Trevor Zins, D St. Michael Trail (BCHL) STMA UMass Lowell Bennett Zmolek, D * Rochester Rochester Century HS Century Minnesota State Will Zmolek, D * Rochester Cedar Rapids (USHL) Century Bemidji State Total: 139 (HS 54, USHL 48, NAHL 16, BCHL 9, USNTDP 4, Gentry 3, Shattuck 2, CCHL 1, NAPHL 1, NCDC 1) * Committed while playing for an MSHSL team

Women’s Division I Name, Position Cheyenne Abear, F Marissa Agerter, F Paige Anderson, F Ava Bailey, G Haylee Blinkhorn, F Jessica Boland, F Kate Boland, D Josie Bothun, G Mackenzie Bougerie, F CC Bowlby, F Gretchen Branton, F Sydney Breza, F Erin Brousseau, F Dani Burgen, F Addie Burton, F Bailey Burton, F Hannah Chorske, F Maddy Clough, D Peyton Cullaton, F Izzy Daniel, F Makenna Deering, D Abigail DeLaRosa, D Lily Delianedis, F Emma Dornseif, D Brynn DuLac, G Claire Enright, F Halle Fields, F Allie Franco, F Calla Frank, G Brenna Fuhrman, D Maddie Geer, D Rachel Golnitz, D Rory Guilday, D Olivia Haag, F Jada Habisch, F Abby Hancock, D Maggie Hanzel, D Nicole Harnett, G Kenzie Hauswirth, F Peyton Hemp, F Lyndsey Howard, D Gabby Huson, D Meredith Jensen, D Tella Jungels, F Vivian Jungels, D Madison Kaiser, F Katie Kaufman, F Catherine Kerin, F Meredith Killian, D Emily King, F Kelsey King, F Becca Kniss, F Kaitlyn Kotlowski, D Gabby Krause, F Annie Kuehl, F Grace Kuipers, F Quinn Kuntz, G Kailey Langefels, D Sydney Langseth, F Emma Larson, D Jenna Lawry, F Sadie Lindsay, F Lacey Martin, F Maddie Mashuga, F Mannon McMahon, F Olivia Mobley, F Ellen Nelson, D Jamie Nelson, F Taylor Nelson, F Maggie Nicholson, D Alexa Ocel, F Joslynn Olson, F/D Makayla Pahl, G Brieja Parent, F Ramsey Parent, F Sadie Peart, F Maddy Peterson, F Brooke Pioske, D Anna Podein, D Currie Putrah, F Ally Qualley, F Kylie Roberts, F Sophie Robinson, D Addi Scribner, D Jayden Seifert, D Sydney Shearen, F Hannah Skavnak, G Madelyn Skelton, F Allison Smith, D Nina Steigauf, F Taylor Stewart, D Anika Stoskopf, F Tristana Tatur, F Claire Vekich, F Skylar Vetter, G Grace Vojta, D Audrey Wethington, F Madeline Wethington, D Rilee Winters, D Emily Wisnewski, D Emily Zumwinkle, D

Hometown 2018-19 Team (Year) Brainerd Brainerd/Little Falls (12) Farmington Gentry Galaxy U19 (12) Andover Andover HS (12) Hudson, WI Gentry Galaxy U19 (12) Oakdale Hill-Murray HS (12) Northfield Northfield HS (10) Northfield Northfield HS (12) Forest Lake Forest Lake HS boys (11) St. Michael North Wright County (11) Edina Edina HS (12) Wayzata Wayzata HS (10) Mound Shattuck-St. Mary’s (12) Hopkins Hopkins/Park (10) Chisago City Chisago Lakes HS (9) Wayzata Blake School (11) Bloomington Gentry Galaxy U19 (12) Edina Edina HS (10) Andover Andover HS (10) Overland Park, KS Lakeville North HS (12) Minneapolis Blake School (12) South St. Paul South St. Paul HS (10) Hugo White Bear Lake HS (12) Edina Blake School (11) Mahtomedi Mahtomedi HS (11) Minnetonka Minnetonka HS (10) Farmington Farmington HS (9) Andover Andover HS (10) Mahtomedi Hill-Murray HS (9) Hugo White Bear Lake HS (12) Farmington Farmington HS (10) Shoreview Hill-Murray HS (9) Forest Lake Forest Lake HS (10) Minnetonka Minnetonka HS (10) Grand Rapids Benilde-St. Margaret’s (10) Buffalo Buffalo HS (11) Maple Grove Benilde-St. Margaret’s (10) Rochester Rochester Lourdes HS (10) Plymouth Armstrong/Cooper (12) Farmington Shattuck-St. Mary’s (12) Andover Andover HS (10) Burnsville Burnsville HS (12) Edina Gentry Galaxy U19 (12) Lakeville Lakeville North HS (9) Edina Edina HS (11) Edina Edina HS (9) Ham Lake Andover HS (9) Stillwater Hill-Murray HS (12) Edina St. Paul United (12) St. Paul St. Paul United (11) St. Paul Cretin-Derham Hall (12) Elk River Elk River/Zimmerman (12) Eden Prairie Eden Prairie HS (12) Warroad Warroad HS (12) Andover Andover HS (10) Edina Edina HS (12) Eden Prairie Eden Prairie HS (10) Warroad Warroad HS (12) Eden Prairie Minnetonka HS (12) Eden Prairie Eden Prairie HS (11) Maple Grove Maple Grove HS (12) Chisago City Chisago Lakes HS (10) Minnetonka Breck School (10) Minnetonka Minnetonka HS (11) Anoka Anoka HS (11) Maple Grove Maple Grove HS (12) St. Louis Park Breck School (11) Forest Lake Forest Lake HS (11) Andover Andover HS (11) Carlton Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (11) Minnetonka Minnetonka HS (11) Wayzata Wayzata HS (12) Isanti Hill-Murray HS (12) Rochester Rochester Mayo HS (12) Forest Lake Forest Lake HS (11) Blaine Blaine HS (12) Grand Rapids Grand Rapids/Greenway (12) Princeton Princeton HS (12) Mound Mound Westonka HS (10) Minneapolis Benilde-St. Margaret’s (10) Faribault Shattuck-St. Mary’s (12) Brooklyn Park Breck School (11) Edina Edina HS (10) Brainerd Brainerd/Little Falls (11) Woodbury East Ridge HS (12) Farmington Farmington HS (10) White Bear Lake White Bear Lake HS (12) Rogers Rogers HS (10) Isanti Cambridge/Isanti HS (11) Rochester Rochester Lourdes HS (11) Oakdale Hill-Murray HS (11) Rochester Shattuck-St. Mary’s (12) Roseau Roseau HS (11) Maple Grove Maple Grove HS (10) Coleraine Grand Rapids/Greenway (10) Lakeville Lakeville North HS boys (10) Edina Blake School (12) Edina Blake School (11) Edina Blake School (12) Pine City Cambridge-Isanti/M/PC (9) Plymouth Wayzata HS (12) Excelsior Breck School (10) Total: 101 (HS 93, Gentry 4, Shattuck 4)

Know another Minnesotan that has committed to a Division I hockey program? Let us know at editor@letsplayhockey.com

High School Brainerd Gentry Academy Andover Gentry Academy Hill-Murray Northfield Northfield Forest Lake STMA Edina Wayzata Shattuck Hopkins Chisago Lakes Blake Gentry Academy Edina Andover Lakeville North Blake South St. Paul White Bear Lake Blake Mahtomedi Minnetonka Farmington Andover Hill-Murray White Bear Lake Farmington Hill-Murray Forest Lake Minnetonka Benilde-SM Buffalo Benilde-SM Rochester Lourdes Shattuck Andover Burnsville Gentry Academy Lakeville North Edina Edina Andover Hill-Murray Visitation Visitation Cretin-DH Elk River Eden Prairie Warroad Andover Edina Eden Prairie Warroad Minnetonka Eden Prairie Maple Grove Chisago Lakes Breck Minnetonka Anoka Maple Grove Breck Forest Lake Andover Carlton Minnetonka Wayzata Hill-Murray Rochester Mayo Forest Lake Blaine Grand Rapids Princeton Mound Westonka Benilde-SM Shattuck Breck Edina Brainerd East Ridge Farmington White Bear Lake Rogers Cambridge/Isanti Roch. Lourdes Hill-Murray Shattuck Roseau Maple Grove Grand Rapids Lakeville North Blake Blake Blake Pine City Wayzata Breck

College Union Saint Anselm Bemidji State LIU Brooklyn Boston University Minnesota State Bemidji State Penn State St. Cloud State Dartmouth Clarkson Cornell Yale Minnesota State Minnesota Providence Harvard Yale Northeastern Cornell Bemidji State Bemidji State Cornell Princeton Cornell Minnesota Sacred Heart Minnesota Minnesota State Minnesota Duluth Cornell Colgate Cornell Boston University Connecticut Brown Boston University New Hampshire Quinnipiac Minnesota Minnesota State Saint Anselm Dartmouth Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota Merrimack Princeton Union RPI Minnesota State Franklin Pierce Wisconsin Minnesota Duluth Princeton Princeton Ohio State Holy Cross Minnesota State Franklin Pierce Minnesota Duluth Minnesota Boston University Minnesota State Minnesota Duluth Quinnipiac Minnesota State Minnesota State Bemidji State Minnesota Sacred Heart RIT Minnesota Minnesota Duluth Ohio State Quinnipiac RPI Vermont Vermont Dartmouth Merrimack Boston University Dartmouth Ohio State Minnesota State Minnesota Minnesota State Vermont Union Quinnipiac Minnesota Duluth Bemidji State Quinnipiac Bemidji State Minnesota Yale Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota Clarkson Minnesota

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

www.stateofhockey.com

TREK TO THE X

A midseason look at the top contenders in Minnesota boys’ high school hockey You could say that the Trek to the X begins in October when captain’s practice begins. Coming into the 75th season of the Minnesota boys’ high school hockey state tournament, most hockey fans know who the stalwarts are and who the challengers may be. But it usually takes until midway through the season to really see where teams are standing. There are always several factors that can play a role in a team’s uprising, or their demise. This week we take a look at the top 10 Class AA and Class A 10 teams based on Let’s Play Hockey’s rankings on Jan. 9. While there are some surefires among them, there are also a few surprises. The looming question is, who will ultimately complete the trek all the way to the Xcel Energy Center in March?

The 75th Minnesota boys’ high school state tournament will take place March 6-9 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Day Minnesota in Bemidji. Key remaining match-up: Jan. 19 vs. Minnetonka (at Bemidji). 3. Edina (11-1-1) A perennial power, this year’s version of the Hornets is no different. Led by their big three forwards – Mason Nevers (8-20--28), Liam Malmquist (12-14--26) and Jett Jungels (11-14--25) – their only loss came against a quality Chaska team who came from behind to beat a dogged Hornets’ squad in the Hockey For Life Classic over the holidays. The Hornets also tied No. 4 Maple Grove. Edina always plays a tough schedule and that schedule is about to get tougher as they get Hill-Murray, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Wayzata twice each in their final 12 games. They may not win them all, but chances are, due to these tough battles, the Hornets will be playing their best hockey come section playoff time. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 9 vs. Minnetonka. 4. Maple Grove (10-1-1) The only smudges on the Crimson’s schedule are an early-season tie to No. 3 Edina and a 5-2 loss to top-ranked Minnetonka. That has Maple Grove in the top five with their 10-1-1 mark as they head down the stretch where they will face Andover twice, Blaine (Section 5AA rival), Hill-Murray and Duluth East. If they don’t get through their tough section this year, the future is bright. Their top two scorers are both underclassmen with freshman Justin Janicke (7-19--26) and sophomore Kyle Kukkonen (10-12--22). Key remaining match-up: Jan. 19 vs. Blaine.

5. Duluth East (9-3-1) The Greyhounds made it to the state title game last year, but graduated some key seniors. This year, though, they have one of the top prospects in the state in Ryder Donovan (6-12--18). But the question is if the Hounds have the depth to get back to the big dance. They are coming off a 5-2 loss to the top-ranked Minnetonka last week, a repeat of last year’s title game. Their other two losses were against No. 2 Andover 2-1 and a 3-1 loss to Champlin Park where they ran into the Rebels’ Brennan Boynton who stopped 56 of 57 shots. There is still plenty of hockey to be played, and chances are we haven’t seen the best of the Greyhounds yet. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 12 vs. Maple Grove 6. White Bear Lake (11-1-1) Is this the year the Bears break through and make a run to the X? So far they have been impressive despite not having the star power that some other top 10 teams have. WBL has impressive wins over Hill-Murray, Cretin-Derham Hall and Stillwater, and its only loss has come at the hands of No.5 Duluth East. Section 4AA has been owned mostly by Hill-Murray in recent years. But could this be the Bears’ turn? Chances are it will be a Pioneers/Bears section final once again. They will have to play Minnetonka, Andover, Blaine and Edina ... all good tests to see if these Bears will claw their way to a section title. Key remaining match-up: Jan. 29 vs. Blaine. 7. Blaine (7-2-2) A 3-2 loss to Maple Grove, a 7-6 loss to Eden Prairie and 1-1 ties with both Andover

8. Eden Prairie (8-4-1) The Eagles already have four losses, and their schedule is about to get tougher. Down the stretch, they will play Duluth East, and Edina and Minnetonka twice. But they have strong senior leadership in Jack Jensen (1512--27) who is headed to the Gophers. And there’s a couple more Mittelstadts coming up through the ranks already making noise. Junior John Mittelstadt has eight goals and 24 points, and sophomore defenseman Luke Mittelstadt has 19 assists and 22 points. The Eagles got knocked out in the first round of Section 2AA playoffs last season by Chaska. They might be out for revenge come section playoff time this year. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 14 at Edina. 9. Thomas Academy (10-3-1) The Cadets moved into the top 10 this week after big wins over Rosemount, Mahtomedi and Cretin-Derham Hall. After winning their section last year, it looks like they have the inside spot heading into the second half of this season as well. Rosemount looks to be the main contender with Eastview always a formidable foe as well. The Cadets, like White Bear Lake, don’t have one specific player who will light the lamp 30 times, but they have solid depth and play a strong system that makes them very difficult to beat. Their losses have come against Minnetonka, Edina and Hill-Murray, and they tied Eden Prairie 2-2. Count the Cadets as one of several teams, who, if they get hot at the right time, could make some big noise late in the year. Key remaining match-Up: Jan. 31 vs. Hill-Murray. 10. Chaska (9-5-0) This team is loaded with talent and it’s only a matter of time before things start clicking on all cylinders. Perhaps they already have. The Hawks have won their last five games, including a 4-3 win over No. 3 Edina and a 6-3 win over No. 8 Eden Prairie. They have four Division I commits, led by

Photo: Nick Wosika

Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

2. Andover (12-0-1) Some may be surprised Andover is undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the state, but don’t be. The Huskies were one goal away from a state trip last year when they lost to eventual state runner-up Duluth East in the Section 7AA finals. The Huskies also returned their top two scorers in Nick Dainty (19 points in 13 games) and Charlie Schoen (17 points in 10 games) and their goaltender Ben Fritsinger (0.88 GAA, .954 SV%). To get to state this year, they will have to battle through the ever-tough Section 7AA. But so far they have shown they are ranked right where they belong with a 3-2 win over Duluth East on Dec. 8. Another big match-up looms when the Huskies will take on top-ranked Minnetonka next Saturday as part of Hockey

Photo: Nick Wosika

CLASS AA 1. Minnetonka (14-0-0) The defending state champions picked up where they left off last year, winning their first 14 games. The Skippers have done so with a potent offensive attack, but it is also their ability to keep the puck, not just out of their net, but also out of their zone. They have not allowed more than two goals in any single game and have only allowed two goals in three games. Two of those games were against top-10 teams Duluth East (52) and Maple Grove (5-2). The Skippers have three players with over 20 points and all are Division I commits — Josh Luedtke (9-15-24, Denver), Jack Bayless (7-15--22, UMass Lowell) and blueliner Grant Docter (3-19-22, Michigan Tech). They also have 10 players with at least 10 points. Couple the balanced scoring with a strong defense and one of the state’s top goalies in Charlie Glockner and it looks like it might be Tonka’s time all over again. Key remaining matchup: Feb. 9 at Edina.

and Duluth East says that Blaine is on the cusp of breaking into the top five if they have a strong stretch of games in the coming weeks. Led by one of the state’s best players in Bryce Brodzinksi (13-20--33), the Bengals will have a tough test this Saturday against Holy Family at TRIA Rink in St. Paul. They will also play Andover, Maple Grove, White Bear Lake and Hill-Murray down the stretch. Those three games will determine where they land in the rankings, but what really matters is how they will fare in Section 5AA where they and Maple Grove look to be the two vying for a trip to the X. Key remaining match-up: Jan. 19 at Maple Grove.

Minnetonka senior goalie Charlie Glockner has backstopped the No. 1 Skippers to a 14-0-0 overall record.

