LPH June 2024 issue: History Earned.

MAPLEWOOD, MN

APPLE VALLEY, MN

CHANHASSEN, MN

DELANO, MN

Natalie Darwitz Enshrined Into IIHF Hall of Fame

PRAGUE – American Natalie Darwitz (Eagan, Minn.), who starred for the U.S. Women’s National Team on the world stage for 11 seasons, beginning at just 15 years-old, was enshrined into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame recently, along with players Jaromir Jagr from Czechia, Kenny Jonsson from Sweden, Igor Liba from Slovakia, Petteri Nummelin from Finland, Jaroslav Pouzar from Czechia and Ryan Smyth from Canada. In addition, Mel Davidson from Canada was honored as a builder.

Darwitz, who was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018, is a three-time Olympian and played in eight IIHF Women’s Worlds Championships.

On the Olympic stage, the Eagan, Minn., native served as captain of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team that took home the silver medal. She was also part of the 2002 silver medal-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team and was named to the Media All-Star Team. Darwitz also helped Team USA claim bronze at the 2006 Games and in 15 career games in the Olympics, recorded 25 points, including 14 goals and 11 assists.

Darwitz also helped the U.S. to three gold and five silver medals in her eight appearance in the IIHF Women’s World Championship. She was named to the Media All-Star Team on four occasions and earned the IIHF Directorate Award

After spending nine seasons successfully returning the University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey program to national prominence, Maura Crowell will take over the reins at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Crowell departs the Bulldogs having led the program to four-straight NCAA Tournament berths, including an NCAA Championship runner-up finish in 2022, two NCAA Frozen Fours (2022, 2021), and four NCAA Regional Finals/Quarterfinals appearances. Crowell amassed a record of 174-115-28 with the Bulldogs, including three-straight 20-plus win seasons.

“The opportunity at Dartmouth brings me and my family closer to home,” said Crowell. “The past nine years in Duluth have been transformative for me as both a person and coach. I found a deep sense of purpose working at UMD. The players that I’ve had the opportunity to coach over the years are the reason this program has had continued success. The coaches that I’ve worked alongside have been incredible leaders and people. Thank you to all of the support staff that have been a part of this special program. It’s the people that make UMD one of the best places to compete and work.”

On Crowell’s watch, the Bulldogs had

as the best forward in the 2008 tournament. In 40 career games in the women’s worlds, she recorded 58 points, including 29 goals and 29 assists.

Darwitz currently serves as general manager of PWHL Minnesota and to-

night her team has a chance to win the league’s first-ever Walter Cup as its faces PWHL Boston in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five PHWL Finals. As a result, she could not be in Prague today, however, Merlin

an NCAA-high 11 players in the first-ever PWHL draft last September, which included two players in the top-10. Crowell also helped 10 UMD players make Olympic teams, and had nine All-Americans, including Olympians goaltender Emma Soderberg and defenseman Ashton Bell in 2022-23. Other All-Americans under Crowell have been Gabbie Hughes and

Élizabeth Giguère in 2021-22, as well as Bell, Anna Klein and Soderberg in 202021 and two All-Americans in the 2016-17 season (Stalder and Sidney Morin).

Crowell’s crew has also had a run on league awards over her tenure, most recently highlighted by Soderberg’s second WCHA Goaltender of Year honor in 202223 after also receiving the award in 2020-

21. Bell was named the 2020-21 WCHA Defenseman of the Year, four years after Morin earned the accolade in 2016-17, and the program has landed four WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year under Crowell in Clara Van Wieren in 2023-24, Soderberg (2022-23), Catherine Daoust (2017-18), and Morin (2016-17). Soderberg was also a finalist for the 2022-23 WCHA Player of the Year, while Stalder was named the 2016-17 WCHA Player of the Year. UMD has also had 28 players placed on All-WCHA Teams.

UMD director of athletics Forrest Karr said that the university will begin a national search for Crowell’s replacement and Bulldog associate head coach Laura Schuler will serve as the program’s interim head coach.

“I am happy for Maura and her family as they start this next chapter in their lives,” said Karr. “Maura has done an exceptional job here at UMD of helping students reach their full potential on and off the ice while treating everyone with respect. I am grateful for our time working together. Continuing the strong tradition of Bulldog women’s hockey is very important. We will now focus on a diligent search to find the program’s next leader.”

Ravndalen, who coached Dartwitz at Eagan (Minn.) High School, was in attendance to accept on her behalf.

Photo from USA Hockey.

Natalie Darwitz played for the Women’s USA National Team for 11 seasons, beginning when she was just 15 years old.

Photo from UMD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT.

Strobel brings strong pedigree to St. Thomas Academy

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Lets Play Hockey Publisher

St. Thomas Academy will usher in a new era this week when Mark Strobel officially takes the helm as the new head coach of a storied program that once dominated Class A hockey and is now trying to make their mark in AA.

Strobel brings with him a wealth of experience both as a coach and as a player.

A former standout at Hill-Murray, he was the captain of the 1991 Pioneer squad that won the last single class tournament and led the tournament in scoring with seven points. He and his twin brother, Mike, both attended the University of Wisconsin where Mark played for four years, eventually serving as a captain for two of them and reaching the NCAA Frozen Four in 1992.

After college he signed with the New Jersey Devils and played two seasons in their farm system before turning his attention to coaching. In 1998 he served as an assistant coach for Colorado College before returning back to his metro area roots and coaching for the Twin Cities Vulcans as an assistant in 1999-2000 helping lead them to a national championship.

His next stop was at the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he was largely in charge of recruiting. UMD went from seven wins when he arrived to 28 four years later.

From 2002-2004 he served as an assistant at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and again was responsible for finding talent, helping triple the number of wins at the school as well as reaching the NCAA Tournament with recruits he helped bring into the program.

He took a hiatus from coaching in 2011 when he served as a rink side reporter for the Big Ten Network. But by 2015 he was back behind the bench, this time with former Hill-Murray alumni Steve Rohlik at Ohio State University. Rohlik and Strobel helped turn the Ohio State program into a perennial contender in the Big Ten and led them to the NCAA Tournament in 201617.

Strobel returned to Madison where he served as Associate Head Coach alongside Tony Granato from 2017-2022, helping the Badgers to a Big Ten Championship in 2020-21 and a NCAA Tournament bid. He resigned at the end of the 2022 season.

“For me it was a refresher, to step back and be out of the game” he said. “It was a time to reanalyze things and ask myself where I wanted to go.”