Duluth East returns 16 letterwinners from last season’s Class AA state runner-up team.

www.stateofhockey.com offensive defenseman Mike Koster (9-16-25, Minnesota). Rhett Pitlick (Minnesota) leads the squad at 13-16--29 and 6-5 Blaine Warnert (12-7--19, Omaha) and Shane LaVelle (10-5--15, Wisconsin) round out the fearsome foursome. Watch out for these guys down the stretch. Other Class AA teams to watch: • Hill-Murray (8-3-1) – Like Edina, HillMurray is a program that is always there at the end of the year and always has a chance to hoist the trophy. Last year they upset White Bear Lake in the section final despite finishing the season with a .500 record. Last year’s young team is a year older, however, and could make some noise in the postseason. • Rosemount (11-3-0) – Don’t be surprised that Rosemount is on the cusp of the top 10 ... they have had a successful and growing youth program for several years as the program has made a positive turn toward the future. The Irish have proven to be resilient, winning five one-goal games thus far and are allowing just 2.21 goals per game through the first half of the season. In order to get through Section 3AA, however, they will have to get past St. Thomas Academy, who handed them a 3-1 loss Jan. 3, which included an empty-netter in a game the Irish outshot the Cadets 43-28. That means it could be anyone’s section. • Wayzata (8-4-2) – The Trojans are a skilled bunch with an unbelievably tough schedule. They will get Edina and Minnetonka twice down the stretch, and we know from the past few years that no matter their win-loss mark or ranking coming into the playoffs, they are always a team to be reckoned with. • Roseau (9-2-1) – After a slow start, the Rams have won eight in a row and could be the team that comes out of Section 8AA. What makes high school hockey in Minnesota so great are the unknowns that come with every season. Minnetonka might be the best team in the state right now, but that doesn’t mean they will be standing on top in the end. The list above is a good idea of who we may see at the X come March, but there might be a team or two not listed who could go on a late run and make things happen. These next seven weeks are sure to be as entertaining as ever. It is why we love watching high school hockey and why it will always remain the best ticket in town, and why the long, cold winter in Minnesota truly is the best time of year for hockey fans. CLASS A Look who’s back on top. While the Class A field might not be as deep as the Class AA field, it is just as intriguing. Hermantown was ranked No. 2 until this week when they made the leap to No. 1 after St. Cloud Cathedral lost their first game of the season to … you guessed it … the Hawks. Here is a look at the top teams who will

Let’s Play Hockey be vying for a trip to the X as the second half of the Class A season gets underway. 1. Hermantown (9-3-0) Sure they have lost three games, but all three losses have to come to Class AA teams, and good ones such as Wayzata, Benilde-St. Margaret’s and Rosemount. All were one-goal losses and the Hawks have also defeated Eden Prairie and last week beat Cathedral 2-1 in what could end up a precursor to the state title. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 2 at Mahtomedi. 2. St. Cloud Cathedral (12-1-0) The Crusaders are probably the deepest Class A squad when it comes to pure skill. They are loaded with talent on both ends of the ice. They are currently without University of Minnesota recruit Nate Warner due to an injury and are still winning games handily. They have outscored opponents 74-17, but their craziest stat is they have allowed just one third period goal all season. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 9 at Mahtomedi. 3. Mahtomedi (10-2-0) The Zephyrs have become one of those programs that is always in the mix at the end of the season, but just can’t seem to get that coveted state title they have always yearned for. That’s because there have always been the Hermantowns, East Grand Forks, Brecks and St. Thomas Academy’s of the world. But Orono made it through last season to claim their first title, and Mahtomedi certainly fits a similar bill. They recently lost their second game of the season, but it was to STA, who is now a Class AA power. They still have Hill-Murray, Cathedral, Hermantown and STA on their schedule, and how they do against those teams will be a telltale sign of how good they are. Key remaining match-Up: Feb. 2 vs. Hermantown. 4. East Grand Forks (11-3-0) After starting the season 11-1, East Grand Forks has lost their last two games, 5-2 to Grand Forks Central (N.D.) and 4-3 to Moorhead. They hope to get back on the winning track and make a run like they have so many times in the past decade. They will play Roseau twice, and will match up against Alexandria, who finished as state runnerup last year and return a solid roster. All will be good tests. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 9 at Alexandria. 5. Thief River Falls (9-4-2) Thief River has had somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde season thus far, losing to the likes of Farmington and Tartan, but tying the likes of Roseau, and beating Bemidji and Warroad. Evan Bushy, a St. Cloud State commit, leads their squad down the stretch. They will get Roseau and Warroad again, and East Grand Forks twice. You know they are good because they sit atop the Mariucci Conference, which includes Moorhead, Roseau and Bemidji, all Class AA squads. Last sea-

son, they made it through sections by upsetting Warroad and East Grand Forks as the No. 4 seed. Can they do it again? Key remaining match-up: Feb. 12 at East Grand Forks. 6. Orono (8-4-0) The Spartans took home the title last year but that was a long time and 10 seniors ago. They are still a very good team, but have scored only 39 goals in the team’s first 12 games. They have also given up 39, but 26 of those came in lopsided losses to Grand Forks Central (N.D.) 10-0 and Class AA powers Chaska 7-1 and Holy Family 8-0. Their other loss came against East Grand Forks in the season opener, 3-1. The second half of the season will tell the tale as to whether Orono can make their trek back to the X or if it will be an early exit after earning glory last March. Key remaining match-up: Jan. 12 vs. St. Cloud Cathedral. 7. Sar t ell-St. St ephen (1 0-2-0) Stephen (10-2-0) The Sabres are one of those teams who is good year in and year out, but are stuck in arguably the toughest Class A section in the state with other perennial powers Alexandria and St. Cloud Cathedral. One of those three teams will survive and it could be the Sabres. This is a team that defeated bonafide Class AA contender Chaska 3-1 earlier this season. Section 6A will be one to watch close as three of the state’s top 10 teams compete. Two will go home and one will move on. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 7 vs. Alexandria. 8. Alexandria (10-4-0) The Cardinals are coming off a year where they fell one goal short of a state championship. The good news is they return their top scorers in Ben Doherty and Jack Westlund. Doherty was a 64-point scorer as a sophomore before struggling with injuries last year. Westlund has good size, speed and hands, and Caleb Strong gives them a trio of players who can bury the puck. They are coming off an impressive 3-2 win over Wayzata after suffering a 1-0 loss to SartellSt. Stephen. The two teams are very evenly matched, which should make their section fun to watch as they both vie to knock off each other and then try to defeat Cathedral. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 7 at Sartell-St. Stephen. 9. Warroad (8-5-0) Everybody loves to see Hockeytown USA down at the X, and they have been there aplenty. This season, they could be on the verge of another trip. They played East Grand Forks tough in a 2-1 loss and beat SartellSt. Stephen 4-3. But they face a tough section, having to get through both East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. They will play TRF on Jan. 17, and EGF on Feb. 5. Both games will be big signs on how the section will play out. Key remaining match-up: Feb. 5 vs. East Grand Forks.

January 10, 2019

1 0. TTo o tino-Grace (9-4-0) The Eagles are off to a good start this season with nine wins, but the question is are they good enough to defeat Mahtomedi in Section 4A. Three of their losses have come against top Class A squads East Grand Forks and Hermantown, and Class AA’s Maple Grove. They have a good schedule down the stretch with contests against Mahtomedi, Blaine and Andover. The Mahtomedi game will likely be a precursor to the Section 4A finals and will be one to watch closely. Key remaining match-up: Jan. 22 at Mahtomedi. Other teams to watch: • Monticello (9-4-1) – After a sluggish start, Monticello has won seven of their past eight games as they head into the second half of the season. Troy Dahlmeier (17-16-33) is a dynamic player who can take over games so they will be a team to watch. • North Branch (11-2-1) – It will likely be Monticello and North Branch vying for a trip to the X in Section 5A. Last year it was Monticello who clipped them in the finals 4-1 after a 20-win season. This year it looks as though Section 5A is up in the air. So the question remains, as it usually does this time of year. Will we see the familiar foes at the X, or will there be a surprise or two, such as Sartell or Totino-Grace breaking through the section gridlock. Will Hermantown get back on top or is it finally Cathedral’s year? Or is it the year of the Zephyr? Sit back and get some popcorn. It’s going to be a fun ride.

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Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

Minnetonka senior goalie Charlie Glockner has backstopped the No. 1 Skippers to a 14-0-0 overall record.

Mahtomedi senior forward Tom Paradise is one of 12 Zephyrs back from last season’s state fourth-place team.

January 10, 2019

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How Minneapolis PeeWee B1 stole Woodbury PeeWee C Black the Bloomington Showdown captures title in Cottage Grove

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags! The city kids of the Minneapolis PeeWee B1 Storm waited patiently until Dec. 29 to open their last holiday present: a championship trophy from the Bloomington PeeWee Showdown. Four games led to the championship over the last weekend of December. The boys opened up the tournament with a bang against Owatonna, spreading glory across the team as eight of the 11 skaters earned either a goal or an assist in the 11-2 trouncing. Cooper Cirone topped the charts with a hat trick and two assists. After having taken a couple of days off for holiday festivities, Jackson Retterath came ready to play, serving up dish after dish in front of the net to his teammates, and grabbing a goal for himself. Riley Naughton found the back of the net a couple of times in the game, and also contributed with two assists. William Bransford made his defensive debut, scoring a goal from the point, complemented by two assists in the game. The goalie moms in the stands were happily bored during this match, but that would change going forward. In Game two, Minneapolis faced the very tough and physical Raiders from Hastings. And what happened then? Well, in Bloomington, they say William Degan played like the Grinch’s small heart which grew three sizes that day! Like a dog with a bone, he relentlessly chased the puck up and down the ice, interfering with any offensive rushes offered by the Raiders. After serving up a goal and an assist versus Owatonna, he scored the first goal against Hastings with an assist by Bransford. Rory Kronick, who also piled on to the Owatonna win with a goal and three assists, had a gorgeous unassisted snipe to the upper registers of the Hastings’ net. The goalie duo of Charlie Arms and Johnny Kerwin, who enjoy splitting games, each earned a deserved shutout and a trip to the concession stand courtesy of the coach. Mounds View/Irondale came out swinging on Friday for Game 3 – a win would seal their trip to the championship. The Storm was down a couple of skaters due to the vagaries of colds, flu or simply too-muchChristmas fudging, making the Olympic sheet on BIG #3 all that more challenging for your young heroes. They looked slow. But slow-and-steady would win the race. The Minneapolis defensive quartet came to the rescue that day. Oliver Foley got real comfortable real quick on that big ice and consistently forced the Knights wide every shift. Defensman Markus Stratman tied the game up at 1-1 in the second period with a slapper from the point, but MVI responded with two snipes to the back of the Storm’s net in the third. Murray Stebbins showed off his speed and determination during this game by catching every single breakaway

in spite of the added friction from his lengthy hockey flow. When the clock showed 4:00, the score 3-1 in favor of MVI, defenseman Brenden Hainey, like the Grinch got a wonderful, awful idea! He would do something to stop this with a great Grinchy trick, he would score and he would score, with his new Christmas stick! Down 3-2, the boys needed a goal. Hainey came through in a pinch, but not without giving the fans a little suspense. With 17 seconds on the clock, Anderson and Hainey headed up the ice together. Anderson beat the MVI defenseman and sent the rubber over to Hainey whose shot was met by the goalie’s blocker. Undeterred, Hainey found his own rebound and buried it to tie the game and send his team to the championship. Saturday would bring the championship game versus White Bear Lake. The Storm found themselves gratefully back on the smaller sheet of ice, and with a full complement of 11 semi-healthy skaters. Kronick opened up the scoring in the first period with a quick wrister from the top of the circle and assists from Stratman and Anderson. The Bears answered back in the middle of the second and the scoreboard was locked at 1-1 to the end of regulation. The game headed to what would become a scoreless five-minute 4-on-4 overtime. Then came the shootout. On the bench, one fan overheard goalie Kerwin tell Cirone “I got this, Coach!” Jack Anderson opened up for the Storm with a snappy top-shelf backhand that flew over the Bear netminder’s stick. Fans roared as his glove swept the ice in celebration. That was all that Minneapolis needed as Kerwin’s aggressive play on the other side of the ice staved off all three shooters. The team greeted the tender with an old fashioned pile-up. Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more! Minneapolis PeeWee B1 heads into the downhill side of the season with a 23-10-2 record, two tournament championships and a second-place finish under their belts. The goalie duo of Arms and Kerwin, combined with their star defensemen (Hainey, Foley, Stebbins & Stratman) boast of a 2.11 goalsagainst average over the 35 games.

The Woodbury Pee Wee C Black team has done it again! After taking first place last month at the OMG Ultimate Showdown, the Predators have won back-to-back tournaments after taking the Cottage Grove End of the Year Bash! Woodbury started the Round Robin tournament with a 3-3 tie with the AV/B Firehawks. Next, Woodbury took on Forest Lake and cruised to a 13-1 victory, getting goals from eight different play-

ers. In the final round robin game, Woodbury rolled to a convincing 8-0 win over Somerset. Preston Fonseca led the way with his eighth shutout of the season. Advancing to the finals, the Predators outskated a tough and quick Hopkins’ team by the score of 4-2 to take home the championship. This Predator team finished 2018 with a 20-1-3 record and look to continue that success into 2019!

Alexandria 12U B wins Girls International title

The Explore Alexandria 12U B team took home the championship title at the Fargo SCHEELS Girls International Tournament on Sunday, Jan. 6, with a shutout win 3-0 vs Blaine/Spring Lake Park. Alexandria played five games, defeating Champlin Park 9-1, Minnetonka Blue 7-5, W oodbur y 4-3 and Blaine/SLP ir s t out of 116 6 tteams. eams. Blaine/SLP,, and tying Bismar Bismarcc k 2-2 ttoo place ffir Players: Sydney Menk, Bailey Heid, Kaija Niblett, Amelia Knapper, Jisella Haskamp, Alayna Loveland, Kenna Klocke, Zella Noetzelman, Eva Liden, Lane Kompelien, Tayler Treat, Morgan Aure, Katherine Korynta, goalie Rachael Mohr. Coaches: Joel Loveland, Aaron Korynta, Jayme Aure. Team managers: Karla Noetzelman, Chris Mohr.

Osseo/Maple Grove Bantam B1 Black wins Twaddle title

Osseo/Maple Grove Bantam B1 Black captured the championship of the Elk River Twaddle Tourney.

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Chaska/Chanhassen Squirt A wins Squirt Extravaganza

Chaska/Chanhassen Stormhawks Squirt A was crowned champions in the OMGHA Squirt Extravaganza A division on Dec. 30. After going 3-0 in pool play, including a 5-1 win over No. 9 Osseo/Maple Grove White, they pulled out a win in the semifinals 1-0 against No. 4 Osseo/ Maple Grove Crimson with a goal in the third period. They again faced Osseo/Maple Grove White, this time in the championship. After falling behind 2-0 after the first period, Chaska/ Chanhassen battled back and won the game 6-3 to claim first place. Back row (l-r): Gavin Anderson, Jack Kultgen, Carson Uhlenkamp, Holden Palmquist, Wyatt Florek, Peter Vidmar, Nolan Warner, Zachary Markwell. Middle row (l-r): Blake Kennedy, Ryan Spalding, Haley Box, Kalen Balliet, Logan Smith, Paxton Lee. Goalie: Grant Atterson.

River Lakes Bantam B finishes first in Two Harbors

The River Lakes Bantam B team took first place in the Two Harbors Great Lake Bantam B Tournament on Dec. 9, defeating Two Harbors 4-1. They defeated Moose Lake 6-0 on Dec 7, and Duluth 7-1 on Dec 8. Special teams was a differentiator in the championship game with three of the four River Lakes goals coming on power plays and the Two Harbors goal coming on 5-on-3 man advantages. Shots on net were fairly even both ways, but scoring on the rebound was a key to success for River Lakes along with a rock solid game by the goalie. The team is playing well and doing a good job working together.

Northern Lakes Squirt C takes second at home tournament

January 10, 2019

Chaska/Chanhassen 12U A enjoying a banner season

By Mary L. Harvey And she scores! Those are words the girls on the Chaska/ Chanhassen Hockey Association 12U A team are hearing this season. The 12U A team is a formidable opponent for traditionally strong girls’ programs across the state, with various published team rankings having this CCHA squad inside the top 10. The team has 20 wins, four losses and two ties, and they won the 2018 All American Girls Tournament and the 2018 Woodbury Sweetheart Classic. The girls, who are 11 to 13 years old, are coached by Brittney Dwire, their head coach, and assistant coaches Kasey Marquardt and Jaci Reinke. All three bring years of experience both as players at all levels and as coaches. For Dwire that includes three years coaching JV and Varsity with the Chaska/Chanhassen Stormhawks. As one hockey mom pointed out, the fact that this team is coached by successful young women is not lost on this team. They are great role models for the girls. “But,” as Dwire says, “the girls themselves brought tons of talent with good basic skills to the rink. Couple that with a good attitude, hard work, the ability to listen and take coaching advice, and we were on our way to a winning season. They are an incredibly

responsible group of girls who love hockey and enjoy working together. And I think you can add to that, they are having fun.” Coach Reinke pointed out that there is strong team cohesion. “All the girls get along and are positive and encouraging to each other both in practice and in games. They not only have confidence in themselves, but also in each other. They know that together they can compete at a high level.” Coach Marquardt shared that the 14 girls on the team represent five area middle schools. “Many of the girls know each other only through hockey. That is the beauty about this team and the game, it brings people together with one shared goal in mind, winning.” And this is a pivotal year for many team members as they will be going on to play at the 15U level and some may even begin their high school careers. Coach Dwire says, “If we can keep focusing on learning and improving at every practice and every game, this team can achieve anything they want. With their natural skill and passion, this is a powerful group of young athletes. I’m excited for the future of this awesome team – and the individual players. It’s a pleasure to be their coach and I know Jaci and Kasey share my enthusiasm.”

Proctor/Hermantown 15U A wins Star of the North

Proctor/Hermantown 15U A defeated Osseo/Maple Grove 3-2 in the championship of the Star of the North Tournament in Grand Rapids.

The Northern Lakes Youth Hockey Association Squirt C team played in their home tournament in Breezy Point on Dec. 27-30. The team beat Hopkins in their first game, Kennedy/Richfield in the second, took a loss to Forest Lake and beat Brainerd to advance to the championship game. With a loss to Forest Lake, the team brought home the second-place trophy. First row (l-r): Niko Freking, Colton Vry, Micah Morris, Preston Resch, Bradley Lueck. Second row (l-r): Tucker d rrow ow (l-r): Coach Vry, Swenson, Gunner Peters, Wyatt Verville , Nolan Hall, Samuel Fairchild, Henry Loftus. Thir Third Coach Loftus, Coach Freking, Coach Ecklund.

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Shakopee Squirt A captures title in Apple Valley

Shakopee Squirt A took home first place in the Apple Valley Firehawk Squirt A Tournament on Dec. 14-17. The Sabers battled through pool play with an 11-1 win over Eastview, followed by a 3-1 victory over a tough fellow District 6 team in Prior Lake. The third match of pool play brought an undefeated Rochester Red squad. At the end of the first period, the Sabers led 3-2. Goals in the second period from each side brought the tally to 4-3. The scored stayed that way deep into the third period. With 4:41 left on the clock, Shakopee drew a double minor, leaving the team with only four skaters for all but the last few seconds of play to try and hold off a dangerous, relentless Rochester squad. Sabers’ goalie Sam Callier stood tall, saving eight shots in the final minutes of play. This included an amazing save, sliding across the crease with one second left to seal the victory and lift the Sabers to 3-0 in pool play. For Sunday’s semifinal, Shakopee drew

a speedy Luverne squad. Through most of the first two periods and deep into the third, the game was knotted up. A blue line bomb from Harris Gaston to Cole Bumgarner lifted the Sabers to 4-3 on the scoreboard. Holding on and killing a late penalty, the Sabers were victorious and heading to the final. Having downed the host Apple Valley Firehawks in their semifinal, Rochester Red was ready for another crack at the Sabers. The rematch picked up right where the pool play game left off. Trading goals in all three periods, the game was tied at 3-3 at the end of regulation and was headed into overtime. At 3:11 into OT, Shakopee’s point leader Cole Bumgarner broke free and scored an unbelievable backhand goal over the shoulder of Rochester’s netminder. The Saber celebration was on. The standout player for the Sabers was Bumgarner with 13 points on eight goals and five assists, in the five games.