Strobel, who worked in medical device sales for brief stints throughout his career, returned to the private sector and took some time to reflect on his hockey coaching future. He had offers to join Division 1 staffs as an assistant and was offered head coaching jobs at the junior level, but he turned them down. Then the St. Thomas Academy job became available.

“When this presented itself, it was quite a blessing and a good fit,” said Strobel.

He knew he still had the passion to coach, to teach, and to lead young men to not just be better hockey players, but better individuals, sons, siblings, husbands and fathers.

“My passion is coaching,” said Strobel, 50. “I have always had mentors…coaches, teachers in grade school up through high school and college that helped me. The impact coaches made on me in my youth was profound. They made you do things you didn’t think you were able to do. I want to give that back.”

Strobel takes over a program led by some big names in the past, including their most recent coach Mike Randolph. Randolph is just one win away from becoming the all-time wins leader in Minnesota High School Hockey history. His contract for the 2024-25 season was not renewed by the school, leaving the door open for a new coach.

Strobel, with his coaching pedigree, was at the top of the list.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Strobel to the Saint Thomas Academy community,” said Brian Ragatz, president of Saint Thomas Academy. “He has a championship pedigree and next-level experience, which will bolster our hockey program and benefit our student-athletes, particularly those with aspirations to compete beyond high school.”

“What I look forward to is having accountability and discipline, the old assets of hard work and talent and maximizing your talent through skill development.”

- Mark Strobel Head Boys’ Hockey Coach St. Thomas Academy

Strobel understands the importance of the hockey player in a state that is rabid about the sport. But he also emphasizes the importance of the student-athlete. A hardnosed player with a tireless work ethic and refuse-to-lose mentality, Strobel grew up on the east side of St. Paul where toughness was a prerequisite for advancing up the athletic ladder. He will bring a little bit of old-school coaching with him along with an understanding of today’s hockey landscape.

“What I look forward to is having accountability and discipline, the old assets of hard work and talent and maximizing your talent through skill development,” he said. “I always felt my skill set as a coach, as a leader, is someone who can organize people, bring their talents together and making sure we are the best we can possibly be as a group.”

Strobel has been a part of talented teams who didn’t win as much as they should, and part of teams not as talented who were able to win when it mattered most. As a player and as a coach, he has experienced it all, and knows the right formula for producing success.

“No one player is bigger than the group,” he said. “We are going to have kids who are more talented. But every kid is going to feel like he is a part of it whether he is the sixth defenseman, back-up goalie or first line center. Whether you get two shifts a night or 29 minutes, everyone on the team is important.”

Strobel said he will instill a high-tempo game, physical game.

“My style will be to play fast and make sure we are physical without the penalties,” he said. “We want to grow day to day, week to week and year to year as an organization.”

Strobel understands today’s player and today’s high school hockey landscape is light years from what it was when he played in the early 1990s. Hockey programs such as St. Thomas Academy are run more like small college programs. Players are com-

ing to the elite hockey schools mainly because of the hockey program. Strobel understands the importance of providing these kids and their families with a great experience, and also as a building block to what many players hope is a future beyond high school hockey.

“Like anything else in life, things evolve and grow,” said Strobel. “Today players have that instant feedback – the MAP programs, fitness coaches, nutrition coaches. The goal is to have them focus and be in the moment when they need to be through hard work and listening and learning. Sometimes you have to go through the individual to make the team work.”

Making the team work through teamwork is Strobel’s goal. In order to do that he plans to build a culture that will foster development. He understands as individuals learn, grow and get better, so does the unit. He also emphasizes growth not just as a hockey player, but as a person.

“These kids are young and impressionable,” he said. “The faster they can mature, the better the team will be.”

Because Strobel attended a Catholic High School he understands the importance of the Catholic education, the rigors of academics and the day-to-day established routines of attending a military school. While hockey is a big part of the student-athlete’s day, they are a student first.

“There are challenges every day outside of sports,” he said. “They already have a lot on their plate. I want to make sure they are taking a deep breath and helping each other and getting away at times to reset the mind.”

Make no mistake, Strobel wants to win a state championship. After 13 years coaching at the college and juniors level, this is his first stint as a high school coach. For kids who want to play college hockey, Strobel knows better than just about anyone what it takes. He wants to help those kids reach their ultimate goal in hockey through building a successful program that

will put them all on the biggest stage in Minnesota hockey – the state tournament. Strobel has been there. He’s done it. He’s won it.

But he knows he didn’t do it alone. It took a group of individuals working toward a common goal, not relying on one or two players, but the entire unit to work in concert together to make positive things occur.

“Our kids have to buy in to the culture,” he said. “How are we going to be successful together?”

Strobel said he will set high standards for his players, both on the ice and off of it. A student-athlete who exhibits a strong work ethic in the classroom and has positive social interactions, supports his classmates and teammates, respects his teachers and coaches, will translate well into the locker room and onto the ice.

“I like high standards,” said Strobel. “If you reach for the stars, even when you fall a little short, you can still touch the moon.”

Strobel hopes to extend the legacy of St. Thomas Academy hockey, one that was formed by former coaches Pat and Mike Funk, Bill McCarthy, Jeff Poeschl, Tom and Greg Vanelli, Trent Eigner and most recently Randolph.

The Vanellis coached from 2003 to 2019 and led the program to five Class A state titles. Eigner took over and coached for three years until Randolph replaced him and also coached three years.

“There have been some great coaches who have paved the road and made this an elite program,” said Strobel. “I am honored to have the opportunity to build on the legacy that is St. Thomas Academy hockey.”

In addition to being the team’s head coach, Strobel will also serve in a full-time capacity at the school assisting in development, admissions and advancement, alumni relations and other areas.

“I can’t thank the academy enough for this opportunity, and putting faith in me to lead this program” he said. “I look forward to doing the best job I can and giving it everything I’ve got.”

He is looking forward to getting to work and begin working with players and setting standards and development strategies he thinks will breed success for the team, and for the players on that team. He said he doesn’t feel pressure about his new role and players shouldn’t either.

“To me, it shouldn’t be pressure,” he said. “It should be hard work and fun. It’s about learning and development and making sure they are having a great experience. Let’s build a great hockey team together.”

Mark Strobel has coached at several different Division 1 colleges as an assistant, including Colorado College, UMD, Ohio State and Wisconsin. This is his first stint as a high school hockey head coach.

Photo from St. Thomas Academy

Mark Strobel is a graduate of Hill-Murray where he helped lead the Pioneers to a state championship in 1991, and an alumni of the University of Wisconsin where he also coached for several years.

PWHL parts ways with Darwitz

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Lets Play Hockey Publisher

Former PWHL Minnesota General Manager Natalie Darwitz released a statement June 9 in regards to her “parting ways” with the PWHL.

Her statement followed a statement issued by the PWHL on Saturday, June 8, confirming rumors that Darwitz had been let go from her position as the team’s general manager just days after PWHL Minnesota won the inaugural Walter Cup.

Fans and media members alike were shocked at the move. The PWHL cited a lengthy internal review and stated:

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and PWHL Minnesota General Manager Natalie Darwitz have parted ways, effective immediately.

“We appreciate all that Natalie has done for PWHL Minnesota in the league’s inaugural season and her contributions to the team’s championship success. We wish her the best moving forward,” said Jayna Hefford, Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, PWHL.

There is no immediate timeline for the naming of the next PWHL Minnesota

General Manager. Darwitz issued a statement of her own on Sunday, June 9:

“I would like to thank the State of Hockey for their support of PWHL Minnesota,” Darwitz wrote. “As the General Manager of PWHL Minnesota, I gave my heart and soul to provide a firstclass experience to the players, staff and fans. My goal was to grow the game of women’s hockey and to show young girls their dream could become a reality.

I am very proud of the team and organization that was built and the championship we brought home to this great State of Hockey. At this time, I am not able to provide any details regarding my departure.”

Natalie Darwitz

Darwitz is a hockey icon in Minnesota and on the national stage where she was recently inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame. She grew up in Eagan and went on to win two national titles with the University of Minnesota. She is a three-time Olympic Winter Games medalist (silver in 2002, bronze in 2006, silver in 2010), three-time IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medalist (2005, 2008, 2009)

and five-time IIHF Women’s World Championship silver medalist (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007).

She has also been a successful coach, turning around a struggling Hamline University program and leading them to national relevance and winning Division III coach of the Year in 2018. She joined the University of Minnesota coaching staff and served as an associate head coach until last season when she was pegged to be the new head coach of the Hill-Murray Girls’ High School team. She instead joined the PWHL and became PWHL Minnesota’s general manager and was credited with constructing a roster that won the inaugural league title.

Rumors swirled about tensions behind the scenes between Darwitz, PWHL Minnesota Head Coach Ken Klee and some players. But those rumors were squashed by Jayna Hefford, Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations for the PWHL. Hefford told select members of the media it wasn’t one person but the input of many over the past five-plus months that led to

the decision to remove Darwitz as PWHL Minnesota’s GM.

The Associated Press reported Hefford as stating: “The feedback to us was pretty direct and pretty clear that there wasn’t a path forward with the current personnel in place. It was with the work we did throughout the year, and it was clear that a change needed to be made.”

Hefford also stated: “We completely recognize the iconic status of Natalie Darwitz in the state of Minnesota. Her incredible contributions, to the PWHL, to building a championship team. Certainly, this was the last thing we wanted to happen. But our job is to also do what’s right for the league, and so that’s where we’re at today.”

Still, no specific reasons were given in Hefford’s comments to the media, leaving fans and members of the media wondering what could possibly have led to the ousting of a general manager who just won a championship.

“It’s not something that was premeditated or we knew it was going to happen. It’s just timing is never perfect,” Hefford said. “We went through this process and got to a point where we just had to make a decision. And it was a difficult one.”

Sophia Kunin retires a champion

Former Wazyata HS and Badger star calls it a career

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Lets Play Hockey Publisher

Sophia Kunin announced her retirement on Monday at age 27 just weeks after helping lead PWHL Minnesota to the inaugural Walter Cup championship.

It was the last of many trophies Kunin (formerly Shaver) has hoisted in her hockey career.

A native of Wayzata, she was a varsity hockey player at Wayzata High School graduating in 2014 as a finalist for the Ms. Hockey Award. She joined the University of Wisconsin the following year and in 154 career games spanning four seasons tallied 80 points. She served as captain of the 2018-19 squad that won a national championship, scoring the game-winning goal in the title game in a 2-0 win over the University of Minnesota.

“As a little girl I could have only imagined where my love for hockey would would take me in life,” she posted on social media. “For the last 20 years the game of hockey has brought me so many unforgettable memories and experiences, but I am ready and excited to move on to the next chapter in my life.”

Kunin is married to former Minnesota Wild forward and current Nashville Predator Luke Kunin, who was also a star player at the University of Wisconsin.

After leading the Badgers to a national title, Sophia Kunin joined the PWHPA and played for Minnesota from 20192022. She joined Team Harvey’s for the 2022-23 season before being drafted by PWHL Minnesota last season. She was one of 12 Minnesota-born players who helped lead Minnesota to the Walter Cup championship. She played in 24 games and had two goals and an assist. In 10 playoff games she recorded one goal.

In addition to her title at Wisconsin and last season’s championship for PWHL Minnesota, Kunin was also a member of Team USA’s U-18 national team that won a gold medal in 2015 at the U-18 World Championships.

“To my teammates, the memories we’ve made over the years are ones I will never forget,” she wrote. “You ladies have been with me through so many ups and

“While this chapter of my life comes to a close, my love for the game of hockey will always be a huge part of me.”

downs, and I am forever grateful to the sport of hockey for bringing me friends that have turned into sisters.”

She also thanked her family for the sacrifices they have made over they years as she chased her hockey dreams.

“To my family, you have made countless sacrifices to allow me to live out my dream,” she wrote. “You’ve been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my career and I’m incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support system.”

Kunin pointed to the stresses of two spouses playing professional hockey and being apart much of the time due to travel.

“To Luke, this season we were both able to live out our professional hock-

-

ey dreams at the same time,” she wrote. “With that came months of long distance, hours of phone calls, and a great deal of understanding and sacrifice. Thank you for supporting my dream and cheering on every step of the way.”

Kunin started out like any young female hockey player in the state of hockey, toiling around on rinks and ponds as a youngster and falling in love with the sport — a sport that would end with her hoisting the Walter Cup and finishing her career like every hockey player dreams of – as a champion.

“While this chapter of my life comes to a close,” she wrote, “my love for the game of hockey will always be a huge part of me. Excited for what’s to come.”