Woodbury PeeWee B2 Royal wins Saber Paw Classic

The Woodbury Peewee B2 Royal team captured the championship in the Shakopee Saber Paw Classic vs. Shakopee. The teams were evenly matched, which made for an exciting game. Woodbury won with Hudson Graner scoring the game-winning goal with 18 seconds remaining

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Fergus Falls 10U B having a season to remember

Top row (l-r): Coach Josh Shol, Atleigh Shol, Abygehl Schuman, Atley Duckwitz, Ava Thompson, Lillian Minge, Maya Carlson. Bottom row (l-r): Ella Sem, Anna Sem, Izzy Kenyon-Woessner, Coach Lisa Truax, Mia Olson. Not pictured: Ava Noon, Emma Sandstrom, Alana Higbee, Kalysta Arndt. Photo: Jenny Olson

By Michael Swenson Three more wins, a historical goal and all while playing at their home arena, the Fergus Falls 10U B girls’ hockey team improves to 10-4 on the season. On Friday, Dec. 21, the Otters went head-to-head against a fierce Alexandria team. For the first time all season, the girls started the third period 0-0. Ava Thompson broke the tie with a goal for the Otters with just over four minutes into the final period. Thompson’s goal was assisted by Atley Duckwitz. The Otters would go ahead and add an insurance goal a few minutes later by Izzy Kenyon-Woessner. Kenyon-Woessner was assisted by Kalysta Arndt. Otters’ goalie Ella Sem recorded the shutout, saving 15 shots. Atleigh Shol and Anna Sem got a pair of goals each as the Otters then went on to play Detroit Lakes at home on Saturday, Dec. 29. Ella Sem picked up her third consecutive shutout as the Otters went on to win, with a comfortable 5-0 victory. Sem has now saved 89 percent of shots on goal this season. Getting the scoring started for the Otters was No. 11, Atleigh Shol. Shol was assisted by Abygehl Shuman. Anna Sem scored the next two goals for the Otters – one being unassisted, the other assisted by Shuman.

Shol scored again in the third period, assisted by Anna Sem. The fifth and final goal of the game came off the stick of Lillian Minge. Minge was assisted by Kalysta Arndt and Mia Olson. The Otters picked up their fourth consecutive win on Sunday, Dec. 30, against Morris/Benson in which would be an historical victory for the Otters’ hockey program. Anna Sem put the Otters up early with an unassisted goal halfway through period number one. With just seconds remaining in the first period, Shol scored unassisted, as the Otters took a 2-0 lead into what would be a memorable second period. A little over four minutes into the period, the Otters got their third goal of the game. This goal came from Ella Sem, assisted by Atley Duckwitz. With Sem’s goal, every single girl on the team now has at least one goal on the season. Talking with a couple of coaches from around the area, with all of their years of experience being around the sport of hockey, they have never heard of this happening. The final goal for the Otters was unassisted by Kenyon-Woessner. The Otters went on to win 4-1. The 10U B girls hockey team has created such a close bond and they work so well together. It’s going to be a season they will always remember.

Chaska/Chanhassen Bantam B1 wins Eagan championship

The Chaska/Chanhassen (CCHA) Bantam B1 team battled some tough competition to remain undefeated in the Carter Webb Memorial Tournament over New Year’s weekend. This is the third tournament win for CCHA as they won the championship in the Brainerd tournament on Nov. 30, and placed second in the Woodbury tournament on Nov. 18. Overall, the CCHA Bantam B1 team record is currently 23-8-3. Front row (l-r): Jake Fasching, Grant Peltier, Brady Marsh. Middle row (l-r): Keyan Schugel, Riley Grimm, Nickolas Azanov, Tyler Box, Thomas Laaksonen. Back row (l-r): Adam Retterath, Nicholas Eckstrum, Henry Bushey, Luke Christopherson, Ryan Nicholson, Brock Hegarty, Tyler Hanson. Not pictured: Coaches Antti Laaksonen, Steve Bushey, Dustin Christopherson and Jeff Peltier.

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January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Champions crowned at 2018 Bloomington Winter Classic

Bloomington Amateur Hockey Association hosted an exciting Winter Classic tournament 11/29-12/2. The tournament consisted of 40 teams, 618 players, 100 hours of ice on 5 rinks over 4 busy days!

Bantam AA/A Champion: Bloomington Jefferson A

Bantam AA/A Runner-Up: Buffalo AA

Bantam B1 Champion: Hastings

Bantam B1 Runner-Up: Eastview

Bantam B2 Champion: Wayzata

Bantam B2 Runner-Up: Chaska/Chanhassen

Bantam C Champion: Osseo/Maple Grove

Bantam C Runner-Up: Minnetonka

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January 10, 2019

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Gophers win inaugural Minnesota Cup

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

Kailee Skinner and Anna Klein. Minnesota State led 3-1 going into the third period on goals by Brittyn Fleming, Anna Wilgren and McKenzie Sederberg. Levy had 30 saves in the loss while Rooney had 28 saves in the win.

Semifinal games St. Cloud State 2, Minnesota State 2 (SCSU wins shootout 1-0) St. Cloud State and Minnesota State skated to a 2-2 tie, requiring a shootout to determine the winner. The Huskies opened the scoring on a goal by Jenniina Nylund at 17:10 in the first period, her sixth goal of the season. Minnesota State went ahead 2-1 with goals in the second period by Rebekah Kolstad at 7:42, followed by a last-second goal by Corbin Boyd at 19:59. The Huskies were not to be denied, pulling their goalie for the extra skater and tying the game at 18:52 in the third with a goal by Abby Thiessen. After a scoreless five minutes of overtime, Nylund put a puck past Minnesota State goalie Abigail Levy for the shootout win. Emma Polusny had 39 saves in the win and Levy had 23 saves in the loss. Minnesota 4, Minnesota Duluth 3 OT The second semifinal game resembled a heavyweight bout between two incredible

Photo: Susan McPherson

Those who did not witness the inaugural Minnesota Cup last weekend missed some of the best women’s hockey played this year in the WCHA. The tournament, which was graciously sponsored by GELSTX, featured four of the five Minnesota women’s hockey teams: Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State. Both of the semifinal games went into overtime with one game ending after a shootout and the other ending with 1:55 left in overtime. goalies. The Bulldogs came out fast when Anna Klein scored 53 seconds into the game. Minnesota answered with a goal by Taylor Williamson at 11:44. Williamson went back to work in the second period with a goal at 6:15. The third period resembled a slugfest with UMD controlling the puck for the majority of the time. UMD scored 25 seconds into the third on the power play when Gabbie Hughes put the puck in the net. Grace Zumwinkle fired a rocket past Maddie Rooney at 8:50 putting the Gophers on top 3-2. Sydney Brodt answered with a goal – her third of the season – at 14:55 to tie the game and force overtime. The Gophers’ Olivia Knowles tallied the game-winner with a shot from the point with 1:55 left for the win. Rooney had 17 saves in the loss while Alex Gulstene had 33 saves in the win. Championship Game Minnesota 5, St. Cloud State 1 The Gophers jumped out to a quick twogoal lead in the first period with goals by a pair of Taylors – Taylor Wente scored at 4:16,

followed by a goal by Taylor Heise at 5:51. Zumwinkle opened the scoring in the second period on a power-play goal at 8:36. Abby Thiessen scored St. Cloud’s lone goal at 9:32 in the second period. Minnesota scored early in the third period with a goal by Zumwinkle at 0:48, followed by an empty net goal by Heise at 18:21. Sydney Scobee had 22 saves in the win and Janine Alder had 45 saves in the loss.

WCHA Vice President and Women’s League Commissioner Katie Million commented on the success of the inaugural Minnesota Cup: “I thought the first edition of the Minnesota Cup powered by GELSTX was a great showcase for women’s hockey in Minnesota. We saw a high level of play and some exciting hockey over four games that were attended by passionate fans from all four schools. I also want to thank GELSTX for their support of the Minnesota Cup, the WCHA and women’s hockey. This weekend gives us something to build on for next year’s event and I couldn’t be happier.” AllTournament TTeam eam All-T Gabbie Hughes – Minnesota Duluth Taylor Williamson – Minnesota Grace Zumwinkle – Minnesota (MVP) Abby Thiessen – St. Cloud State Anna Wilgren – Minnesota State Janine Alder – St. Cloud State

Third-Place Game Minnesota Duluth 5, Minnesota State 3 The Bulldogs took the third-place game with goals by Hughes (2), McKenzie Hewitt,

WCHA Women’s Pla Playyers of the Week Following Week 14 of the 2018-19 season, the women’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association is proud to recognize four student-athletes as the WCHA Players of the Week, Powered by GoodWood Hockey. The honorees for games of Jan. 4-6 are: University of Minnesota Duluth freshman Gabbie Hughes (Forward), Minnesota State freshman Anna Wilgren (Defenseman) and University of Minnesota sophomore Alex Gulstene (Goaltender) and freshman forward Taylor Heise (Rookie).

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WCHAWOMENSHOCKEY

Beyond the WCHA: Alumni in the pros By Bill Brophy

Photo: Susan McPherson

Dani Cameranesi has always been a biggame player and had the opportunity to play on a big stage during her WCHA career at Minnesota and last year at the Winter Games while playing for Team USA. It was hardly a surprise then that Cameranesi scored two goals Saturday to lead her Buffalo Beauts squad to a 5-0 lead over Boston. Ex-Ohio State defenseman Lisa Chesson added an assist for the Beauts who moved within two points of first place by blanking the Pride. League-leading Boston and Minnesota play each other Saturday night in Boston. In the other NWHL game last weekend, the Metropolitan Riveters got four assists from Amanda Kessel, who won the Patty Kazmaier Award while at Minnesota and beat Connecticut 6-3. Madison Packer had a goal and two assists and Packer's former Wisconsin teammate Courtney Burke added an assist for the Riveters. Former Minnesota Duluth forward Katerina Mrazova had two assists and Nina Rodgers, a former Minnesota player, had a goal for the Whale. Minnesota have identical 7-3 records and 14 points, two points ahead of Buffalo (6-4) Connecticut (2-5-2) and the Riveters (3-8) have six points. The top teams all have six games remaining in the regular season. Kessel (1-11-12) is third in the league in scoring and leads the league in assists

Dani Cameranesi has always been a big-game player and had the opportunity to play on a big stage during her WCHA career at Minnesota and last year at the Winter Games while playing for Team USA.

with 11, three more than Cameranesi, who stands fifth in the NWHL scoring derby with three goals, eight assists and 11 points. Boston’s Gigi Marvin, a Minnesota alum, and Mrazova are fourth in the league with six goals scored. In the CWHL last weekend, in the first action since the Christmas break, leagueleading Calgary, Montreal scored a sweep and Worcester stayed winless, losing to Shenzhen. Calgary beat Markham 4-3 in overtime as ex-Wisconsin player Blayre Turnbull had

a goal, former Duluth players Brigette Lacquette and Zoe Hickel chipped in assists and former Badger goalie Alex Rigsby made 37 saves. Rigsby stopped 30 in backstopping the Inferno’s 5-4 victory over Markham Sunday. Turnbull had a goal and an assist and Lacquette added two helpers. Montreal beat Toronto 3-1 and 6-3. Former Badger Carolyne Prevost had Toronto's lone goal Saturday and had an assist Sunday. Ex-Badger Sarah Nurse, the top-scoring rookie in the league, had a goal

and former Ohio State standout Natalie Spooner and Prevost each had assists for the Fury, while former Wisconsin all-American Hilary Knight had a goal for Les Canadiennes, who have won seven straight games. Noora Raty, the former Minnesota allAmerican goalie, made 15 saves to lead Shenzhen to a 3-0 victory over Worcester Saturday and had 28 stops Sunday in a 72 victory. Stephanie Anderson, a former Bemidji State forward, had a goal in the series finale and Duluth alum Jessica Wong, who had a goal Saturday, registered an assist Sunday for the Rays. Calgary (14-2-0-1) is atop the standings with 29 points, one more than Montreal (14-3-0-0). Markham (9-6-3-0) is in third place with 21 points, six more than the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays (7-8-1). Toronto (7-8-0) is in fifth place with 14 points while Worcester in winless and pointless in 17 games. Nurse (10 goals, 9 assists) and Spooner (10 goals, 9 assists) are in fifth place in the league’s scoring derby with 19 points, with 10 goals (third most in the league). Former Wisconsin all-American Brianna Decker (8 goals, 9 assists, 17 points) is tenth in overall points. Calgary’s Rigsby, Decker’s teammate, leads the CWHL goaltenders with a 9-1-01 record, and her 1.82 goals-against average and.931 save percentage are third best in the CWHL.

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Roseau PeeWee AA captures Paul Bunyan championship

January 10, 2019

Prior Lake PeeWee B1 Navy takes first in Eagan

Goalie: Brayton Levesque. Front row (l-r): Austin Klint, Sawyer Ginther, Jake Halvorson, Alex Ballard, Brennen Johnson, Tucker Kvien, Bemidji Squirt Escort Cal Barnes. Back row (l-r): Head coach Todd Hagen, James Jacques, Christian Larson, Braydon Thingvold, Austin Hagen, Gavin Jensen, Jake Kvien, Noah Urness, assistant coach Andy Jensen.

Roseau PeeWee AA team captured the championship of the 30th Annual Paul Bunyan PeeWee Tournament on Dec. 2830. There were 16 teams entered in the tournament with the highlight being a team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. The Bemidji American Legion raised money to pay their way to the tournament. A special ceremony was held in the honor of the Humboldt junior team that was involved in a tragic bus accident last April. In Roseau’s pool was Minot, Brainerd, and Hastings. In the first game, Roseau shut out Brainerd 6-0. In the evening game on Friday, Roseau edged Hastings 3-2. Roseau controlled much of the game but had a hard time capitalizing. On Saturday, Roseau blanked 5-0 for first place in the West Division of the tournament. In the East Division, the home team, Bemidji, came out on top with a 2-1 mark,

but won the tiebreaker to take first place. In the North Division, Champlin Park went 3-0 to claim the No. 1 spot. In the South Division, the Grand Forks Seawolves went 3-0 to take the top spot. In the semifinals, Section 8AA rivals Bemidji and Roseau faced off in one semifinal with Roseau, beating the home team 5-1. In the other semi, Champlin Park edged the Seawolves in a close game 2-1. In the championship game, Roseau came out strong in the first period and scored three goals to grab the lead. In the second period, Champlin came out strong and closed the gap by scoring twice. In the third period, Roseau came out and scored two quick goals to make the score 5-2. Both teams fought hard for the rest of the game, but the score remained with Roseau coming out on top to claim the championship.

Prior Lake PeeWee B1 Navy continues to improve with a holiday tournament win at the Eagan Carter Weber Memorial Cup. Coach Hadland, with over 10 years of coaching youth hockey for the Lakers, said, “The team showed a good display of puck movement, teamwork and comradery. Holiday tournaments can be tough as families often need to cut their vacations short, but we had a full roster throughout the threeday tournament.” The tournament started on Friday and the Lakers won against Mound Westonka 10-1. The Lakers continued to put points on the board, while also showing strong defense and goaltending on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Farmington and a 2-2 tie against Orange County (who made the trip to Minnesota from California).

The Lakers won the semifinal game 7-0 against Park Cottage Grove and played Farmington in the championship game. The Lakers had a slow start, trailing Farmington after the first period 1-0, but came back to secure the win with a 7-2 victory. Coach Hadland said, “It was a team effort, but the win was extra special for one of the Laker goalies, Ethan Reisembach. His father is deployed in the Red Bull National Guard Division in Kuwait and hasn’t been able to see a game this season. The team created holiday cards and care packages for the military group and Ethan played in the championship game and will have another great story to share with his dad.” The Lakers look to keep the movement as they gear up for their next tourney in Bemidji.

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WCHAHOCKEY

Players of the Week

BGSU’s Craggs, NMU’s Beaulieu, UAH’s Sinclair and BSU’s Armour earn weekly league honors WCHA Forward of the Week L uk as Craggs, Jr ., Bo wling Green ukas Jr., Bowling (Elmhurst, Ill.) Craggs celebrated his 100th collegiate game in style, scoring a pair of goals Saturday – including the game-winner – to help now-No. 9 Bowling Green complete a WCHA home sweep of then-No. 3 Minnesota State. With the host Falcons already up 1-0 in the series’ finale, Craggs scored twice in a span of 5:39 of game action to give BGSU a 3-0 lead en route to a second-consecutive 4-1 victory. Both goals were even-strength markers, with Craggs first coming at 17:57 of the first period and standing as the game-winner, with the second at 3:36 of the second stanza. The junior from Elmhurst, Ill. tied for the WCHA goal-scoring lead this last weekend (and now has a league-best 12 this season), while adding eight shots on goal, two blocked shots and a plus-3 rating against the Mavericks. WCHA Defenseman Player of the Week Philip Beaulieu, Jr ., Nor thern Jr., Michigan (Duluth, Minn.) Beaulieu tied for the WCHA scoring lead among defensemen with three points, while tying for tops among all league skaters with three assists and a plus-4 rating during Northern Michigan's league sweep of Ferris State. The junior from Duluth,

ond and 12 more in the third, helping the Chargers win despite being outshot by a 39-17 margin. His 39 saves were the most by a Charger in a shutout since Scott Monroe also had 39 stops against Robert Morris on Feb. 26, 2005. Sinclair then blanked Tech for the first 43:15 of Saturday's series’ finale, finishing with 35 stops in a 2-1 overtime loss to the first-place Huskies.

Minn. did his offensive damage in Friday's 4-1 victory, as after the visiting Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead, Beaulieu set up the first three Wildcats’ goals. He also added his second-straight plus-2 effort in Saturday's 4-2 triumph, helping NMU win for the third time in its last four games. Beaulieu's assists and plus/minus rating were also tied for the best nationally last weekend. WCHA Goaltender of the Week Mar k Sinclair Mark Sinclair,, So., Alabama Hunts-

ville (Dundas, Ont.) Sinclair was outstanding all weekend for Alabama Huntsville, leading the nation with 74 saves and ranking second with a WCHA-best .974 save percentage as the Chargers earned a road split at league-leading Michigan Tech. The sophomore from Dundas, Ontario turned in one of UAH's top goaltending efforts in several years during Friday's 1-0 victory, recording his first career shutout with a 39-save performance. Sinclair made Bailey Newton's first period goal stand up with nine saves in the opening stanza, 18 in the sec-

WCHA Rookie of the Week, R oss Armour e Armour,, FF,, Bemidji Stat State (T rail, B.C.) (Trail, Armour tied for the WCHA rookie scoring lead with three points and paced the league's first-year skaters with a plus-3 rating, helping Bemidji State to a league split with Alaska Anchorage. The freshman from Trail, British Columbia enjoyed a career night Friday, netting three assists in the Beavers' 5-1 victory. Armour more than doubled his rookie point total (to five) in a single game, as he set up BSU's game-winning goal, along with two others. He added three shots on goal and 17 faceoff wins, while his plus-3 rating was second among NCAA rookies last weekend.

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

Deception

continued from page 5 said. “[Small-area games] have changed the game. Be creative. Try things out at full speed or go slow, underspeed.” Improve your skating You can better deceive your opponents by becoming a better skater. And it’s not just about getting faster, Laylin says, it’s about changing speeds, checking and receiving checks and controlling your body while keeping your feet moving. “Master your edges,” he said. “Have an understanding of how and when to change speeds. You can deceive players by going one way and quick-popping the other way, using your speed to your advantage.” Don’t telegraph You don’t want your opponent to know what you’re going to do with the puck, so work on multiple moves – shooting, passing, deking – from the same position. Learn to shoot at different angles without changing the way you shoot the puck. “Releasing your shot while pulling and pushing the puck,” Laylin said. “Understand the level of the puck and have a quick release.”