Sophia Kunin played an integral role in PWHL Minnesota‘s run to the Walter Cup. She also won a national title at the University of Wisconsin and won a gold medal for Team USA’s U18 squad. Below, she hoists the Walter Cup in Boston after PWHL Minnesota defeated PWHL Boston 3-0 in a decisive Game 5.

Sophia Kunin

Learning and Reflecting A Focus At USA Hockey Goaltending Symposium

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Scott Clemmensen wiped away a bead of sweat off his forehead inside TRIA Rink and paused to catch his breath.

It wasn’t even 3 p.m. and the director of goaltending development for the New Jersey Devils had already quite the busy day.

Clemmensen had just gotten done leading an on-ice coaching demonstration for the 150-plus attendees at the inaugural USA Hockey National Goaltending Symposium with Brian Eklund, the goaltending coach for the Devils AHL affiliate in Utica, N.Y. The Symposium was held in St. Paul May 29-June 1.

A few hours earlier, Clemmensen had appeared on a panel with Phil Osaer (head of goaltending scouting and development for the Detroit Red Wings) and Jared Waimon (goaltending scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning) to discuss what makes a good goalie coach.

“Putting a symposium together like this, and getting as many goalie minds together in one spot is great,” Clemmensen said. “The knowledge that everybody is instilling and taking in. There is so much great conversation going on.”

Friday was the second of the four-day symposium taking place in St. Paul, and Clemmensen will be joining a panel at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 1, about elite goalie habits during the USA Hockey National Goaltending Expo.

The free-to-the-public event goes from 12-6 p.m. at the St. Paul Event Center and will feature five panel discussions, including one on Olympic Medal moments with Jim Craig (virtual), Alex Cavallini and Mike “Lefty” Curran.

RELATED: Learn More About the National Goaltending Symposium

Despite Clemmensen being an avid contributor this weekend as a presenter, he is in fact also absorbing every piece of knowledge possible from the other goalie gurus, coaches and volunteers at the symposium.

“Even for a person like me that is involved at the highest level in the NHL, to hear viewpoints and different things and aspects from all kinds of people at all different levels is good for me.

“There are a lot of people that have that knowledge that go to a symposium like this. That is one of the benefits, you learn so much now even though you played.”

One of those people who stuck out

Carroll earns Goalie Development Award from USA Hockey

Longtime goalie coach Steve Carroll was presented with the 2024 Goaltender Developer of the Year award at the USA Hockey National Goalie Symposium held in St. Paul in late May and early June.

Carroll was a former goalie for Edina and helped lead Mankato State University to a National Championship in 1980, earning All-American honors.

Carroll has since owned and operated Carroll Goalie School for the past 29 years with clinics throughout Minnesota and Iowa in the summer.

Carrol said he was humbled to receive the award.

“Humbled and honored to receive the 2024 USA Hockey Goaltending Developer Award for my goalie development work with several Minnesota Hockey programs,” he stated on social media.

Steve Thompson, USA Hockey’s Manager of Goaltending Development, presented the award during the 2024 USA Hockey National Goaltending Symposium in St. Paul.

“Also many thanks to Coach Bill Manuel and all the other Minnesota goalie coaches throughout the years who have helped us build Minnesota Hockey into the nationwide goalie development leader,” Carroll said.

to Clemmensen was Maria Mountain.

Mountain is an exercise physiologist, speaker and dedicated goalie training consultant who has trained Olympic gold medalists, world championship gold medalists and Stanley Cup Champions.

Mountain presented for 45 minutes on Training Goalies for Durability and Consistency, and one thing she spoke about was the value of having three goalies on the ice at a practice, if possible.

“She explained sometimes goalies manage their energy levels and their pace in practice based on the fact that they are just trying to survive practice vs. being involved,” Clemmensen said. “It is an interesting viewpoint to take in. Brian (Eklund) and I talked about it for 30 minutes or so at lunch afterwards.”

The inaugural USA Hockey National Goaltending Symposium is similar in

a lot of ways to USA Hockey’s Level 5 Coaching Symposium, and has been a goal for Steve Thompson, USA Hockey’s manager of goaltending development, and others in the goaltending community.

Now that the symposium has finally become a reality, David Lassonde, USA Hockey’s national goaltending coach, said the event has already “exceeded” his greatest expectations.

“It has been great,” Lassonde said. “Steve has done a great job of organizing the event. I like the fact that there has been a gamut of speakers to touch on all aspects of goaltending. I am looking forward to what the next day-and-a -half brings. As we continue to develop our coaches around the country with our bronze, silver and gold levels (of education), I am looking forward to what our

gold candidates present and what they are going to offer.

One aspect of this year’s symposium is presentations from 10 students looking to become USA Hockey gold-certified goalie coaches. The group has been working on individual year-long projects and will be presenting/defending their findings to those in attendance throughout the weekend.

“Much like we have encouraged all the participants here, this weekend is about collaboration, growth, and learning,” Lassonde said. “So far, all three of those boxes have been checked in what we have done.”

Lassonde said it has been great for so many aspiring goalie coaches to see the likes of Clemmensen and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famers Mike Richter and Ryan Miller participating in the symposium.

Having elite athletes be open to growing and learning sends a great message of everyone can still learn something new no matter how experienced or educated they are.

“The guys honing their craft or executing their craft at the highest levels of hockey have decisions to make with their free time, and they could easily say, ‘eh.’ But they want to give back, and it is important to recognize if they can do it, why can’t we do it at the end of the day,” Lassonde said.

Some of the sport’s top minds from men’s, women’s and sled hockey have all descended upon St. Paul to help teach, network and learn more about one of the most unique positions in sports.

Lassonde said that he is hopeful all of those in attendance will take what they learn this weekend to help grow goaltending at all levels.

“We want everyone to leave here passionate about goaltending with a real excitement about the future of the position,” Lassonde concluded. “Our hope is they will go back into their community and talk about the value of the event. If it is not something we are going to do on a national level every year, it would be great if this type of event could be held at the district levels. It is important for those people at the grassroots level to be engaged, enthused and energized about what we are trying to do.

“USA Hockey relies on them to not only grow the game, but to help grow the position.”

Article courtesy of USA Hockey

Photo from USA Hockey.

Scott Clemmensen led a on-ice coaching demonstration at the USA Hockey Goalie Symposium.

Steve Carroll (middle) was awarded the 2024 USA Hockey Goalie Developer Award during the National Goalie Symposium held in St. Paul in late May. He is pictured with goalie coach Bill Manuel (left) and USA Hockey Manager of Goaltending Development

Steve Thompson (right). At right, Carroll is pictured with Ron DeGregorio, the Godfather of USA Hockey Goaltending. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Two-time Olympian and gold medalist shares advice at inaugural USA Hockey National Goaltending Symposium Expo

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Alex Cavallini often asks young goaltenders a simple question whenever she crosses paths with an aspiring member of goalie nation and the topic shifts to how their season is going.

Many times, kids will say their season is simply going Ok.

There is then a window of opportunity for a bigger conversation, says Cavallini.

“Well, did you have fun? Did you learn something? You want to hear them say, ‘Yes, yes, yes!’

“That as a young athlete is so important. Winning is not everything, especially at younger age levels. Don’t get me wrong, I am the most competitive person, but, at the same time, you have to take a step back and be like, ‘How can I be the best I can be, and what can I learn to be better?’”

Cavallini – a two-time Olympian who helped the U.S. Women’s National Team win a gold medal in 2018 and silver in 2022 – spent most of Saturday afternoon meeting one-on-one with various boys and girls, as well as their parents and others involved in the goaltending industry, during USA Hockey’s inaugural National Goaltending Symposium held in St. Paul May 29-June 1.

The Delafield, Wisconsin, native spoke on a panel with fellow Olympian, Mike “Lefty” Curran, about Olympic Medal Moments and her own personal journey to an Olympic gold medal with Team USA during the USA Hockey National Goaltending Expo at the St. Paul Event Center.

The free-to-the-public event featured not only panel discussions on five different topics, but it also allowed

kids to poke the brains of their goaltending idols in person, such as Cavallini, while also learning more about various goaltending products in the marketplace.

Cavallini loved to see so many girls and boys looking to learn more about the position.

“One of the most important aspects is continuing to be a student of the game,” Cavallini said. “That is something I took a lot of pride in, especially at the end of my career. I was like, ‘I am not done getting better.’

“You are never at that peak. You always want to try to climb, climb, climb. If you can continue to learn and hone in on some skills and have fun

along the way – that is one of the most important aspects for a kid.”

Having fun is something that Cavallini does not want kids to lose focus on. She knows firsthand the older you get, the harder it is to enjoy the roots of the sport – and goaltending. It is easy to get caught up in the mental mind games of wins/losses, goals allowed and the pressure of the position.

In fact, Cavallini said she and her teammates often had to remind themselves to remember why they first laced up their skates.

“As you get older and farther along in your career, you fight to find that joy. You really fight deep to find that joy. You really have to dig deep and

find joy in it and not just think this is my job. A lot of us look back and try to remember what it felt like to play as a kid.

“As long as you can continue to have fun, you are going to be successful.”

Cavallini also had a coach help her with the burdens of the position during her time with the U.S. Women’s National Team. That coach was none other than Steve Thompson. Thompson was the goaltending coach for the 2022 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team and the gold medal-winning 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team that Cavallini helped backstop to victory at the Women’s World Championship.

Therefore, Cavallini quickly said yes when Thompson, who is now the manager of goaltending development at USA Hockey, asked her to be involved at the National Goaltending Symposium.

“Steve brought me to this,” Cavallini said. “It is so cool and special to get a convention of goalies. A symposium of like-minded minds that also challenge each other and be able to get those insights into what people are seeing and feeling and how to get more goalies involved. It is so special as a community because goaltending can feel very isolated and people don’t always understand this position.

So for us to get a whole group of people in here, you have to almost remind yourself to be like, ‘Wow, everyone here is a goalie.’ It has been incredible to see all of these goalie minds come together and really create a great event.”

Article courtesy of USA Hockey

Photo from USA Hockey.

Alex Cavallini is a two time Olympian who won a gold medal in 2018 and silver in 2022.

Mike Richter: ‘Being a goalie is the funnest position in all of sports and the most challenging’

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Mike Richter was sitting in the back corner of the event center at 317 on Rice Park in St. Paul on May 29 and some of his favorite childhood memories of being a goalie started popping across his mind.

Richter was listening to Joe Bertagna, who this year received the NHL’s Lester Patrick Trophy, present on the history of goalie coaching in the United States as a series of old school pictures and names flashed onto the presentation screens centerstage.

Bertagna, who was joined by fellow American goaltending legends Keith Allain and Robert “Cap” Raeder, was helping kick off the festivities of the inaugural USA Hockey National Goaltending Symposium, showcasing where the position was at roughly more than 50 years ago and the growth that has subsequently taken place.

“Just watching the pictures here brought back so many memories of how fundamentally enjoyable this sport is, and this position is,” Richter said after participating in a Q&A session with fellow U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Ryan Miller. “I played forward. I played D. But goaltending was so compelling because it is a challenge, and it does feel so good when you get it right. It is a never-ending battle.”

The inaugural USA Hockey National Goaltending Symposium is similar in a lot of ways to USA Hockey’s Level 5 Coaching Symposium. However, instead of goaltending being a partial emphasis, it is the only focus over the next three days in St. Paul.

In fact, some of the sport’s top minds from men’s, women’s and sled hockey have all descended upon St. Paul to help teach, network and learn more about one of the most unique positions in sports amongst 150-plus attendees.

While some of the weekend is focused on coaching education tracks, Thursday night was just the appetizer of how coaches and attendees of all levels are going to learn how to support their goalies better and how the National Goaltending Symposium is a golden opportunity to network and brainstorm with others on how to improve the state of American goaltending.

Additionally, the USA Hockey National Goaltending Expo will also be taking place on Saturday, June 1, which is free to the public from 12-6 p.m. at the St. Paul Event Center and will feature five panel discussions, including one on Olympic Medal moments with Jim Craig

(virtual), Maddie Rooney and Mike “Lefty” Curran.

“There is no better time to be a goalie in the U.S., and be supported, than today,” Steve Thompson, manager of goaltending development of USA Hockey.

Bertagna believes that despite changes in the position since when he wrote his first book in the mid 1970s that everyone can still learn from the past and present as USA Hockey works toward the future.

“I hope this is not just a trip down memory lane or just a course of entertainment,” Bertagna said. “I don’t know what the connection is. But those of us that taught ourselves how to play in a different era had to figure something out. What we figured out, how does it apply, the game is so different now. The training is different. There are better athletes playing the position. There is better coaching available.

But you still try to get better at this. Maybe there is something about the old days that will trigger something that can complement or supplement all the good work that is being done now in the current era.”