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Systems “Playing for a long time, I’ve talked to a lot of goalies: “Can you read the puck off the guy’s stick?” Some goalies, they can’t read what they’re going to do because once they’re in shooting position, they can change the angle by pushing or pulling before releasing it. Make the goalie move in the net. When you force the goalie to move, it opens it up.” Heads up Correct posture is important, Laylin says. Looking down can hurt you in two ways: 1. It takes energy to keep looking up and down as you’re trying to play; and 2. You don’t know where your teammates are, where pressure is coming from, what position the goalie is in, etc. “You still need to have a good knee bend, but keep your head up and scan the ice so you know who’s where,” he said. “Move your bottom hand up closer to the top hand on your stick so your head stays up.” And from there ... “Do the math. You’re one guy. Where are the other four guys? Know your numbers. The only way is by seeing. Do the math all at once. Go fast but don’t hurry. Be quick but don’t hurry. Slow it down in your mind.”

‘Like’ Let’s Play Hockey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ letsplayhockey The Let’s Play Hockey Expo is set for March 8-9, 2019 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

continued from page 5 you have a certain area that you can cover and that’s it,” said Gosselin. “That is a thing of the past.” An increasing trend at the higher levels of hockey today is the notion that players are interchangeable. They aren’t restricted or pigeonholed into certain positions. Defensemen are more active offensively than ever before and forwards have taken on added responsibility in the defensive zone. The result is every player must understand offensive and defensive habits and concepts. “Hockey IQ is a big thing,” said Gosselin. “Keith Tkachuk said this at a Level 5 clinic a couple of years ago, ‘If you want a better hockey IQ, you don’t sit there and tell a kid at 8U exactly what to do. They have to form their own knowledge.’” “You can implement it through drills, but watching the game and being a student of the game is a big deal too. Go and watch the local high school team play. Watch the colleges play. Watch the NHL guys play.” Powering your PP The same holds true for special teams. No one is tracking how good your Squirt/ 10U team’s power play is, but the habits they form (or don’t) will be very noticeable as the players progress to higher levels of play. “At the older levels, they’ll work on the set-up, and they’ll work on the breakout, etc. but it’s not that important with our young kids,” said Gosselin. “We need to get away from being focused on the coach-centered power play so we can win the game mentality, and we need to get into the long-term physical development of our players where we’re working on habits so it just becomes

second nature when they get older.” Today’s game is played in a copycat world where there are no secrets when it comes to systems or special teams. Most teams are running the same or similar systems, and the difference in games comes down to which players have the skills and knowledge to make plays. “You have to make decisions out on the ice,” said Gosselin. “If you have a two-onone going, you may want to try a scissor play. That’s a habit and a concept. One guy is going to be driving, and you’re going to crisscross and make a play towards the net. We’re going to outnumber people two-onone all over the ice. That kind of stuff can be taught in station-based practices.” Use your time wisely “I’m not saying you can’t take some time but it’s a very small amount, a very small percentage of time to work on that kind of stuff,” said Gosselin. USA Hockey’s American Development Model recommends introducing systems at Peewee/12U but encourages coaches to minimize the amount of ice time spent on systems play until later age groups. Gosselin encourages teams to utilize chalk talks and walk-throughs off the ice to implement systems at those young ages to avoid wasting ice time. Once players have a general understanding, coaches can utilize small area drills and games that emphasize important habits and concepts within those systems. “All of this stuff is a progression,” said Gosselin. “We have to make our kids capable of having higher skill sets so when it is time to implement stuff like this, and it starts kind of getting important in later years, they’re capable of doing it.”

Update New Ulm’s Ayd signs NAHL tender The New Ulm Steel announced that defenseman Sam Ayd has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Chippewa Steel. Ayd, 19, is in his first season playing junior hockey in the NA3HL. The 6-4, 200pound native of Mahtomedi, Minn., is currently third in team scoring with 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) in 30 games played. Ayd was the West Division Star of the Week back on Nov. 28, when he recorded five points in two games during the week. He is the first Steel player this season to sign an NAHL tender. Prior to playing for the Steel in the NA3HL, Ayd played two seasons of varsity hockey in Minnesota for Mahtomedi High School where he had 27 points in 41 career games. Bulls’ Junker signs NAHL tender The North Iowa Bulls announced that defenseman Evan Junker signed an NAHL tender agreement with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Junker has

emerged as a leader on the Bulls’ defensive ledger this season, with 23 points, the second-most among North Iowa blueliners. With more than 120 scouts in attendance at the NA3HL Showcase, Junker set himself apart, scoring a goal in the opener against the Mid-Cities Jr. Stars and posting four assists over the three-day event. In a win over the Northeast Generals, he had an assist on Justin Callahan’s eventual gamewinner. With that tender agreement, Junker will start the 2019-20 season with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and will not be eligible for this spring’s NAHL Draft. Any NAHL appearances he makes during the remainder of this season will also be made in an Ice Dogs’ uniform. The Elk River, Minn., native will follow another recent North Iowa Bull to Alaska. Goaltender Josh Benson went undefeated in Mason City, winning all seven of his decisions before playing two years for the Ice Dogs. This season, he is a freshman at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, with a 3-2-1 record in his first season of NCAA Division I hockey. In seven-and-a-half years on the ice, more than 30 North Iowa Bulls players have reached the NAHL. Three of those players are currently active in NCAA Division I hockey, with several others playing for professional teams. More than 50 NA3HL alumni suited up in the NAHL a year ago, with that number expected to rise this season.

NA3HL.COM @NA3HL NA3HL

Leading Scorers PLAYER Mike Padgeon Colby Audette Eric Melso Misha Akatnov Marc Faia Hazen McKay Payton McSharry Jens Juliussen

TEAM BNG LEA BNG MIS NET BOZ GFL GFL

P F F F F F F F F

GP 31 34 29 23 34 28 34 32

G 31 32 27 45 23 39 34 16

A 45 42 46 27 45 27 31 49

PTS 76 74 73 72 68 66 65 65

Defenseman Scoring PLAYER JP Chauvin Jake Berry Cole Ouellette Mitch Dolese Toon De Schepper Blake Holmes Elijah Morris

TEAM LEA MKE LEA LOU CR CR OSW

P D D D D D D D

GP 33 31 33 33 22 22 29

G 15 13 12 15 5 11 10

A 49 51 52 29 38 31 32

PTS 64 64 64 44 43 42 42

Save Percentage PLAYER Jeff Zero Viktor Wennberg Dysen Skinner John Driscoll Jaden Gardner

TEAM BNG GFL NIO NET PEO

GPI 15 14 12 15 19

MINS 795 843 719 846 1037

W-L-OTL-SOL 11-3-0-0 12-2-0-0 10-2-0-0 11-2-0-1 11-4-1-0

GAA 2.04 2.14 1.92 2.20 1.97

SV% .941 .934 .932 .931 .931

MINS W-L-OTL-SOL SV% 701 10-1-0-0 .930 540 9-0-0-0 .923 1095 15-2-1-0 .928 719 10-2-0-0 .932 1037 11-4-1-0 .931 * More stats on NA3HL.com

GAA 1.54 1.67 1.92 1.92 1.97

Goals-Against Average PLAYER TEAM GPI Daniel Miller LEA 12 Hunter Raye LEA 9 Mikael Foucher STL 19 Dysen Skinner NIO 12 Jaden Gardner PEO 19 * bold indicates Minnesota native

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Giving back

By Thor Oase Outside of playing hockey for my school, I enjoy giving back to my community, especially in the sport that I love. I remember when I was in Squirts and PeeWees, my friend’s older brother would come to help our team. I thought it would be lots of fun to give back to youth hockey like he did. For the past six years, I have helped out hockey players at various levels including Mites, Squirts and PeeWees. Over this time, I enjoyed working with the younger players, demonstrating drills and leading them in pregame warmups. This winter, I volunteer my time every weekend coaching Mini Mite 1 hockey for the Burnsville-Apple Valley Firehawks Association where I teach players skating and hockey skills. Our Mite practices are divided into six stations, each comprised of a basic fundamental drill or game to improve their skating, stopping, turning, passing and shooting. Whenever the skaters perform the drill correctly, I congratulate and praise them. Recently, I have noticed these Kindergarten and first grade skaters seek me out during our open skate time to play with me and give me hugs.

Before the holidays, I attached my dog’s Santa hat to the top of my helmet for decoration. When I was helping the kids step onto the ice, a player asked me, “Santa, are you the one who brings us presents every year?” I smiled and responded playfully, “Every year.” I think the players enjoy seeing someone from the high school team coming to help out every weekend, even though they eventually concluded I wasn’t the real Santa Claus. I find this experience of giving back to the community rewarding because I have made many connections with players in our hockey association through spending time with them on the ice. After coaching for such a long time, I have gained confidence in working with youth players. Over the years, I have learned that I enjoy coaching skaters and seeing them develop throughout the season ... and I plan to continue coaching for many years to come. I also encourage other high school players to get involved with their youth hockey associations because giving back is an amazing experience to help others learn to love this sport. Thor Oase is a junior and plays JV and Varsity hockey for Apple Valley High School.

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

U.S. takes silver at World Juniors

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Team USA captures fourth straight tournament medal, Ryan Poehling earns Tournament MVP

Photo: USA Hockey

Sasha Chmelevski and Josh Norris scored, and Cayden Primeau turned aside 28 shots, but the U.S. National Junior Team fell to Finland, 3-2, in the gold-medal game of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship. “We knew from day one that this group had something special, and even though we didn’t play the perfect game, it was almost enough,” said Mike Hastings (Crookston, Minn./Minnesota State), head coach of the 2019 U.S. National Junior Team. “There’s no doubt this stings, especially with the way we came back from a two-goal deficit, but there’s a lot this group can be proud of in helping the United States earn a fourth-straight medal in this tournament. These players earned a medal for our country and it won’t be the last. This is the future of USA Hockey and I think I speak for our nation when I say we’re

excited to see these players one day represent our country again and I have no doubt they’ll one day bring gold home.” Team USA’s silver-medal finish continues its unprecedented medal streak in tournament play after winning gold in 2017 and earning bronze-medals in 2016 and 2018. The U.S. now has 12 medals in

tournament play, including four gold medals (2004, 2010, 2013, 2017), two silver medals (1997, 2019) and six bronze medals (1986, 1992, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2018). Following the game, Ryan Poehling (Lakeville, Minn./St. Cloud State University) was named Tournament MVP and earned

the Directorate Award as Best Forward, finishing with five goals and three assists. In Team USA’s 5-4 preliminary overtime loss to Sweden, Poehling led a four-goal comeback with an assist and a natural hat trick in the final 10:26 of regulation. Following its semifinal win over Russia yesterday, Poehling, captain Mikey Anderson (Roseville, Minn./University of Minnesota Duluth) and forward Jason Robertson were tabbed Team USA’s Top Three Players of the Tournament. NOTES: Chmelevski was tabbed U.S. Player of the Game ... The U.S. was outshot by Finland, 31-28, went 0-for-5 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill ... Poehling is just the fourth-ever U.S. player to earn Tournament MVP honors after Zach Parise (2004), John Gibson (2013) and Casey Mittelstadt (2018).

Mariucci Classic returns in 2019-20 with all Minnesota lineup

After a two-year hiatus, the Mariucci Classic will return to the Gopher Hockey schedule in 2019-20 with a new twist as for the first time in tournament history all four participating programs hail from the state of Minnesota. Joining the Gophers for the 27th edition of the Mariucci Classic will be Bemidji State, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State. The Mavericks and the Huskies will both be making their first appearances at the Mariucci Classic while the Beavers will be participating for the third time, having finished third in 2000-01 and winning the tournament in 2010-11. Next year’s Mariucci Classic is scheduled for Dec.

28-29, 2019 at 3M Arena at Mariucci. With an all-time Mariucci Classic record of 36-13-3 dating back to the inaugural event in 1991-92, the Maroon & Gold have won 14 of the previous 26 tournament titles and stand as the defending Mariucci Classic champions after winning the event in 2016-17. Named in honor of the “Godfather of M i n n e s o t a Hockey,” the Mariucci Classic honors former Gopher and hall of famer John Mariucci. A native of Eveleth, Minn., Mariucci skated for the Gophers and led Minnesota to an undefeated AAU championship in 1940 while earning First Team All-America honors. He went on to a lengthy professional career

including five seasons in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks before returning to the University of Minnesota to coach the Maroon & Gold – holding a 197-138-18 (.584) coaching record from 1952-66. During the 1955-56 season, he stepped

away from the Gophers’ bench to coach the U.S. Olympic team to a silver medal. Mariucci was inducted into the inaugural 1973 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1985.

THE NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Featuring Nine Teams in Minnesota ! n i s n o c s i W and Midwest West Division travels to three showcases in Chicago and New England

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USPHL.com

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey

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NOTEBOOK By Jim DenHollander USPHL.com Welcome to the 2019 USPHL MidwestWest Division playoff race. Game results are important from the beginning of the season, of course, but when USPHL teams return from the Christmas break each season, the regular season finish line is just over a month away.

Havoc gets a buffer There are position changes in the Midwest Division standings almost every weekend, but one position that has remained constant since the early days of the season is the point position. The Hudson Havoc has never exactly

USPHL’s Minnesota teams make turn into stretch drive

been comfortably in front, but the squad returned from the break with about as perfect a weekend as it could have hoped for. After doubling the Blue Ox 6-3 on Jan. 4, on the road the Havoc returned home for a pair of satisfying wins against the Dells Ducks (4-1, 4-2), the Havoc collected six points on the weekend, while the second place Minnesota came away empty from a trip to Wisconsin Rapids with a 4-1 loss and 6-5 heartbreaker against the host Riverkings. Dylan Marty enjoyed a huge offensive weekend to lead the Havoc, scoring three goals in the opener against the Blue Ox, then adding a goal and two assists in the middle game before wrapping up the weekend with another pair against the Ducks. Wyatt Knipfer set up three in the first game and Cal Ambrose (‘99/Wayzata, Minn.) handled all but one of the 23 shots he faced in goal. Nick Spolec scored two of his team’s three goals in the lone goal of the weekend for the Blue Ox and it was Jeffrey Rebmann notching the lone Ducks goal Saturday, spoiling the shutout bid of Ambrose with less than seven minutes to play, ironically with a shorthanded marker. The wins boosted a current string of wins to 10 straight for the Havoc and the team has picked up at least a point in 12 straight dating back to mid-November. Riverkings stay hot The sweep of the Moose not only helped

Photo: Kelsey Witt/USPHL

Prelude tto o the Ne w YYear ear New As the only division in the league that sees eight postseason qualifiers, the battle for the last and next to last spots can be as fierce as the race to the top. But recent results may have seen that position all but settled. The Kasson Vipers and Minnesota Blue Ox enjoyed the shortest break of all as the Blue Ox took both ends of a home and home pair with the Vipers Dec. 29-30. The two were the only pair in the league in action on that last 2018 weekend. The Blue Ox grabbed a 10-3 win at Kasson Dec. 29 and finished the sweep the following night on home ice 6-1. However, the following night, the Vipers hit the ice again at home, grabbing a big win on home ice at the Dodge County Ice Arena 5-2 against the Steele County Blades. The win gave the Vipers a 3-1 edge in the season series and widened the gap between the eighth place Vipers and ninth place Blades to nine points. The Blades still have 14 games to play but have also dropped nine in a row and with no head-to-head matches against the Vipers left, the team would need to get hot and get some help down the stretch.

USPHL.com @USPHL USPHL

the Havoc widen its gap atop the group to six points (with a couple games in hand) on the second-place squad, but also extended the host team’s winning streak to six games while getting them to with three points of the runner-up spot, with one fewer game played. The Riverkings never trailed in the first game against the Moose but didn’t have much breathing room until a goal by defenseman Haralds Jirgens with just seven minutes to play opened up a three-goal cushion. Jesse Edwards fired two of the other goals and Drake Bradshaw stopped 19 of 20 shots faced to grab the win in goal. The following night, the Moose scored in the first two minutes and owned a 2-1 lead later in the first period but trailed 3-2 after the opening 20. The Riverkings widened the gap to 5-3 by the end of the second but Preston Larson (‘00/Andover, Minn.) fired two goals in 32 seconds to pull the Moose back into it just past the halfway mark of the final period. The game didn’t stay tied long though, Edwards sinking the game winner just 17 seconds later. Adam Peterson fired two goals and added an assist in the win for the Riverkings and Tyler Jensen also scored twice for the Moose.

Mallards slide into top half If the Rum River Mallards move through ranks was quiet earlier, a 4-0 showing at the Midwest Showcase heading into the Christmas Break had everyone’s attention. The expansion club out of Isanti, Minn., carried a five-game winning streak into the break, but saw it snapped immediately 5-3 on Friday against the host Minnesota Mullets. The following night, the Mallards battled back with a 3-2 shootout win against the same Mullets and vaulted past the idle Blue Ox into fourth spot overall in the division. That’s a key move as the top four squads will garner home ice advantage through the opening round of the playoffs. The Blue Ox do have three games in hand on the Mallards and there are no more head to head battles for these two teams. In the first game, teams played through a scoreless opening period, the Mullets firing the lone pair of the second and pulling away from a narrow 3-2 lead with two goals five minutes apart late in the contest. The Mullets had five different goal scorers in the contest, Tyler Morrisonand Jacob Lindblom (‘99/Pine City, Minn.) pacing the squad with an assist as well while Jack Bostedt turned aside 36 shots to lead his team to the win despite being outshot 3923). The following night, the Mallards grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first and 2-1 in the third with the Mullets responding to tie it before the end of both periods. That set the stage for the shootout where Peter Meyer (‘00/Waseca, Minn.) scored the only goal. Bostedt faced another tough challenge in goal as the home team racked up 51 shots including a lopsided 25-7 edge through the first period.

Wayzata’s Branton ripping it up with Rum River

By Jim DenHollander USPHL.com

The Rum River Mallards are playing some exciting hockey of late and getting contributions from the entire lineup. A management shuffle and some exciting firewagon hockey has seen the expansion team rise into the top half of the league and they don’t appear to be slowing anytime soon. Playing a part in the team’s exciting first season is Wayzata native Matthias Branton, a puck-moving set-up man who has contributed 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) so far this season, ranking fifth overall on the team and tops among its defense corps. Some management moves played a part in the turnaround and Branton said there was an attitude change initiated by the team’s elder statesman as well. “At the time the coaching change was made, most of our leaders kind of stepped up and said we have to start playing better,” said the ’99 defenseman in a recent telephone interview. “They just talked

about how we have to play better as a team and it clearly helped. I think all the guys rallied around that. “Jimmy (new head coach Jim Jensen) is a great coach, he really knows how to get the guys going.” Branton honed his craft – from youth to high school — in Wayzata, a suburb of the Twin Cities that has a rich hockey history. “Every city talks about how their hockey is best,” said Branton. “But the crowd that we got, every night, cheering for us, even when we went up north to play, some of our fans followed us up there and it was real sweet to watch that. We got the support behind us.” There are plenty of banners in the rafters there as well, including a state championship a deep playoff push almost every season for the local high school squad. Injuries and illness prevented Branton from playing much in his sophomore and junior season in Wayzata, but he enjoyed a great senior squad. “We went all the way to the Sectional finals and played Edina, which had five Division 1 commitments. We played well the

whole year,” recalled Branton. With that kind of local support, Branton had no desire to stray too far from home and that was a big factor in him becoming a Mallard. “You know, I think it was personally just to be closer to home,” said Branton. “I like the support my family and friends give me. My friends come to the games, my family comes to most of the games. I really liked Brad (GM Brad Zangs) too. He convinced me that was the place I wanted to play.” With a year of eligibility remaining, Branton says he expects to return to junior hockey at some level in 2019-20. “Right now, my number one goal is to play

college hockey. I think Jimmy can help me move up in the ranks. Hopefully play junior next year somewhere and hopefully go from there to college.” Right now though, Branton and his teammates have more immediate goals. Like the Minnesota Blue Ox from the previous season, the Mallards have shrugged off the ‘expansion’ tag and are looking to rub shoulders with the division’s elite squads down the homestretch. “We talk about it every day, how we can get better as a team,” said Branton. “Our first goal is to get to nationals. We have a tough division, which is good, because our team is super competitive.”