In the hockey community, some parents may worry about the idea of their child becoming a goalie. The stress and pressure that can come with the position may seem daunting.

However, Richter believes once you convince a kid to give the crease a try, it will be that much harder for a kid to want to give it up. Richter knows firsthand. He was a multisport athlete growing up. Playing soccer and football or running track and field were just not the

same as standing tall in net.

“Being a goalie is the funnest position in sports,” Richter said. “I grew up in Philadelphia playing everything. I loved them all, but hockey was incredible. Just incredible. The grace and the speed in the sport and the uniqueness of the equipment and all that is when you are a goaltender. The aspect of being in your own kind of challenge and own world while being on a team is second to none. It is nothing like it. You feel individual accomplishment, but you have the support and responsibility to a broader group.

“For the parent of a young player, yeah, (let your kid) that position. It will help them even if they ultimately decided to be a forward or a d to understand the position better. I don’t think to many kids who play that position will waver to far from it because it is the funnest position in all of sports and the most challenging.”

Richter, of course, eventually developed into a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer. In addition to leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, the Abington, Pa., native also led the U.S. to victory at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and a silver medal at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

Joining Richter on stage Thursday night was Miller, a fellow American goaltending legend in his own right. The second-winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history, Miller played in 796 NHL games across 18 seasons. The 2010 Vezina Trophy recipient also earned a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and is the only player

ever to be named the best goalie in the NCAA, the AHL, the NHL and at the Olympic Winter Games.

Miller, who is now a member of the San Jose Sharks hockey operations staff, called it an honor to be involved with the inaugural National Goaltending Symposium.

“I really want to help out,” Miller said. “It is something where I got some really great opportunities in my life as a player. I try to make a point anytime they need help. I want to show up, contribute and add to the conversation because it is a great thing to take an amount of focus, work, and time and effort that they are putting into goaltending.

It really is a position that needs to be crafted and grown. If you are going to have a healthy and popular game, you need goaltenders. On the other side of that, we want to be the best in the world when it comes to international competition so we need to have the most talented players getting the right kind of coaching.”

Miller not only reflected on his career and how his coaches, as well as his parents, helped him grow into becoming an elite goalie, but he also had the attendees roaring in laughter with his own honest asset of him of raising and coaching his own kids now that he is retired.

It was a good reminder that no matter what level someone plays or coaches at, there is room to grow and learn.

“Hockey parent is a different animal and being a youth coach is different as well,” Miller said. “It is the same as any other kind of parenting. You have all this knowledge to give your kid and you try to be there for them and it is just a process. You have to constantly remind them it is a process. Sometimes it is hard for me because you get to a competitive space in sports and that is all you know.

“You have to keep it as a fun place for sports. It can’t always be competitive even though some of the biggest lessons I learned came from playing a competitive sport, and I do want my children to have that same experience. It was a positive thing in my life. I learned how to be a teammate for better or worse. I learned to interact. I learned to have highs and lows and work through things and set goals. That little bit of competitiveness was important to me when I was younger, and I want my kids to still have that.

“Hockey is a good character-building opportunity.”

Article courtesy of USA Hockey

Photo from USA Hockey.

Ryan Miller (Left), and Mike Richter (Right) both had a Q&A Session at the goalie symposium.

Photo from USA Hockey.

Keith Allain is the head coach of the Yale Bulldogs Men’s Hockey team.

Photo from USA Hockey.

Joe Bertagna was in attendance and spoke at the event.

USA Hockey hosts annual awards dinner

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –USA Hockey will honor 12 deserving individuals at its President’s Awards Dinner on Friday, June 7, at the Denver Marriott Tech Center as part of its fourday Annual Meeting that began on June 5.

Honorees include Amy Lowe (Westford, Mass.) with the Wm. Thayer Tutt Award and Bill Beaney (Cornwall, Vt.) with the Distinguished Achievement Award.

Other award winners include, Dr. Alan Ashare Excellence in Safety Award honoree Mike Uihlein (Grafton, Wis.), Chet Stewart Award recipient Mark Sampson (Longmeadow, Mass.), John Beadle Adult Member of the Year Tom Hancock (Clovis, Calif.) and the late Jim Clare (Weymouth, Mass.) with the Walter Yaciuk Award.

ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

Player of the year honorees include Adult Player of the Year John Koufis (Palatine, Ill.), Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Laila Edwards (Cleveland, Ohio), Jim Johannson College Player of the Year Cutter Gauthier (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Hampton Slukynsky (Warroad, Minn.), Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Mac Swanson (Anchorage, Alaska) and the Disabled Athlete of the Year, Rylynn Zanon (Lake Elmo, Minn.).

In addition, USA Hockey will also honor a number of individuals with service awards during the President’s Awards Dinner and for the full list, click HERE.

Wm. Thayer Tutt Award - Amy Lowe

Amy Lowe’s philosophy on success

is simple, it’s never about the wins or losses, but about growing the game and encouraging as many hockey players possible to lace up the skates. Her selfless dedication to enhancing hockey at the grassroots level in both the Massachusetts area, and across the country has left an indelible mark on the sport.

A native of Stoneham, Massachusetts. Lowe has spent the better part of two decades laying the foundation of youth hockey in her hometown program of Nashoba Youth Hockey. She served 20 years as a board member of Nashoba Youth Hockey, and was also the director of initiation programs for the association from 2006 to 2023.

She helped establish the association’s first girls’ hockey program in 2005 and became the director of girls’ hockey during the 2007-08 season, a role she held until 2023. Lowe dedicated her time to growing the girls game over the years and ensuring the rink is a welcoming place for all who come to play.

In 2015, Lowe forged a partnership between Nashoba Youth Hockey and the Boston Bruins Academy to advance development programs in the organization. She spearheaded growth relationships with the Bruins to help expand Nashoba’s Learn to Play and Learn to Skate programs and was awarded the Mike Cheever “Grow Hockey” grant for Nashoba Youth Hockey in 2018.

Lowe comes from a hockey family and started playing hockey as a child after her mother helped start the Stoneham Girls Hockey program, giving both Lowe and her older sister a team to play for. As a teen, Lowe began coaching and officiating, working with local youth and girls leagues.

Lowe attended Harvard University

where she played four seasons for the Crimson NCAA Division I women’s hockey team. Lowe graduated with a degree in English and later became a teacher at New Hampton School in New Hampshire where she also served as head coach of their girls hockey team and continued playing hockey in adult leagues during her free time.