USPHL Premier Midwest West Standings & Stats Team Hudson MN Moose WI Rapids Rum River MN Blue Ox MN Mullets Dells Kasson Steele County

GP 31 33 32 33 30 33 35 34 29

W 24 22 20 19 18 17 13 9 5

L 5 11 11 13 11 13 20 24 24

OTL 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 0 0

SOL 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0

PTS 50 44 41 39 37 37 28 19 10

GF 132 144 115 135 129 107 130 90 44

GA 60 82 79 92 94 107 125 190 127

DIFF 72 62 36 43 35 0 -22 -100 -83

PCT .806 .667 .641 .591 .617 .561 .400 .279 .172

PIM 515 483 513 548 684 295 728 772 523

NAHL.com

www.stateofhockey.com

January 10, 2019

INSIDE THE NAHL

News & Notes

Jets announce staff changes The Janesville Jets have announced coaching and staff changes effective immediately. Long-time Jets’ head coach and general manager Joe Dibble will return as general manager. Dibble was instrumental in creating and executing a player procurement, development, and advancement model that has made the NAHL the League of Opportunity. Under Dibble’s leadership, Janesville regularly led the NAHL in the number of players receiving NCAA Division I commitments while playing in the NAHL or advancing to the USHL. The Jets also announced Corey Leivermann will take over as head coach of the club, replacing Gary Shuchuk. Leivermann has been the Jets’ top assistant coach and director of scouting for the past 18 months. Prior to joining the Jets, Leivermann was head coach of the Jersey Shore Wildcats in the NA3HL, and an assistant coach with Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL. New assistant coach Lennie Childs will be the Jets’ top assistant. Childs is a former Jets’ assistant captain and was head coach of the Skipjacks Hockey Club and the Charlotte Rush of the USPHL Premier Division prior to rejoining the Jets. Childs will also oversee the Jr. Jets’ development program. “Our primary mission has always been to develop and advance our players to the next level,” said Jets’ President Bill McCoshen. “We think we have two of the top up-andcoming coaches in junior hockey and one of the best player promoters in the business. We haven’t had the success on player advancement we expect in Janesville recently, and we intend to reclaim our position as the top development and advancement organization in the NAHL.” Dibble’s primary role will be promoting current Jets’ players to NCAA schools while mentoring head coach Corey Leivermann and assistant coach Lennie Childs on the player procurement, development, and advancement model that defines Janesville’s franchise. “We are grateful for what coach Gary Shuchuk has done for our club. He came in last year and helped guide the Jets to within a goal of the Robertson Cup Final Four,” said McCoshen. “He was instrumental in developing Jets’ forward Jakov Novak into an NHL draft pick. Gary is a talented coach and leaves the Jets in a competitive position within our division. We wish him continued success in the future.” Buhl commits to Alaska Anchorage The Minnesota Magicians announced that forward Cameron Buhl has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Alaska-Anchorage in the WCHA. Buhl, 20, is in his third season playing in the NAHL for the Magicians. So far during the 2018-19 season, the 5-10, 180-pound native of South St. Paul, Minn., leads the first-place Magicians in scoring with 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 33 games played this season. “We are extremely happy for Cam on earning his commitment to Alaska-Anchorage.

Cam has been a loyal athlete and leader to the Magicians’ organization for the past few years. His quest to get to college hockey has paid off through his consistent worth ethic and determination,” said Magicians’ head coach AJ Bucchino. Buhl played in the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Midwest Division team, where he had a goal in two games during the event. So far during this three-year NAHL career, Buhl has recorded 88 points in 141 career regular season games. Prior to playing in the NAHL, he spent four years playing varsity high school hockey in Minnesota for South St. Paul High School, which he recorded 48 points his senior season. He is the eighth player from the 2018-19 Magicians’ roster who has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey.

Schmidt commits to Union The Jamestown Rebels announced that forward Colin Schmidt has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Union College in the ECAC. The 18-year-old native of Maple Grove, Minn., will remain in The Empire State for the foreseeable future. Schmidt (6-5/ 225) becomes the second player to join the Dutchmen this season for the Rebels, joining Defenseman Nick Petruolo. Schmidt is now the fourth player to commit to a college this season for the Rebels. So far during the 2018-19 season, he has played in 21 games and recorded 13 points (five goals, eight assists). Schmidt has proven himself not only to his teammates, but also his coaches, as his hard work and dedication to the game has consistently put him on the first line, where he has been putting up very good numbers as he currently sits on a four-game point streak. He will look to continue to make waves at the NCAA Division I level next season. There are some pretty big skates to fill though, when putting on the Dutchman jersey as 11 former players have reached the pinnacle of hockey. “I am very excited to continue my education and hockey career at Union College. It is a great hockey program and an extremely good school, and I am looking forward to it. I have to thank the Rebels’ organization for giving me the opportunity to develop my game for the next level,” said Schmidt. “The coaching staff is very happy for Colin. We are glad that he was able to find a school that was a good fit for both academics and hockey,” said Assistant Coach Josh Brown. Schmidt is also an alumni of the NAPHL, playing for the Omaha AAA 16U team during the 2015-16 season. December Players of the Month The NAHL announced its monthly player awards for the month of December. The Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month is Austin Jouppi, from the Bismarck Bobcats. The Bauer Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month is Ondrej Trejbal from the Minnesota Wilderness. The Vaughn NAHL Goaltender of the Month is Matt Vernon from the Aberdeen Wings. Only players who are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the NAHL monthly awards.

2018-19 NAHL College Commitments Luke Ciolli Jax Murray Logan Neaton* John Stampohar Noah Wilson

Aberdeen Wings Brad Belisle Jon Bendorf Pierson Brandon Nick Leitner* Tim Makowski Kyle Mandleur Adam Pitters Joey Strada Dalton Weigel

Bemidji State Mercyhurst Air Force Bemidji State Alaska Vermont Bowling Green Arizona State Air Force

Amarillo Bulls Alex Borowiec* Jason Brancheau Brenden Datema Logan Jenuwine Alex Peterson

Lebanon Valley Ferris State Michigan Tech Western Michigan Holy Cross

Army Arizona State UMass Lowell Canisius Army

Jamestown Rebels Nick Petruolo Caleb Price Alex Roy Colin Schmidt

Union Arizona State Omaha Minnesota

Janesville Jets Erik Bargholtz Michigan State Cole Brady Arizona State Justin Engelkes Bowling Green Christophe Fillion* Quinnipiac Brenden MacLaren Ferris State Nicholas Nardella Michigan Tech Austin Bruins Garrett Nieto Union Dylan Davies Rensselaer St. Lawrence Arvid Henrikson Lake Superior State Jordan Steinmetz* Che Landikusic Lake Superior State Johnstown Tomahawks Brett Miller RPI Alabama Huntsville Carson Riddle Western Michigan Joey Baez Cam Hebert Robert Morris Anthony Stark* Colgate Roman Kraemer Robert Morris Levi Stauber Michigan Tech Samuel Solensky Bemidji State Hunter Toale Bentley Bismarck Bobcats Christian Brune Merrimack Kenai River Brown Bears George Grannis Clarkson Gavin Enright Bemidji State Kirklan Irey Bemidji State Markuss Komuls Alaska Hunter Johannes American Int’l Chris Lipe* Michigan Tech Clark Kerner UMass Lowell Cam McDonald* Providence Sam Malinski Cornell Jacob Marti Air Force John Roberts Northern Michigan Lone Star Brahmas Joseph Berg* Princeton Adam Stacho American Int’l Sam Brennan Air Force Andy Stoneman St. Lawrence Blake Evennou* Ferris State Julian Timba American Int’l Matt Guerra Bentley Mitch Walinski Air Force Ben Pirko Union Vilho Saariluoma Bentley Brookings Blizzard Jakub Sirota Maine Nicklas Andrews Colorado College Michal Stinil American Int’l Sam Antenucci Colorado College Jared Westcott* Penn State Brett Callahan* American Int’l Kendrick Frost Army Maryland Black Bears Thomas Magnavite St. Mary’s Patrick Choi Bentley Marek Wazny New Hampshire Chippewa Steel Joshua Langford Maine Minnesota Magicians Dylan Moulton Bowling Green Cameron Buhl Alaska Anchorage Camden Thiesing Ohio State Ethan Haider Clarkson Hunter Weiss Notre Dame Jake Hale Minnesota Duluth Jack Jensen Minnesota Corpus Christi Ice Rays Jackson Jutting Colorado College Brady Bjork Notre Dame John Keranen Army Anthony Firriolo Army Tino Passarelli Miami Brian Kramer Robert Morris Jack Robbel Lake Superior State Aleksi Peltonen Wisconsin Nick Seitz Princeton Rylee St. Onge* Alaska Anchorage Minnesota Wilderness Kaleb Johnson North Dakota Chad Veltri Niagara Ben Ward St. Cloud State Coltan Wilkie Colorado College Fairbanks Ice Dogs Dylan Abbott

Minnesota State

Minot Minotauros Brendan Hill

Lake Superior State

Taylor Lantz Keenan Lund Connor McGinnis Cristophe Tellier*

Alaska Anchorage Air Force Air Force Quinnipiac

New Jersey Titans Nick Abruzzese* Chris Garbe Kyle Jeffers Thomas Lacombe Matt Ladd Oli MacDonald* Ryan Naumovski Zach Nazzarett Trevor Peca James Wiseman

Harvard Brown American Int’l Union Canisius Omaha Niagara Miami Miami Connecticut

Northeast Generals Louis Boudon David Fessenden Brady Gaudette John Jaworski Clark Kerner Timothy Lovell Connor Marshall Trevor Smith

Lake Superior State Alabama-Huntsville Maine Sacred Heart UMass-Lowell Ohio State Brown Vermont

Odessa Jackalopes James Crossman Patrick Dawson Eric Huss Carson Pearce

Brown Sacred Heart Army Clarkson

Shreveport Mudbugs Justin Cmunt Derek Contessa* Gueorgui Fedulov CJ McGee Cole Quisenberry*

Mercyhurst Sacred Heart Mercyhurst Quinnipiac Brown

Springfield Jr. Blues Spencer DenBeste Evan Fear* Jack Williams

Lake Superior State Quinnipiac Michigan State

Topeka RoadRunners Max Finner Chad Hillebrand* Connor Murphy* Dallas Tulik

Ferris State Alaska Anchorage Northeastern Ferris State

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Jacob Badal Western Michigan Jeff Belstrand Penn State Tyrone Bronte Bemidji State Adrian Danchenko Alabama-Huntsville Lincoln Hatten Army Greg Japchen Omaha Evan Orr Michigan Tech Davis Pennington Omaha Zach Stejskal Minnesota Duluth Gabe Temple Michigan Tech *NAHL Alumni Brady Lindauer*

St. Mary’s

2018-19 NAHL Standings & Stats Central Division Team GP Aberdeen 32 Austin 33 MN Wilderness 33 Bismarck 32 Minot 34 Brookings 34

W 25 21 19 18 18 4

L 5 9 13 13 15 27

OTL 1 0 1 1 1 2

SOL 1 3 0 0 0 1

PTS 52 45 39 37 37 11

GF 141 100 111 105 111 61

GA 67 71 88 95 101 151

DIFF 74 29 23 10 10 -90

PCT 0.813 0.682 0.591 0.578 0.544 0.162

PIM 594 576 470 622 555 511

East Division Johnstown Jamestown New Jersey Maryland W-B/Scranton Northeast

34 33 33 35 33 34

29 20 18 11 12 10

5 10 15 19 19 18

0 2 0 3 1 3

0 1 0 2 1 3

58 43 36 27 26 26

146 96 107 82 79 101

85 76 111 129 98 127

61 20 -4 -47 -19 -26

0.853 0.652 0.545 0.386 0.394 0.382

531 455 697 681 644 607

Midwest Division MN Magicians 33 Janesville 33 Fairbanks 34 Springfield 31 Kenai River 33 Chippewa 34

22 19 18 14 12 9

10 11 11 14 17 23

1 2 3 2 2 1

0 1 2 1 2 1

45 41 41 31 28 20

94 85 103 83 76 70

77 91 83 93 90 123

17 -6 20 -10 -14 -53

0.682 0.621 0.603 0.500 0.424 0.294

749 478 539 395 527 438

South Division Amarillo 32 Corpus Christi 34 Shreveport 34 Topeka 34 Lone Star 34 Odessa 32

25 18 16 15 14 12

3 15 13 15 14 19

2 1 1 2 2 0

2 0 4 2 4 1

54 37 37 34 34 25

138 106 92 94 68 91

70 101 96 118 82 117

68 5 -4 -24 -14 -26

0.844 0.544 0.544 0.500 0.500 0.391

510 741 829 507 618 764

Leading Scorers PLAYER Samuel Solensky Logan Jenuwine Carson Briere Cameron Hebert Louis Boudon

TEAM JHT AMA JHT NJT NTE

Save Percentage PLAYER TEAM Jack Robbel MNM Zach Stejskal WBS Matt Vernon ABD Harrison Feeney LOS * bold indicates Minnesota native

P F F F F F

GP 34 31 34 34 34

G 20 29 23 16 13

A 36 22 28 31 33

GPI 10 25 27 27

MINS 724 1415 1629 1484 * More NAHL

W-L-OTL-SOL GAA 10-2-0-0 1.74 12-10-1-1 2.42 21-4-1-1 2.03 9-10-2-4 2.06 stats on nahl.com

PTS 56 51 51 47 46 SV% .947 .938 .934 .931

January 10, 2019

All invitational tournaments held in Minnesota must first go through a district tournament coordinator before being sent to the Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinatir, Tim Sweezo, for final approval. The list below is of Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinators for each district. Please call them if you need information about a certain tournament. District 1 Tom Mickus (651) 248-3075; District 2 Jake Reinseth (651) 274-9023; District 3 Chad Nicholls (952) 544-0808; District 4 Kris Hohensee (507) 360-6787; District 5 Jeff Carlen (320) 274-3509; District 6 Brad Hewitt (952) 250-6431; District 8 Zac Dockter (612) 735-9703; District 9 Troy Marquardt (507) 384-7386; District 10 Mark Osmondson (612) 747-8308; District 11 Clark Coole (218) 590-0703; District 12 Craig Homula (218) 7445566; 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.

JANUARY 2019 10-12 Walker, MN: Leech Lake Rumble on Ice; PeeWee C; Contact Jim Archibald at jim@ leisurehotel.com or visit www.rumbleonice.com 10-13 New Richmond, WI: Kittel/Parin POW/MIA Memorial, Bantam A & C (WI B); Contact Barry Cunningham (651) 283-0072 or tournaments@nryha.net or visit www.nryha.net 10-13 Shakopee, MN: Saber Paw Classic, Girls 15U B & 12U B; Contact Jason Young (952) 292-9228 or SYHAYoung@gmail.com or visit www.shakopeehockey.com 10-19 Edina, MN: 42nd Annual John E. Reimann Tournament, Junior Gold B & U16; Contact Pete Waggoner (952) 769-6513 or pete@ sportscontentmanagement.com or visit www.edinatourney.com 11-13 Albert Lea, MN: Girls 12U A & 10U B; Contact alyhatournamentdirector@gmail.com or visit www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com 11-13 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Hockey Tournament, Girls 12U A & 12U B; Contact Mike Peterson (320) 760-1960 or mikepeterson1509@gmail.com or visit www.alexhockey.org 11-13 Bemidji, MN: PeeWee B1; Contact Jeff Loewe (218) 760-3228 or bemidjihockeytourney@ gmail.com or visit www.bemidjiyouthhockey.org 11-13 Bloomington, MN: Spartan Squirt Classic, Squirt A, B & C; Contact bahatourneys@gmail.com or visit www.bloomingtonhockey.com 11-13 Brainerd, MN: Girls 12U A; Contact (218) 851-2244 or visit www.brainerdhockey.com 11-13 Breezy Point, MN: Breezy Point Ice Fest, Squirt B; Contact (218) 568-5678 or visit www.breezypointsports.com

Tournament Calendar

11-13 Brookings, SD: Mite A & B; Contact Jessica Bingham (605) 690-4270 or tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com or visit brookingsrangers.com 11-13 Cloquet, MN: Bantam AA; Contact cloquethockey@hotmail.com or visit cloquet.pucksystems2.com 11-13 Coon Rapids, MN: Cardinal Clash, Bantam B2; Contact Steve Ellenson (763) 464-0690 or sponsorcryha@gmail.com or visit www.coonrapidshockey.com/2018-19clash 11-13 Cottage Grove, MN: Skating with the Wolves, Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact Shawna Munger (651) 235-0235 or tournaments@cghockey.com or visit www.cghockey.com 11-13 Crookston, MN: Bantam B; Contact Kristy Swanson (218) 470-0423 or crookstonhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.crookstonbluelinehockey.com 11-13 Duluth, MN: DAHA Mid-Winter Classic, Bantam C, PeeWee C; Contact Jason Watt (218) 7288000 or jason@duluthhockey.com or visit www.duluthhockey.com 11-13 Fargo, ND: Buffalo Wild Wings Woodchipper Classic, PeeWee B1, PeeWee B/C; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 11-13 Faribault, MN: PeeWee A & B; Contact Pat Nesburg at fhatournaments@gmail.com or visit www.faribaulthockey.com 11-13 Grand Rapids, MN: Squirt A; Contact Colleen Forrest at grhockey55744@yahoo.com or visit www.grhockey.com 11-13 Hermantown, MN: Bantam B2; Contact Amber Manion at hawkdome@isd700.org or visit www.hermantownhockey.com 11-13 Hibbing, MN: Bantam A; Contact hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hcyha.org/tournaments 11-13 Inver Grove Heights, MN: Girls 10U A & B; Contact Jen Kurowski (651) 206-7547 or ighhagirlstourney@gmail.com or visit ighhockey.sportngin.com 11-13 La Crescent, MN: Bantam B; Visit www.lacrescenthockey.com 11-13 Little Falls, MN: PeeWee A & B2; Contact Kari Houle (320) 282-1434 or kari.anne.houle@gmail.com or visit www.littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com 11-13 Luverne, MN: Blazing Blades Tournament, PeeWee A/B; Contact Eric Edstrom (507) 380-1002 or ericedstrom@hotmail.com or visit www.luvernehockey.com 11-13 Mason City, IA: Collins Tournament, PeeWee/Squirt; Contact Jennifer Pearce at jpearce1206@ gmail.com or visit www.mcmohawkhockey.com 11-13 Moorhead, MN: Fried Potato, PeeWee A; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 11-13 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Squirt A; Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com or visit newulm.pucksystems2.com 11-13 Northfield, MN: Jesse James Showdown, Squirt C; Contact tournamentdirector@ northfieldhockey.net or visit www.northfieldhockey.net 11-13 Proctor, MN: PeeWee B2; Contact Jason Seguin (218) 730-7139 or pahatournamentdirector@ gmail.com or visit www.proctorhockey.com 11-13 Redwood Falls, MN: Girls 12U B; Contact Jessica Schmidt (320) 296-4948 or rahatournaments@ gmail.com or visit www.redwoodareahockey.com 11-13 Richmond, MN: Squirt C; Contact riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or visit www.riverlakeshockey.com