Distinguished Achievement AwardBill Beaney

Bill Beaney’s profound impact on college hockey has cemented the legendary coach in the lore of hockey greats. He spent over 30 years behind the bench, including 28 years at Middlebury College and seven seasons at New England College. An influential coach, Beaney not only made his mark on the ice, but helped shape the modern hockey landscape across the country.

During his tenure at Middlebury, Beaney led the Panthers to eight national championship titles, including five-straight from 1995 to 1999. The team also won eight NESCAC titles between 2000 and 2010, with the program doubling up on both a conference championship and national championship in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Thirty-nine players received All-America honors under Beaney’s tutelage, as the –USA Hockey Awards –continued on page 12

Disabled Athlete of the Year Rylynn Zanon Refuses To Slow Down

Rylynn Zanon basically grew up in hockey rinks.

However, because of several mild issues that affected her physical and cognitive development, it took her some time to hit the ice for good and find her own place in the game.

Now more than seven years into her playing career, Zanon recently received word from USA Hockey that she will receive the 2024 Disabled Athlete of the Year Award at the 2024 USA Hockey President’s Awards Dinner.

That came as quite a surprise to her.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it,” Zanon said. “We were all pretty shocked.”

Receiving the award won’t slow down her drive to get better, as she continues to work on her game.

“I feel like I’ve gotten better throughout the years,” she said. “We’ve done more drills, like game drills and just doing a lot more stick-handling drills.”

Growing up, Zanon certainly didn’t have to look far to find a hockey role model. Her father, Greg Zanon, spent nine years as a defenseman in the NHL.

“She was [his] No. 1 fan for a long time,” said Jen Zanon, Rylynn’s mother. “We bounced around with him for a few years while he did his thing. And during that time, she did take some skating lessons when she was 5 or 6.”

As Jen remembered, that was a challenge for Zanon.

“It wasn’t really her thing when she first started,” Jen said. “She enjoyed being at the rink, but the actual skating part of it was a little bit difficult and uncomfortable for her.”

Jen noted that Zanon hadn’t developed physically the way typical children do. Just finding skates for Zanon was difficult.

According to Jen, part of the problem might have been having her daughter start skating in full hockey gear at the outset.

“It was right into you’re learning to skate as a hockey player,” Jen said. “It was maybe not the best route to go with that, but that’s the route we took.”

Eventually, Zanon got off the ice and was content with watching her sister and brother play for a time. After the family moved to Minnesota, she finally got an opportunity to play at age 12.

The family saw one of Zanon’s friends play with the Minnesota Special Hockey Program. They then quickly signed Zanon up to the program as well.

Zanon, now 19 years old, continues to play in the program, which partners directly with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild.

“The league itself is incredible,” Jen said. “It’s open to anybody and everybody regardless of age. I think the minimum age is 8, but there is no maximum age. It’s open to everybody regardless of their abilities. I don’t foresee her walking away from it anytime soon, as long as it’s available for her to continue playing.”

Jen noted that the league matches players of equal talent on an A, B or C line. She said Zanon typically plays on the A or B line.

The Stillwater Area High School graduate had to balance hockey with her first year at Century College (located nearby in White Bear Lake, Minnesota) this year. Zanon is studying special education and made the dean’s list.

“It wasn’t hard, knowing that hockey was on Sundays,” she said. “I usually didn’t have much homework on Sundays, so it was nice not to have to worry about that. I can enjoy just going to hockey.”

Zanon had already successfully balanced sports and academics while in high school. She served as the captain for three years on the adaptive soccer team and all four years for the adaptive floor hockey team.

Those two teams combined for three state championships during Zanon’s tenure.

As if she wasn’t busy enough in school, Zanon was co-president of the TRUST Club, an all-inclusive after-school program that brings students with and without disabilities together.

These days, Zanon also competes in the Special Olympics track and field

Zanon, from Minnesota, is a three-year member of the Minnesota Special Olympics Student Board of Directors.

program. She runs sprints and does the standing long jump.

Zanon serves Minnesota Special Olympics away from the track, as well. She is on its board of directors and is a co-vice president. Last summer, she became a Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassador, promoting inclusive op-

portunities for children through sports.

“It’s a two-year program,” said Zanon of the ambassadorship. “This year we’ve been to Washington, D.C., and now at the end of June, we’re going out to Madison [Wisconsin] for a conference.”

Article courtesy of USA Hockey

Photo from USA Hockey

USA Hockey Awards

Lake Placid, N.Y., native helped amass 516 wins at Middlebury.

Beaney began his coaching career following graduation from the University of New Hampshire in 1973. He headed up the program at Bellows Free Academy in Vermont, leading the school to three-straight state titles before jumping to the college ranks with New England College in 1978.

At the collegiate level, both at Middlebury and New England College, Beaney recorded a 602-260-59 record, an impressive .696 win percentage, and retired in 2015 as the winningest coach in NCAA Division III men’s hockey. He also led the Middlebury men’s golf team and served as an adjunct professor until his retirement in 2023.

Inducted into both the Lake Placid Hall of Fame in 2009 and Vermont Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, Beaney is a four-time Edward Jeremiah Award recipient, given to the top men’s hockey coach in Division III.

One of the pioneers of small-area games, Beaney’s coaching philosophy has transcended the sport and helped change the way the game is taught in the United States. His history with USA Hockey spans over 40 years, as Beaney was active in developing curriculum for coaching clinics and has presented his philosophies internationally over the years.

Internationally, Beaney was an assistant coach for the 1994 U.S. National Junior Team and was named USA Hockey Coach of the Year in 1999.

Beaney attended the University of New Hampshire and skated four seasons for its men’s hockey team, serving as the captain his senior year during the 197273 season.

Dr. Alan Ashare Excellence In Safety Award - Dr. Mike Uihlein

Dr. Mike Uihlein has spent over a decade serving the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team as the team physician. Uihlein, who is widely regarded as one of the top authorities on adaptative sports medicine, plays an integral role in ensuring USA Hockey athletes receive the highest quality medical care and support.

The Grafton, Wisconsin, native has served Team USA at three consecutive Paralympic Games, helping support the U.S. to three gold medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Uihlein has also served on the staff at eight World Para Ice Hockey Championships, including most recently in Calgary, Alberta for the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championship in May.

Uihlein is actively involved in research to advance the knowledge of sled hockey and the care of adaptive athletes across all disciplines. He helped implement the concussion management program for wheelchair athletes at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and a co-editor of the book Concussion Management of Wheelchair Athletes, Evaluations and Examination in addition to other publications on adaptive sports.