11-13 River Falls, WI: Pony Tail Classic, Girls 10U A (WI)/10U B (MN), 12U A (WI)/12U B (MN); Contact Marissa Feely (651) 983-6350 or rfhockeytourney@gmail.com or visit riverfalls.pucksystems.com 11-13 Rochester, MN: Rochester Invitational, Bantam AA; Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@ yahoo.com or visit www.ryha.net 11-13 Rogers, MN: Bardown Classic, PeeWee A/ AA; Contact Jeanette Rodgers (612) 296-3957 or reichertjn@yahoo.com or visit www.rogershockey.com 11-13 Roseau, MN: Dave Wensloff Squirt A Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 11-13 Sauk Rapids, MN: PeeWee B2; Contact Connie Pesta (320) 333-3860 or pestaconnie@gmail.com or visit www.saukrapidshockey.org 11-13 Sheboygan, WI: PeeWee C & Squirt B; Contact Megan Schaalma (920) 296-3444 or hockeyvilletourneys@gmail.com or visit www.sheboyganlakershockey.com 11-13 Siren, WI: PeeWee C (WI 3B/4A); Contact Michelle Nutter at michelle@ northernwisconsintitlesearch.com or visit www.burnettyouthhockey.com 11-13 Somerset, WI: Squirt B1 (WI A) & Squirt C (WI B); Contact Jim Urquhart (763) 218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com or visit www.somersethockey.com 11-13 Superior, WI: PeeWee B; Contact Steve Nelson at steve@sahahockey.com or visit www.sahahockey.com 11-13 Thief River Falls, MN: Girls 10U A; Contact Rick Nordhagen (218) 289-2408 or rntrfaha@mncable.net or visit www.trfaha.org 11-13 Worthington, MN: Bantam; Contact Nik Anderson (813) 546-2405 or nikelasanderson@ yahoo.com or visit www.wgtnhockey.net 12-13 Brookings, SD: Termite; Contact Jessica Bingham (605) 690-4270 or tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com or visit brookingsrangers.com 12-13 Fergus Falls, MN: Bantam B; Contact Darren Krein (701) 640-6980 or d3krein@gmail.com or visit www.fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com 12-13 Moose Lake, MN: Bantam B; Contact Heidi Oswald (218) 565-2488 or heidi3258@gmail.com or visit www.mlaharebels.com 12-13 Sauk Centre, MN: I-94 Challenge, PeeWee B2; Contact Mike Petrich (320) 491-9592 or scmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com. 12-13 White Bear Lake, MN: Winter Blast Outdoor Mite Jamboree, Mites 3/4; Contact Brian Girffin at mitecoord@wblhockey.com or visit wblhockey.com 14-20 St. Paul, MN: JCNSP Winter Carnival Mite & 8U Jamboree; Contact Sean Cunningham at JCNSPMites@gmail.com or visit www.jcnsphockey.org 17-20 Eden Prairie, MN: Winter Classic, Bantam A & B2; Contact Shelly Heggestad at tournaments@ ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com 17-20 White Bear Lake, MN: Junior Gold A & B; Contact Emily St. Martin at tournaments@ wblhockey.com or visit www.wblhockey.com 17-21 Anoka, MN: Bantam A-AA, B1 & B2; Contact Kristine Wippich at anokatournaments@gmail.com or visit www.anoka.pucksystems2.com 18-19 Cottage Grove, MN: Mite Jamboree, Mite Tier 1, Girls 6U; Contact Andrew Berling at mitedirector@ cghockey.com or visit www.cghockey.com

www.stateofhockey.com

18-20 Albert Lea, MN: Squirt A & B; Contact alyhatournamentdirector@gmail.com or visit www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com 18-20 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Hockey Tournament, Bantam AA/A & PeeWee AA/A; Contact Mike Peterson (320) 760-1960 or mikepeterson1509@ gmail.com or visit www.alexhockey.org 18-20 Amery, WI: Squirt B (WI 3A/2B/1C) & Squirt C (WI 3B/4A); Contact Mariann Sobczak (715) 5571878 or mariannjanetta@gmail.com or visit www.ameryhockey.com 18-20 Ames, IA: AMHA Squirt Tournament; Contact squirtcoordinator@ameshockey.com or visit www.ameshockey.com 18-20 Apple Valley, MN: Play for Patrick Bantam AA Tournament; Contact tournament.coordinator@ eastviewhockey.net or visit www.eastviewhockey.net 18-20 Brainerd, MN: Battle for the Hatchet, Squirt B; Contact (218) 851-2244 or visit www.brainerdhockey.com 18-20 Breezy Point, MN: Breezy Point Ice Fest, Squirt C; Contact (218) 568-5678 or visit www.breezypointsports.com 18-20 Brookings, SD: Girls 14U B; Contact Jessica Bingham (605) 690-4270 or tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com or visit brookingsrangers.com 18-20 Brooklyn Park, MN: January Pirate Classic, PeeWee B2 & C; Contact Joan Nelson at tournamentdirector@nmyha.com or visit www.nmyha.com 18-20 Buffalo, MN: Buffalo Stampede Tournament, Junior Gold; Contact Jennifer Sabetti (612) 708-7701 or tournaments@buffalohockey.net or visit www.buffalo.pucksystems2.com 18-20 Crookston, MN: Girls 10U B; Contact Kristy Swanson (218) 470-0423 or crookstonhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.crookstonbluelinehockey.com 18-20 Des Moines, IA: JT’s SlapShot’s Winter Freeze, PeeWee A & B; Contact Ryan Ehrhardt (515) 306-4600 or ryan@slapshothockeyshop.com or visit www.slapshothockeyshop.com 18-20 Detroit Lakes, MN: Squirt A/B; Contact Britt Moore (218) 234-5763 or bwestrum20@gmail.com or visit www.dlyouthhockey.com 18-20 Devils Lake, ND: VFW PeeWee Hockey Tournament, PeeWee A & B; Contact Terry Wallace (701) 662-8243 or twallacedlpb@gondtc.com or visit www.dlparkboard.org 18-20 Duluth, MN: Girls St. Luke’s Icebreaker Invitational, Girls 15U A, 12U A, 12U B, 10U A & 10U B; Contact Clarke Coole (218) 590-0703 or cooleclarke@ gmail.com or visit www.duluthgirlshockey.com 18-20 Duluth, MN: Portman Skate on the Edge, Squirt B; Visit www.duluthhockey.com 18-20 Fargo, ND: Buffalo Wild Wings Woodchipper Classic, Bantam B1, Bantam B/C; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 18-20 Fergus Falls, MN: PeeWee B & B2; Contact Darren Krein (701) 640-6980 or d3krein@gmail.com or visit www.fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com 18-20 Forest Lake, MN: Mite Jamboree; Contact Dave Clark at tournaments@flhockey.org or visit www.flhockey.org 18-20 Grand Forks, ND: Squirt A, B1 & B; Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.grandforksyouthhockey.com

www.stateofhockey.com 18-20 Grand Rapids, MN: Bantam AA; Contact Colleen Forrest at grhockey55744@yahoo.com or visit www.grhockey.com 18-20 Hermantown, MN: Bantam A; Contact Amber Manion at hawkdome@isd700.org or visit www.hermantownhockey.com 18-20 Hibbing, MN: Bantam B; Contact hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hcyha.org/tournaments 18-20 Lino Lakes, MN: Centennial Boys Chill Classic, Junior Gold 16U; Contact Kathy Gould (651) 2165768 or kgould.cyha@gmail.com or visit www.centennialhockey.org 18-20 Mankato, MN: PeeWee C & Squirt A; Contact Kcarie Sing at kcarie.sing@gmail.com or visit www.mankatohockey.com 18-20 Maple Grove/Osseo/Brooklyn Park, MN: Winter Face-Off Classic, PeeWee A & B1; Contact Eric Ruska (763) 258-3445 or Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha.com or visit www.omgha.com 18-20 Marshall, MN: PeeWee A & B; Contact Graham Falde (612) 730-5074 or gfalde@gmail.com or visit marshall.pucksystems2.com 18-20 Moorhead, MN: Bantam AA/A; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 18-20 Mora, MN: Mustang Showdown; Squirt B2; Contact Cristy Thomas (612) 390-5790 or morahockey@ yahoo.com or visit www.mayrasports.com 18-20 New Hope, MN: 5th Annual Knockdown at New Hope, Girls 12U A, 12U B & 10U B; Contact Susie Melynchuk at smelynchuk@comcast.net or visit www.armstrongcooperhockey.org 18-20 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Squirt B; Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com or visit newulm.pucksystems2.com 18-20 Plymouth, MN: Wayzata Junior Gold A High School Invitational; Contact tournaments@ wayzatahockey.org or visit www.wayzatahockey.org 18-20 Proctor, MN: PeeWee A; Contact Jason Seguin (218) 730-7139 or pahatournamentdirector@ gmail.com or visit www.proctorhockey.com 18-20 Rice Lake, WI: Squirt A & B; Contact Josh Tomesh (715) 651-7217 or jtomesh@hotmail.com or visit www.ricelakehockey.com 18-20 Richmond, MN: Squirt B; Contact riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or visit www.riverlakeshockey.com 18-20 River Falls, WI: PeeWee A (WI)/PeeWee B2 (MN), PeeWee B (WI)/PeeWee C (MN); Contact Marissa Feely (651) 983-6350 or rfhockeytourney@gmail.com or visit riverfalls.pucksystems.com 18-20 Rochester, MN: Rochester Invitational, Bantam B1 & B2; Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@ yahoo.com or visit www.ryha.net 18-20 Roseau, MN: Dick Johnson PeeWee AA Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 18-20 Sauk Rapids, MN: Bantam B2; Contact Connie Pesta (320) 333-3860 or pestaconnie@gmail.com or visit www.saukrapidshockey.org 18-20 Silver Bay, MN: PeeWee B2; Contact Mike Guzzo (218) 226-4214 or silverbayarena@hotmail.com or visit www.silverbayhockey.com 18-20 South St. Paul, MN: Cowtown Classic, PeeWee B2 & C; Contact Michael Ahern at sspyha.tournaments@gmail.com or visit www.sspyha.pucksystems2.com 18-20 St. Michael-Albertville, MN: Inaugural Luke Letellier Memorial Tournament, Bantam AA & Girls 15U; Contact stmatournaments@gmail.com or visit www.stma.pucksystems2.com 18-20 St. Paul, MN: St. Paul Heart Breaker Tournament, Girls 12U B, 10U A & 10U B; Visit www.stpaulcapitalshockey.com

Tournament Calendar 18-20 Superior, WI: Bantam B; Contact Steve Nelson at steve@sahahockey.com or visit www.sahahockey.com 18-20 Waseca, MN: Squirt B; Contact Shelly Kuster (507) 461-7657 or estelaraeh@gmail.com or visit www.wasecahockey.org 18-20 Willmar, MN: Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact Nick Pederson (763) 913-7657 or nicholaspederson21@gmail.com or visit www.willmarhockey.com 18-20 Winona, MN: Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu or visit www.winona.pucksystems2.com 18-21 Clearwater, FL: MLK Invitational Hockey Tournament; Squirt/Atom, PeeWee, Bantam, Midget, U18; Contact (877) 702-5701 or info@weekendhockey.com or visit www.weekendhockey.com 19 Somerset, WI: Mite Jamboree; Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@ somersethockey.com or visit www.somersethockey.com 19-20 Ames, IA: AMHA Squirt Tournament, Squirt A & C; Contact squirtcoordinator@ameshockey.com or visit www.ameshockey.com 19-20 Baldwin, WI: Girls 15U/14U; Contact Jon Zevenbergen (651) 271-2400 or tournamentdirector@ baldwinhockey.org or visit baldwin.pucksystems2.com 19-20 Sauk Centre, MN: I-94 Challenge, PeeWee; Contact Mike Petrich (320) 491-9592 or scmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com. 19-20 White Bear Lake, MN: Winter Blast Outdoor Mite Jamboree, Mite 2; Contact Brian Girffin at mitecoord@wblhockey.com or visit wblhockey.com 23-27 Bloomington, MN: Girls Cupid Classic, Girls 15U, 12U & 10U; Contact bahatourneys@ gmail.com or visit www.bloomingtonhockey.com 23-27 White Bear Lake, MN: Bantam AA & PeeWee AA; Contact Emily St. Martin at tournaments@ wblhockey.com or visit www.wblhockey.com 24-26 St. Paul, MN: 60th Annual Langford Park Winter Classic Outdoor Squirt C Tournament; Contact Scott Hamilton (651) 329-8609 or scotth@langfordparkhockey.com or visit www.langfordparkhockey.com 24-27 Stillwater, MN: 16th Annual Skate for the Roses, Girls 15U A, 12U A, 12U B, 10U A & 10U B; Contact Cari McGlynn (952) 484-7252 or carimcglynn@ yahoo.com or visit www.stillwaterhockey.net 25-27 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Hockey Tournament, Girls 15U A & 15U B; Contact Mike Peterson (320) 760-1960 or mikepeterson1509@gmail.com or visit www.alexhockey.org 25-27 Austin, MN: Tyler Brady Memorial Tournament; PeeWee A, B & C; Contact Dave Lagerstedt (507) 438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com or visit www.austin.puckststems2.com 25-27 Bemidji, MN: Squirt B; Contact Jeff Loewe (218) 760-3228 or bemidjihockeytourney@gmail.com or visit www.bemidjiyouthhockey.org 25-27 Brainerd, MN: Girls 10U B1 & B2; Contact (218) 851-2244 or visit www.brainerdhockey.com 25-27 Breezy Point, MN: Breezy Point Ice Fest, PeeWee A; Contact (218) 568-5678 or visit www.breezypointsports.com 25-27 Brookings, SD: Junior Gold A; Contact Jessica Bingham (605) 690-4270 or tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com or visit brookingsrangers.com 25-27 Cloquet, MN: PeeWee AA/A; Contact cloquethockey@hotmail.com or visit cloquet.pucksystems2.com 25-27 Crookston, MN: PeeWee B; Contact Kristy Swanson (218) 470-0423 or crookstonhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.crookstonbluelinehockey.com 25-27 Duluth, MN: Portman Skate on the Edge Tournament, Squirt B; Contact Gregg McCall (218) 3102674 or portmanhockey@gmail.com or visit www.duluthhockey.com

25-27 Elk River, MN: John McLaughlin Upper Midwest Championships, Bantam B2 & PeeWee B2; Contact Kurt Remick at eryhatournaments@hotmail.com or visit www.elkriverhockey.org 25-27 Fargo, ND: Buffalo Wild Wings Woodchipper Classic, Bantam A, PeeWee A; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 25-27 Forest Lake, MN: Ranger Classic, Squirt B2 & C; Contact Dave Clark at tournaments@ flhockey.org or visit www.flhockey.org 25-27 Grand Forks, ND: Bantam B1; Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or jclose.gfyouthhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.grandforksyouthhockey.com 25-27 Grand Rapids, MN: Squirt B2; Contact Colleen Forrest at grhockey55744@yahoo.com or visit www.grhockey.com 25-27 Green Bay, WI: George Wrobel PeeWee and Squirt Fox River Classic House Tournament; PeeWee C, Squirt C; Contact Don Chilson (920) 403-2000 or donchilson@netnet.net 25-27 Hudson, WI: Raider Cup, Junior Gold B & 16U; Contact Bob Mueller (715) 716-0606 or bobmhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hudsonhockey.com 25-27 Hutchinson, MN: Bantam A & B; Contact Caleb Paulson (320) 292-4512 or caleb.m.paulson@ wellsfargo.com or visit www.hutchhockey.com 25-27 Inver Grove Heights, MN: Squirt B & C; Contact Jen Kurowski (651) 206-7547 or ighhatourney@ gmail.com or visit ighhockey.sportngin.com 25-27 La Crescent, MN: Squirt B; Visit www.lacrescenthockey.com 25-27 Lakeville, MN: Panther Classic, PeeWee B2; Contact Brian Peterson (612) 708-0336 or tournamentdirector@lakevillehockey.org or visit www.lakevillehockey.org 25-27 Little Falls, MN: Bantam A & B; Contact Kari Houle (320) 282-1434 or kari.anne.houle@gmail.com or visit www.littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com 25-27 Minneapolis, MN: Winter Storm, Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact Rebecca Lee (651) 338-4602 or beccastpaul@yahoo.com or visit www.mplshockey.com 25-27 Monticello, MN: Iceberg Classic, Squirt B1 & C, Contact Sean Lawrance at krazykustoms49@ gmail.com or visit www.mooseyouthhockey.com 25-27 Moorhead, MN: Tater Tot Classic, Squirt B; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 25-27 Mora, MN: Mustang Showdown; Bantam B & PeeWee B; Contact Cristy Thomas (612) 390-5790 or morahockey@yahoo.com or visit www.mayrasports.com 25-27 New Richmond, WI: Cally Briggs Memoria, Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact Barry Cunningham (651) 283-0072 or tournaments@nryha.net or visit www.nryha.net 25-27 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Girls 10U B & 12U B; Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com or visit newulm.pucksystems2.com 25-27 Owatonna, MN: Squirt A, B & C; Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or patcullen07@ gmail.com or visit www.owatonnahockey.com 25-27 Plymouth, MN: Wayzata Junior Gold Classic, Junior Gold B & 16U; Contact tournaments@ wayzatahockey.org or visit www.wayzatahockey.org 25-27 Proctor, MN: Bantam A; Contact Jason Seguin (218) 730-7139 or pahatournamentdirector@ gmail.com or visit www.proctorhockey.com 25-27 Red Wing, MN: Shiver River Showdown, Squirt B & C; Contact Casey Tanner (651) 380-9511 or casey.tanner6@yahoo.com or visit www.redwingathleticassociation.org/RW-youth-hockey 25-27 Redwood Falls, MN: Squirt A/B; Contact Jessica Schmidt (320) 296-4948 or rahatournaments@ gmail.com or visit www.redwoodareahockey.com

January 10, 2019

25-27 Rice Lake, WI: Bantam A & B; Contact Josh Tomesh (715) 651-7217 or jtomesh@hotmail.com or visit www.ricelakehockey.com 25-27 River Falls, WI: Blackcat Classic, Girls 14U; Contact Marissa Feely (651) 983-6350 or rfhockeytourney@gmail.com or visit riverfalls.pucksystems.com 25-27 Rochester, MN: Rochester Invitational, Girls 12U A, 12U B & 10U B; Contact Rob Cothern at robertcothern@yahoo.com or visit www.ryha.net 25-27 Roseau, MN: Jon Wensloff PeeWee B Tournament; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 25-27 Silver Bay, MN: Bantam B2; Contact Mike Guzzo (218) 226-4214 or silverbayarena@hotmail.com or visit www.silverbayhockey.com 25-27 Sioux Falls, SD: PeeWee B/B1 (SD A) & PeeWee B2/C (SD B); Contact Brian Dozark (605) 2204032 or brian.dozark@sfflyers.com or visit www.siouxfallsflyers.com 25-27 St. Louis Park, MN: Bantam A/AA, B & C; Contact Carl Hoikka (763) 477-8934 or carlhoikka@me.com or visit www.slphockey.org 25-27 Thief River Falls, MN: PeeWee B; Contact Rick Nordhagen (218) 289-2408 or rntrfaha@mncable.net or visit www.trfaha.org 25-27 Two Harbors, MN: The Great Lake Skate, Girls 12U B & 10 UB; Contact Jesse Lundgren (218) 834-8339 or thyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org 25-27 Walker, MN: City on the Bay Tournament, PeeWee B2; Contact Mitch Loomis at loomis@shoresofleechlake.com or visit www.walkeryouthhockey.com 25-27 Willmar, MN: PeeWee B1 & B2; Contact Nick Pederson (763) 913-7657 or nicholaspederson21@ gmail.com or visit www.willmarhockey.com 26-27 Fergus Falls, MN: Girls 12U A; Contact Darren Krein (701) 640-6980 or d3krein@gmail.com or visit www.fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com 26-27 Hibbing, MN: Girls 8U/6U Jamboree; Contact hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hcyha.org/tournaments 26-27 Moose Lake, MN: PeeWee B; Contact Heidi Oswald (218) 565-2488 or heidi3258@gmail.com or visit www.mlaharebels.com 26-27 Sauk Centre, MN: I-94 Challenge, Squirt B; Contact Mike Petrich (320) 491-9592 or scmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com. 26-27 White Bear Lake, MN: Winter Blast Outdoor Mite Jamboree, Mite 1; Contact Brian Girffin at mitecoord@wblhockey.com or visit wblhockey.com 27 Winona, MN: Mite Jamboree; Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu or visit www.winona.pucksystems2.com 31-1 White Bear Lake, MN: Squirt A & B1; Contact Emily St. Martin at tournaments@wblhockey.com or visit www.wblhockey.com

FEBRUARY 2019 1-2 Waseca, MN: Mites 1, 2 & 3; Contact Shelly Kuster (507) 461-7657 or estelaraeh@gmail.com or visit www.wasecahockey.org 1-3 Albert Lea, MN: Squirt C; Contact alyhatournamentdirector@gmail.com or visit www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com 1-3 Alexandria, MN: Big Ole Hockey Tournament, PeeWee B2 & Squirt A; Contact Mike Peterson (320) 760-1960 or mikepeterson1509@ gmail.com or visit www.alexhockey.org

January 10, 2019

1-3 Austin, MN: Bantam A & B; Contact Dave Lagerstedt (507) 438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@ gmail.com or visit www.austin.puckststems2.com 1-3 Bemidji, MN: PeeWee B2; Contact Jeff Loewe (218) 760-3228 or bemidjihockeytourney@ gmail.com or visit www.bemidjiyouthhockey.org 1-3 Brainerd, MN: Squirt B1 & B2; Contact (218) 851-2244 or visit www.brainerdhockey.com 1-3 Breezy Point, MN: Breezy Point Ice Fest, PeeWee B1; Contact (218) 568-5678 or visit www.breezypointsports.com 1-3 Brookings, SD: Girls 19U A; Contact Jessica Bingham (605) 690-4270 or tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com or visit brookingsrangers.com 1-3 Buffalo, MN: Buffalo Stampede Girls 3x3 Tournament; Contact Jennifer Sabetti (612) 708-7701 or tournaments@buffalohockey.net or visit www.buffalo.pucksystems2.com 1-3 Cloquet, MN: Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact cloquethockey@hotmail.com or visit cloquet.pucksystems2.com 1-3 Coleraine, MN: Bantam B; Contact Rebecca Walker (218) 360-0157 or nwlamb@yahoo.com or visit www.gahamn.org 1-3 Coon Rapids, MN: Cardinal Clash, PeeWee A & Squirt A; Contact Steve Ellenson (763) 464-0690 or sponsorcryha@gmail.com or visit www.coonrapidshockey.com/2018-19clash 1-3 Detroit Lakes, MN: Bantam A; Contact Britt Moore (218) 234-5763 or bwestrum20@gmail.com or visit www.dlyouthhockey.com 1-3 Devils Lake, ND: John & Pat Olsen Memorial Squirt Tournament, Squirt A & B; Contact Terry Wallace (701) 662-8243 or twallacedlpb@gondtc.com or visit www.dlparkboard.org 1-3 Duluth, MN: Zenith City Invitational, Bantam B2, PeeWee B2; Contact Dave Shea (218) 3431498 or shea@vikingelectric.com or visit www.duluthhockey.com 1-3 Fargo, ND: SCHEELS Girls International, 15U; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 1-3 Faribault, MN: Squirt A & B; Contact Pat Nesburg at fhatournaments@gmail.com or visit www.faribaulthockey.com 1-3 Grand Forks, ND: Bantam A & PeeWee A (MN AA); Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or jclose.gfyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.grandforksyouthhockey.com 1-3 Grand Rapids, MN: Girls 10U B; Contact Colleen Forrest at grhockey55744@yahoo.com or visit www.grhockey.com 1-3 Hastings, MN: The River Rumble, Bantam C & PeeWee C; Contact tournaments@ hastingshockey.com or visit www.hastingshockey.com 1-3 Hermantown, MN: PeeWee A; Contact Amber Manion at hawkdome@isd700.org or visit www.hermantownhockey.com 1-3 Little Falls, MN: Girls 12U A & B; Contact Kari Houle (320) 282-1434 or kari.anne.houle@gmail.com or visit www.littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com 1-3 Luverne, MN: Mite/Mini-Mite Jamboree; Contact Eric Edstrom (507) 380-1002 or ericedstrom@hotmail.com or visit www.luvernehockey.com 1-3 Mankato, MN: Squirt B2 & C; Contact Kcarie Sing at kcarie.sing@gmail.com or visit www.mankatohockey.com 1-3 Maple Grove/Osseo/Brooklyn Park, MN: Girls Cabin Fever Classic, Girls 10U A & B, 12U A & B; Contact Eric Ruska (763) 258-3445 or Sara Grant (763) 442-7259 or tournamentchair@omgha.com or visit www.omgha.com 1-3 Marshall, MN: Squirt A & B; Contact Graham Falde (612) 730-5074 or gfalde@gmail.com or visit marshall.pucksystems2.com 1-3 Moorhead, MN: Curly Fry Classic, Girls 10U B; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 1-3 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: PeeWee A; Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@ gmail.com or visit newulm.pucksystems2.com 1-3 Oakdale, MN: Tartan Cup, Bantam C, PeeWee C & Squirt C; Contact president@tayha.org or visit www.tayha.org 1-3 Owatonna, MN: Bantam C & PeeWee C; Contact Pat Cullen (507) 363-6594 or patcullen07@ gmail.com or visit www.owatonnahockey.com 1-3 Park Rapids, MN: Headwaters Cup, PeeWee B; Contact Bryan Hanson (218) 556-7034 or walleye488@gmail.com or visit www.prhockey.com 1-3 Proctor, MN: Bantam B; Contact Jason Seguin (218) 730-7139 or pahatournamentdirector@ gmail.com or visit www.proctorhockey.com 1-3 Roseau, MN: Girls 10U A; Contact Bill Lund (218) 689-0636 or visit www.roseauhockeyonline.com 1-3 Sartell, MN: Frozen 4x4 Half-Ice Tournament, Squirt C, Girls 10U; Contact Jill Smith at Jill.Smith@SartellPediatrics.com or visit sartell.pucksystems2.com 1-3 Silver Bay, MN: Girls 10U B; Contact Mike Guzzo (218) 226-4214 or silverbayarena@hotmail.com or visit www.silverbayhockey.com 1-3 Thief River Falls, MN: Squirt B; Contact Rick Nordhagen (218) 289-2408 or rntrfaha@mncable.net or visit www.trfaha.org

Tournament Calendar 1-3 Walker, MN: Leech Lake Rumble on Ice; Squirt B2; Contact Jim Archibald at jim@leisurehotel.com or visit www.rumbleonice.com 1-3 Willmar, MN: Squirt B & C; Contact Nick Pederson (763) 913-7657 or nicholaspederson21@ gmail.com or visit www.willmarhockey.com 1-3 Winona, MN: PeeWee B; Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu or visit www.winona.pucksystems2.com 2-3 Ames, IA: Mite Meltdown; Contact mite8ucoordinator@ameshockey.com or visit www.ameshockey.com 2-3 Moose Lake, MN: Squirt B; Contact Heidi Oswald (218) 565-2488 or heidi3258@gmail.com or visit www.mlaharebels.com 7-10 Eden Prairie, MN: Prelude to the Playoffs, Girls 15U A & B; Contact Shelly Heggestad at tournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com 7-10 Edina, MN: 34th Annual Bob O’Connor Tournament, Squirt A, B & C, PeeWee B2 & C, Bantam B2 & C; Contact Pete Waggoner (952) 769-6513 or pete@sportscontentmanagement.com or visit www.edinatourney.com 7-10 Fargo, ND: Squirt International, Squirt B/C; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 8-10 Breezy Point, MN: Breezy Point Ice Fest, PeeWee C; Contact (218) 568-5678 or visit www.breezypointsports.com 8-10 Brookings, SD: Squirt A; Contact Jessica Bingham (605) 690-4270 or tournamentdirector@ brookingsrangers.com or visit brookingsrangers.com 8-10 Detroit Lakes, MN: Girls 12U B; Contact Britt Moore (218) 234-5763 or bwestrum20@gmail.com or visit www.dlyouthhockey.com 8-10 Duluth, MN: Twin Ports Junior Gold Tournament, Junior Gold B; Contact Adam Rapp (218) 4280996 or arapp09@yahoo.com or Jason Watt (218) 7288000 or jason@duluthhockey.com or visit www.duluthhockey.com 8-10 Grand Forks, ND: PeeWee B; Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or jclose.gfyouthhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.grandforksyouthhockey.com 8-10 Hibbing, MN: Mite Jamboree, Half-Ice; Contact hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hcyha.org/tournaments 8-10 Hibbing, MN: Mini-Mite Jamboree, CrossIce; Contact hibbingchisholmyouthhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hcyha.org/tournaments 8-10 Isanti, MN: Ruckus on the Rum Squirt B Tournament; Contact JP Wright (763) 444-6432 or isantiicearena@gmail.com or visit www.cambridgeisantihockey.org 8-10 Lakeville, MN: Cougar Classic, Bantam B2; Contact Brian Peterson (612) 708-0336 or tournamentdirector@lakevillehockey.org or visit www.lakevillehockey.org 8-10 Luverne, MN: Blazing Blades Tournament, Squirt B; Contact Eric Edstrom (507) 380-1002 or ericedstrom@hotmail.com or visit www.luvernehockey.com 8-10 Mason City, IA: J2K Tournament, Bantam/ PeeWee; Contact Jennifer Pearce at jpearce1206@ gmail.com or visit www.mcmohawkhockey.com 8-10 Moorhead, MN: Hot Potato, Girls 12U A; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 8-10 New Hope, MN: 31st Annual Knockdown at New Hope, Bantam A, PeeWee A & Squirt A; Contact Susie Melynchuk at smelynchuk@comcast.net or visit www.armstrongcooperhockey.org 8-10 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye, MN: Mite; Contact Alissa Griebel (507) 276-5612 or bagriebel12@gmail.com or visit newulm.pucksystems2.com 8-10 Proctor, MN: Squirt A; Contact Jason Seguin (218) 730-7139 or pahatournamentdirector@gmail.com or visit www.proctorhockey.com 8-10 Rice Lake, WI: PeeWee A & B; Contact Josh Tomesh (715) 651-7217 or jtomesh@hotmail.com or visit www.ricelakehockey.com 8-10 River Falls, WI: Bantam B (WI)/Bantam C (MN); Contact Marissa Feely (651) 983-6350 or rfhockeytourney@gmail.com or visit riverfalls.pucksystems.com 8-10 Siren, WI: Bantam C (WI 3B/4A); Contact Michelle Nutter at michelle@ northernwisconsintitlesearch.com or visit www.burnettyouthhockey.com 8-10 Thief River Falls, MN: Squirt A; Contact Rick Nordhagen (218) 289-2408 or rntrfaha@mncable.net or visit www.trfaha.org 8-10 Warroad, MN: Squirt A & B; Contact Robin Marvin (218) 452-0185 or visit www.visitwarroad.com 8-10 Waseca, MN: Girls 12U B & 10U B; Contact Shelly Kuster (507) 461-7657 or estelaraeh@ gmail.com or visit www.wasecahockey.org 8-10 Worthington, MN: PeeWee; Contact Nik Anderson (813) 546-2405 or nikelasanderson@ yahoo.com or visit www.wgtnhockey.net 9-10 Coleraine, MN: “Misky” Memorial, Squirt B; Contact Rebecca Walker (218) 360-0157 or nwlamb@yahoo.com or visit www.gahamn.org 9-10 Hermantown, MN: Girls 10U B; Contact Amber Marion at hawkdome@isd700.org or visit www.hermantownhockey.com

9-10 Hudson, WI: Raider Girls Half-Ice 8U Jamboree; Contact Bob Mueller (715) 716-0606 or bobmhockey@gmail.com or visit www.hudsonhockey.com 9-10 Silver Bay, MN: Squirt B; Contact Mike Guzzo (218) 226-4214 or silverbayarena@hotmail.com or visit www.silverbayhockey.com 14-17 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Madness, Bantam C, PeeWee C, Squirt C; Contact Shelly Heggestad at tournaments@ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com 14-17 Fargo, ND: Squirt International, Squirt B1; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 15-16 Devils Lake, ND: Mikal Wakefield Memorial Mite Jamoboree; Contact Terry Wallace (701) 662-8243 or twallacedlpb@gondtc.com or visit www.dlparkboard.org 15-17 Amery, WI: PeeWee B (WI 3A/2B/1C) & Squirt C (WI 3B/4A); Contact Mariann Sobczak (715) 557-1878 or mariannjanetta@gmail.com or visit www.ameryhockey.com 15-17 Baldwin, WI: Squirt B1 (WI 2A/3A) & Squirt C (WI 2B/3B); Contact Michelle Stevens (507) 2721212 or tournamentdirector@baldwinhockey.org or visit baldwin.pucksystems2.com 15-17 Breezy Point, MN: Breezy Point Ice Fest, Squirt B; Contact (218) 568-5678 or visit www.breezypointsports.com 15-17 Duluth, MN: Congdon Northern MN Blades of Steel, Squirt B; Contact Lynden Medlin (218) 3435030 or aemduluth@yahooo.com or visit www.duluthhockey.com 15-17 Grand Forks, ND: Bantam B; Contact Jessie Close (701) 787-0316 or jclose.gfyouthhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.grandforksyouthhockey.com 15-17 Green Bay, WI: Maryann Robinson Girls Tournament; Girls 14U, 12U & 10U; Contact Don Chilson (920) 403-2000 or donchilson@netnet.net 15-17 Hermantown, MN: Mite 1; Contact Amber Manion at hawkdome@isd700.org or visit www.hermantownhockey.com 15-17 La Crosse, WI: Chill Classic, PeeWee B; Contact Ryan Egan at regan@crchill.com or visit www.greenislandice.com/tournaments 15-17 Moorhead, MN: Mashup, PeeWee B2; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 15-17 River Falls, WI: Bantam A (WI)/Bantam B (MN); Contact Marissa Feely (651) 983-6350 or rfhockeytourney@gmail.com or visit riverfalls.pucksystems.com 15-17 Siren, WI: Girls 15U B (WI U14 A); Contact Michelle Nutter at michelle@ northernwisconsintitlesearch.com or visit www.burnettyouthhockey.com 15-17 Somerset, WI: Junior Gold B & 16U; Contact Jim Urquhart (763) 218-1385 or jurq121@icloud.com or visit www.somersethockey.com 15-17 Superior, WI: Squirt B; Contact Steve Nelson at steve@sahahockey.com or visit www.sahahockey.com 15-17 Winona, MN: PeeWee C & Squirt C; Contact Ditlev Larsen at dlarsen@winona.edu or visit www.winona.pucksystems2.com 16 Grand Rapids, MN: Mites; Contact Colleen Forrest at grhockey55744@yahoo.com or visit www.grhockey.com 16 New Richmond, WI: Mite Invitational; Contact Barry Cunningham (651) 283-0072 or tournaments@ nryha.net or visit www.nryha.net 16-17 Hudson, WI: Raider Classic, Bantam A; Contact Bob Mueller (715) 716-0606 or bobmhockey@ gmail.com or visit www.hudsonhockey.com 16-17 Red Wing, MN: Shiver River Mite Jamboree; Contact Casey Tanner (651) 380-9511 or casey.tanner6@yahoo.com or visit www.redwingathleticassociation.org/RW-youth-hockey 16-17 Sioux Falls, SD: Mite Falls Freeze Tournament, Mite A & B; Contact Brian Dozark (605) 220-4032 or brian.dozark@sfflyers.com or visit www.siouxfallsflyers.com 18 Blaine, MN: The Rush 3v3, Mite A, Mite B, Squirt A, Sauirt B, Girls 8U, Girls 10UA, Girls 10U B; Contact Kristi King (763) 785-5649 or kking@superrink.org or visit www.nscsports.org/therush3v3 21-21 Fargo, ND: Squirt International, Squirt A; Contact Sommer Lockhart (701) 235-4300 or sommerl@fargohockey.org or visit www.fargohockey.org 22-24 Baldwin, WI: PeeWee B1 (WI 2A/3A) & PeeWee C (WI 2B/3B); Contact Michelle Stevens (507) 272-1212 or tournamentdirector@baldwinhockey.org or visit baldwin.pucksystems2.com 22-24 Eden Prairie, MN: Prairie Meltdown, Girls 10U A & B; Contact Shelly Heggestad at tournaments@ ephockey.com or visit www.ephockey.com 22-24 Faribault, MN: Squirt C; Contact Pat Nesburg at fhatournaments@gmail.com or visit www.faribaulthockey.com 22-24 Green Bay, WI: George Heimbuch Tundra Tussle, Bantam B, PeeWee B, Squirt B; Contact Don Chilson (920) 403-2000 or donchilson@netnet.net 22-24 Hermantown, MN: Mite 2; Contact Amber Manion at hawkdome@isd700.org or visit www.hermantownhockey.com

www.stateofhockey.com 22-24 La Crosse, WI: Chill Classic, Squirt B; Contact Ryan Egan at regan@crchill.com or visit www.greenislandice.com/tournaments 22-24 Moorhead, MN: Curly Fry Classic, Girls 10U A; Visit www.moorheadyouthhockey.com 22-24 Superior, WI: Mite 2; Contact Steve Nelson at steve@sahahockey.com or visit www.sahahockey.com 23-24 Babbitt, MN: End of the Road Over 50 Hockey Tournament; Contact Duane Lossing (218) 7504425 or duanelossing@hotmail.com 23-25 Fergus Falls, MN: Girls 8U; Contact Darren Krein (701) 640-6980 or d3krein@gmail.com or visit www.fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com

MARCH 2019 1-3 Marshall, MN: Mites & Mini-Mites; Contact Graham Falde (612) 730-5074 or gfalde@gmail.com or visit marshall.pucksystems2.com 5-7 Blaine, MN: Ironman Adult Tournament, Men’s B, C, CII & D; Contact Eric Besse (763) 7173210 or ebesse@superrink.org or visit www.nscsports.org/ironmanhockey 8-10 Des Moines, IA: Sticking It To Canver MITEE-March Year End Tournament; Contact Travis Hamilton (515) 250-7583 or mrhockey22@hotmail.com or visit www.dmyha.com 8-10 Spirit Lake, IA: Sticks and Slides Girls Jamboree, 12U & 10U; Contact Brandi Danielson (712) 3307110 or brandid@whatakitchen.com or visit www.bojibayice.com 8-10 Worthington, MN: Mite/Mini-Mite; Contact Nik Anderson (813) 546-2405 or nikelasanderson@ yahoo.com or visit www.wgtnhockey.net 15-17 Burnsville, MN: March Madness Memorial Adult Hockey Tournament, Open, 30+; Visit www.burnsvilleicecenter.org 15-17 Mankato, MN: Brian Fazio Memorial Adult Hockey Tournament, 18+, 25+, 35+; Contact Nate Brekke (507) 340-0728 or mankatohockey@hotmail.com or visit www.katohockey.com 15-17 New Richmond, WI: Senior Men’s (no check); Contact Barry Cunningham (651) 283-0072 or tournaments@nryha.net or visit www.nryha.net 15-17 River Falls, WI: Mites 3/4 Shamrock Shootout; Contact Marissa Feely (651) 983-6350 or rfhockeytourney@gmail.com or visit riverfalls.pucksystems.com 23-25 River Falls, WI: Fat Boys (Old Timers); Contact Doug Black at ddblack@vector1776.com 29-31 Blaine, MN: AAA Opener, Boys Open 20062010/11; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 29-31 Somerset, WI: Spartan Senior Men’s Tournament; Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@somersethockey.com or visit www.somersethockey.com

APRIL 2019 5-7 Blaine, MN: AAA Opener, Boys Open 20032005; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 5-7 Sioux Falls, SD: AAA Opener, Boys Open 2007-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 5-7 Twin Cities, MN: Early Trailblazer AAA Tournament, Boys U16 & 2003-2011, Girls U8-U14; Contact Dan Iannazzo (763) 225-7320 or dan@midwesthockey.net or visit www.mhptournaments.com 6-7 La Crosse, WI: Chill Classic, Advanced Mites, 2010s only; Contact Ryan Egan at regan@crchill.com or visit www.greenislandice.com/tournaments 11-14 Twin Cities, MN: 10th Annual Border Battle AAA Tournament, 2004-2010, U16 & U18 Boys, U10U16 Girls; Contact Dan Gilkerson (715) 222-2448 or dgilkerson@nextlevelhockey.net 12-14 Blaine, MN: Stick It To Cancer, Women’s: A, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3 & College, Youth 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U & 19U; Contact Kristi King (763) 785-5649 or kking@superrink.org or visit www.nscsports.org/stickit 12-14 Madison, WI: Pure Hockey Wisco Spring Festival, Boys 2005-2010, Girls U16 & U14; Contact Dan Groth (608) 444-1569 or dan@wiscohockey.com or visit www.wiscohockey.com 12-14 Sioux Falls, SD: AAA Opener, Boys Open 2005 & 2006; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

Tournament Calendar

www.stateofhockey.com 12-14 St. Cloud, MN: AAA Opener, Girls Open 10U-16U; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 12-14 Twin Cities, MN: Early Trailblazer AA Tournament, Boys U16 & 2003-2011, Girls U8-U14; Contact Dan Iannazzo (763) 225-7320 or dan@midwesthockey.net or visit www.mhptournaments.com 19-21 St. Cloud, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2008-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 26-28 Green Bay, WI: Cheese Cup, Boys 20042006, Girls 10U, 12U & 14U; Contact Don Chilson (920) 403-2000 or donchilson@netnet.net 26-28 St. Cloud, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2005-2007; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

21-23 Plymouth, MN: NHG Cup, Girls Open 10U & 12U; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

January 10, 2019

Somerset, Jefferson win Interstate PeeWee titles

JULY 2019 19-21 Duluth, MN: 14th Annual Northern Exposure AAA Hockey Tournament, 2002/03-2010; Contact Kasey Yoder (651) 432-1840 or kaseyyoder@gmail.com or visit www.northernexposureaaahockey.com

AUGUST 2019 MAY 2019 3-5 Blaine, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2003; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 3-5 Blaine, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Girls Open 10U-16U; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 3-5 Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2005-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 10-12 Blaine, MN: Walleye Chop, Men’s A, B, C, CII, D & Novice, Women’s A, B & C; Contact Eric Besse (763) 717-3210 or ebesse@superrink.org or visit www.nscsports.org/walleyechop 10-12 Green Bay, WI: Cheese Cup, Boys 20072010; Contact Don Chilson (920) 403-2000 or donchilson@netnet.net 10-12 Twin Cities, MN: Spring Stampede AAA Tournament, Boys U16 & 2003-2011, Girls U8-U14; Contact Dan Iannazzo (763) 225-7320 or dan@ midwesthockey.net or visit www.mhptournaments.com 17-19 St. Cloud, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2004; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 17-21 Twin Cities, MN: Mountain Dew Blast, Boys Open 2005-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 17-19 Twin Cities, MN: Spring Stampede AA Tournament, Boys U16 & 2003-2011, Girls U8-U14; Contact Dan Iannazzo (763) 225-7320 or dan@midwesthockey.net or visit www.mhptournaments.com 24-26 Duluth, MN: MN Female Elite Prospects Showcase, Girls 16U & U19; Contact Kevin Mudrak (218) 522-1375 or kmudrak@yahoo.com or visit www.mnfemalehockey.com

JUNE 2019 21-23 Blaine/Plymouth, MN: NHG Cup, Boys Open 2006-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com

2-4 Sioux Falls, SD: Combat Cup, Boys Open 2007-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 9-11 Twin Cities, MN: Combat Cup, Boys Open 2003-2010; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 16-18 Sioux Falls, SD: Combat Cup, Boys Open 2003-2006; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 16-18 Twin Cities, MN: Combat Cup, Girls Open 10U-16U; Contact Randy Peake (763) 744-8610 or randy@northlandhockeygroup.com or visit www.aaatournaments.com 16-18 Twin Cities, MN: Summer Round-Up AA Tournament, Boys U16 & 2003-2011, Girls U8-U14; Contact Dan Iannazzo (763) 225-7320 or dan@ midwesthockey.net or visit www.mhptournaments.com 23-25 Twin Cities, MN: Summer Round-Up AAA Tournament, Boys U16 & 2003-2011, Girls U8-U14; Contact Dan Iannazzo (763) 225-7320 or dan@ midwesthockey.net or visit www.mhptournaments.com No portion of the tournament calendar may be copied, reproduced or transmitted without written permission from Let’s Play Hockey and its publisher.

C level hockey rarely gets its due, but on Dec. 7-9, the Interstate PeeWee Championships in Somerset, Wis., put 12 Minnesota C and Wisconsin B teams in the spotlight, as well as another six Minnesota B/ Wisconsin A teams. The 18-team tournament featured 29 games, and there were definitely no cakewalks through the brackets. The C tournament featured four pools with three teams in each pool. Number one seeds faced off Sunday morning with Woodbury Royal defeating Hastings, and Bloomington Jefferson besting Mankato. With the score in the championship game tied after three periods, Woodbury and Jefferson went into a best-of-five shootout. Then the shootout went into sudden death, with Jefferson eventually coming out on top when a Woodbury shooter fumbled the puck after picking it up at the center dot. Other

PeeWee C teams on hand in the tournament were Spring Lake Park, Eau Claire, St. Louis Park, Rice Lake, Minneapolis, Brainerd, Sibley and host Somerset. The B bracket featured Monticello, Chisago Lakes, Johnson/Como/North St. Paul, Rice Lake and host Somerset. Baldwin took home the third-place trophy after besting Monticello in a shootout. The championship game saw Somerset line up against JCNSP. Headed into the championship, JCNSP had played six periods of shutout hockey while Somerset had shut-out Chisago Lakes. The matchup didn’t disappoint, with both teams bringing tight defense and structured offense. Somerset was able to break JCNSP’s perfect run through the tournament, netting four goals on their way to a 4-2 victory and top honors on their home rink.

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Centennial Bantam B1 wins Buffalo Stampede

Hard-working Centennial B1 Bantam had 10 different players score over a three-day tourney in Buffalo on Dec. 14-16. They finished big with a 5-1 victory over Edina to take the Buffalo Bantam Stampede Tournament championship!

Hermantown Squirt A captures home tournament crown

Hermantown Squirt A defeats Delano 7-1 to win the Hermantown Hawkey Classic.

January 10, 2019

Let’s Play Hockey Rankings

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

MINNETONKA Andover Edina Maple Grove Duluth East White Bear Lake Blaine Eden Prairie St. Thomas Academy Chaska Benilde-St. Margaret’s Hill-Murray Rosemount Wayzata Moorhead Blake Roseau Cretin-Derham Hall Stillwater Area Lakeville North

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

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

EDINA Osseo/Maple Grove Wayzata Prior Lake/Savage St. Paul Capitals Lakeville South Eden Prairie Sibley Stillwater Chaska/Chanhassen Champlin Park Rosemount Lakeville North Centennial Grand Rapids Minnetonka St. Michael-Albertville Andover Hermantown Roseau

EDINA Centennial Black Mahtomedi Stillwater Black Lakeville Minnetonka Blue St.Thomas Academy Hill-Murray Duluth East Hastings

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

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

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

HERMANTOWN St. Cloud Cathedral Mahtomedi East Grand Forks Thief River Falls Orono Sartell-St. Stephen Alexandria Warroad Totino-Grace Monticello Greenway Duluth Denfeld North Branch Detroit Lakes Marshall Mankato East/Loyola Northfield Mound Westonka Litchfield/D-C

WARROAD Duluth Denfeld Rogers Osseo/Maple Grove Hastings Delano Edina Anoka Bloomington Jefferson Park Cottage Grove Mounds View/Irondale Owatonna Cannon River Tartan Dodge County East Grand Forks Minnetonka Litchfield/D-C Chisago Lakes Apple Valley

EDINA Minnetonka Wayzata Stillwater White Bear Lake

BLAKE Edina Wayzata Forest Lake Andover Brainerd/Little Falls Roseau Eden Prairie Maple Grove Hill-Murray Grand Rapids/Greenway Eagan North Wright County Minnetonka Elk River/Zimmerman Burnsville Blaine Shakopee Benilde-St. Margaret’s Lakeville North

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

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

GIRLS 19U 1 2 3 4 5

www.stateofhockey.com

WAYZATA Stillwater Black Edina Green Hutchinson OMGHA Black Minnetonka Sibley Alexandria Edina White Rochester Red Roseville Prior Lake/Savage Chaska/Chanhassen Two Harbors Rogers Mahtomedi Moorhead Black Bemidji Cloquet Purple Sartell

EDINA GREEN Minnetonka Black Andover Proctor/Hermantown Blaine Wayzata Blue Osseo/Maple Grove North Wright County Alexandria Anoka

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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

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

WARROAD Breck Mound Westonka Proctor/Hermantown South St. Paul Thief River Falls Rochester Lourdes Cloquet-Esko-Carlton East Grand Forks Duluth Marshall Fergus Falls St. Paul United Alexandria Mahtomedi Delano/Rockford Hibbing/Chisholm Minneapolis Simley Hutchinson Chisago Lakes Area

JUNIOR GOLD A

CHASKA/CHANHASSEN Woodbury Eden Prairie Osseo/Maple Grove Minnetonka Edina Stillwater Duluth East Wayzata Champlin Park Moorhead Hermantown Roseau Prior Lake/Savage Mahtomedi Centennial White Bear Lake Andover Rosemount Rochester

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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

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

EDINA Wayzata Minnetonka Eden Prairie Stillwater Osseo/Maple Grove Eagan St. Louis Park White Bear Lake Lakeville

JUNIOR GOLD B

1 BUFFALO 2 New Ulm/Sleepy Eye 3 Hastings 4 Mahtomedi 5 Edina 6 OMGHA Black 7 OMGHA White 8 Rosemount Anoka/Rogers/Elk River 9 10 Minneapolis

WAYZATA East Grand Forks Chaska/Chanhassen Mounds View/Irondale Rogers Warroad Edina Northfield Luverne Sibley Alexandria Owatonna Sartell Greenway Mankato Minneapolis Proctor Thief River Falls Mound Westonka Roseville

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

GIRLS 12U A EDINA GREEN Stillwater Black Minnetonka Andover St. Paul/Roseville Chaska/Chanhassen Orono/Westonka Black Minneapolis Duluth Moorhead

ELK RIVER Edina Green Centennial Minnetonka Black Rosemount Buffalo Bloomington Jefferson STMA Gold Minnetonka Blue Stillwater

OMGHA BLACK Stillwater Eden Prairie Mahtomedi Edina Green Prior Lake/Savage Navy Minnetonka Black Winona Moorhead Black Chaska/Chanhassen La Crescent Minneapolis Orange Edina White St. Paul Capitals St. Cloud Red Rochester White Bemidji Blue White Bear Lake Orange Moorhead Orange East Grand Forks Red

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

MOOSE LAKE New Prague Minnetonka Black Woodbury Royal Red Wing OMGHA Crimson Willmar Rosemount Green Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Alexandria

SUMMER

2019

8 WEEKS OF EXTENSIVE HOCKEY TRAINING:

(Coaches Clinic For Parents) Week 1: June 2nd - 8th (Day Camp/All Ages) Week 2: June 30th - 6th (Overnight Camp/Mite-Parents) Week 3: July 7th - 13th (Overnight Camp/All Ages) Week 4: July 14th - 20th (Overnight Camp/All Ages) Week 5: July 21st - 27th (Overnight Camp/All Ages) Week 6: July 28th - 3rd (Overnight Camp/All Ages) Week 7: August 4th - 10th (Day Camp/All Ages) Week 8: August 26th - 30th (Day Camp/All Ages) All camps are open to boys and girls* Day camp is available during all Overnight Camp weeks* Mite Parent camp is a camp for parents and players to attend together/ Please see website for Details* Head Coach Mike Muller

Goalie Coach Mike Moline

USA Hockey Level 4

Coaching Experience:

Professional Hockey Head Coach Kaufbeuren Germany DEL2

Owner/Operator- FUNdamentals Goalie Clinic Sect. 3AA Asst. Coach of the Year THE GOALIE CLUB Coach

Eppan Italy Youth Hockey Director and Coach Ravensburg Germany Youth Hockey Coach

S. St. Paul H.S. Varsity Goalie Coach 10 Years Cottage Grove/Park High Youth Goalie Coach

Heartland Hockey Lead Instructor 10 years

Doug Woog Hockey Camps Head Goalie Instructor

Euro American Development Coach Private/Individual Coaching Instructor

Playing Experience:

- Wayzata H.S. Varsity - University of MN - WCHA Champion - AHL/IHL/ECHL/REL 92’ to 97’ - German Professional Hockey 97’ to 2010’ -

- N. St. Paul State Tournament Goaltender - Team MVP - All Conference - N. St. Paul H.S. Hall of Fame inductee 2014 - University of MN Duluth Goaltender 81’ 82’ -

NEW FOR 2019 SEASON: *Skills Evaluations* *Oﬀ-ice Classroom* *Daily Yoga With A Certiﬁed Instructor*

*New Sublimated Jerseys* *Camp Hoodie* *Camp Flatbill Hat* *More Than 15 Hours of Ice Time Per Week* *An Extra Day Of Camp!!!* *Professional Goalie Instruction Weekly* *Daily Oﬀ-ice Skills and Conditioning* *1/2 Hour 1 on 1 Private Lessons* *Daily Camp Journaling* *Overnight Mite And Parent Camp* *Parent Coaching Clinic On-ice and Oﬀ-ice* *Pay Online by Check or Credit Card (processing fees apply)* *Multiple Payments* Day Camp $650.00

Registration Now Open

Overnight Camp $1300.00

Looking for a Great Summer Getaway?

*Discounts Available*

Breezy Point Resort is the perfect location for your summer getaway! From hiking, golfing, to fishing. Enjoy our local ammeneties while staying at one of the lakes area’s finest resorts! Discount for Camp Families! Book Today!

Visit our website at WWW.BREEZYPOINTSPORTS.COM

FREE

TRYOUTS ALL METRO AAA TRYOUTS

All players Monday, Jan. 21 (MLK DAY) must be registered Super Rink - Blaine BOYS 8:30am 2010/11 • Rink 5 10:20am 2007 • Rink 6

GIRLS

9:10am 2009 • Rink 6 9:40am 2008 • Rink 5 12:50pm

10U,12U • Rink 7

10:50am 2006 • Rink 5 11:40am 2005 • Rink 7

12:50pm

14U • Rink 7

Blaine- Super Rink

Cottage GroveWoodbury

FARGO/ MOORHEAD AND SOUTH DAKOTA TRYOUTS Monday, Jan. 21

Roseville- StillwaterV. Heights

Moorhead Sports Center 10:00am

Brookings Ice Center 10:30am

11:15am

11:45am

2011/10, 09, 08 2007, 06, 05

3RD ANNUAL

WORLD CUP OF YOUTH HOCKEY “The experience of a lifetime”

Spring - Super Rink Largest World Cup Tourney Ever!

Fall- Four Locations

2011/10, 09, 08 2007, 06, 05

WELCOME TO THE NHG FAMILY IN 2019!! Northland Moose CrookstonThief River Falls MidSota Lakers Brainerd Area

Duluth, Fargo, S. Falls, Stillwater

Play For One Of These Teams

United States

“Providing kids an opportunity to play the game they love”

Russia

Sweden

Canada

North Metro Wild Super RinkBlaine

I 94 Bears Central Minnesota

SW Minnesota Frostbite Marshall Wisconsin Crush West Central Wisconsin

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