Following Uihlein’s graduation from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2000, he completed an emergency medicine residency and worked as a full-time emergency room doctor in both Wisconsin and Hawaii, until 2015 when he returned to the Medical College of Wisconsin for a sports medicine fellowship.

When not with Team USA, Uihlein holds the associate chief of emergency medicine for education and co-director of the adaptive sports medicine clinic at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and serves as an assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Chet Stewart Award - Mark Sampson Mark Sampson’s impact on officiating in New England has been felt for

nearly five decades. A leader in the state of Massachusetts, Sampson has been active in the hockey community as a player, coach, official, supervisor, instructor and mentor, leaving his mark on the sport at nearly every level.

An official himself since 1973, Sampson officiated for 44 seasons, including everything from youth games to juniors to college hockey and beyond.

The Longmeadow, Massachusetts, native patrolled the ice at all levels, wearing the stripes at the USA Hockey National Championships in 1993, 1994, 1997, 2003, and 2010 while serving as the supervisor of officials at the 2018 USA Hockey Girls National Championship. He also officiated NCAA Division I & III men’s hockey and NCAA Division III women’s hockey.

Sampson served as the district supervisor for the sixth district of Massachusetts Hockey for 29 years where he worked with local officials on development opportunities within the state and dedicated much of his time to recruiting and mentoring new officials in the area. He also spent a decade as the assigner for the Interstate Junior Hockey League.

For his efforts, Sampson was honored with the Massachusetts Hockey Milt Kaufman Award in 2001, earned the Al Pinciak Award in the 2005-2006 season and was recognized with the Golden Stripes Award in 2010.

A staunch advocate for development, Sampson has been a key instructor at USA Hockey officiating seminars and led all on-ice instruction as part of USA Hockey’s officials certification process.

Sampson served as the head of the officiating evaluation program for the state of Massachusetts and continues to foster a development pipeline for officials at all levels.

John Beadle Adult Member of the Year - Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock exemplifies what dedication and leadership looks like in the adult hockey community throughout the state of California.

As the president of the California Amateur Hockey Association, Hancock has advocated for the advancement of adult hockey in the Golden State and has shown a proven commitment to growing the game at all levels.

An active member of USA Hockey’s Adult Council, the Clovis, California, native has proactively engaged adult players and teams across the state resulting in the exponential growth of CAHA’s adult leagues.

Illinois and at the national level for over 25 years.

A native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, Clare played youth hockey in the Boston area before going on to play NCAA Division I hockey at West Point. He spent seven years as a captain in the Army before retiring in 1994.

Clare moved to Illinois and shortly after began his involvement with Amateur Hockey Association Illinois (AHAI) in 1998 when his oldest son started playing youth hockey.

Clare coached every level from 6U to 14U for Sabre Hockey Association in Naperville, Illinois, as his three sons progressed through the program. He also coached the Sabres’ girls 19U team for five years. From 2003-16, Clare served on the Sabres’ board of directors, including a ten-year stint as the club’s president from 2006-16.

In 2010, Clare joined the AHAI board of directors, where he served as vice president of membership. During his time there, Clare was part of nearly every AHAI committee over the years, including Try Hockey for Free, the suspension/review committee, and the A Step Ahead concussion prevention committee, among others.

Clare’s dedication to inclusion and growing the game was evident throughout his career. He also organized coaching clinics specifically for coaches in the disabled hockey section and played a role in the growth of the AHAI special hockey program.

On the national level, he was a USA Hockey coaching education program instructor for nearly a decade and for three years from 2016 to 2019, ran in-person coaching clinics in Illinois. When clinics went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, Clare ran online seminars up until his final season in 2023.

On September 23, 2023, Clare passed away at age 58 after a courageous battle with cancer. He left a legacy and profound impact on American hockey through his education of thousands of players and coaches that will be felt for many years to come, Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year - Laila Edwards

appearance.

Edwards also represented Team USA during the 2023-24 Rivalry Series, making her U.S. Women’s National Team debut in a 5-2 victory over Canada at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in game two of the series.

Jim Johannson College Player of the YearCutter Gauthier

A sophomore forward, Cutter Gauthier was a standout at Boston College during the 2023-24 college hockey season. The Scottsdale, Arizona, native helped lead the Eagles to both the Hockey East regular-season and tournament championship, and propelled BC to its first national championship game appearance since 2012.

Gauthier led the nation in scoring with 38 goals, including a chart-topping 10 game-winners, and ranked second nationally with 65 points. His 13 power-play goals ranked second nationally, as he tallied an impressive 1.59 points per game.

Gauthier, who signed an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks following the college season in April, was named an AHCA Division I First Team All-American as well as earning All-Hockey East First Team honors.

Gauthier’s goal-scoring ability and dominance made him a Hobey Baker Memorial Award Hat Trick Finalist and a Hockey East Player of the Year Finalist. He also received the Walter Brown Award, presented annually to the best American-born college hockey player in New England.

On the international stage, Gauthier helped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. The alternate captain tallied the game-winning goal late in the third period in the U.S.’ 3-2 semifinal victory against Finland. He registered a tournament-leading 12 points and earned the Directorate Award for Best Forward, as well as a nod on the Media All-Star Team. His 10 assists were the third-most by an American in a single World Junior Championship.

Dave Tyler Junior Player of the YearMac Swanson

Amongst his most successful and innovative initiatives has been the resurgence of the annual CAHA Adult Hockey State Tournament, which has seen unprecedented success in the years since the pandemic. From inception to puck drop Hancock has spearheaded remarkable participation levels from teams around the state. In light of the event’s success, CAHA was able to start to organize two tournaments in the state each season, one for northern California and one for southern California, both in partnership with the area’s local NHL team.

To keep pace with the increased level of adult participation throughout the state, Hancock helped implement beneficial oversight that assists teams and leagues around the state to compete at a standard that is consistent at every level.

A staunch advocate for all facets of hockey, Hancock has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the continued growth of the sport and ensuring playing opportunities for all who want to lace up the skates across California.

Walter Yaciuk Award - Jim Clare

Jim Clare was involved in youth hockey and coaching education both in

Laila Edwards etched her name in the hockey history books this season becoming the youngest American skater to be named MVP at an IIHF Women’s World Championship. The Cleveland, Ohio, native earned the honor after posting a tournament-leading six-goal performance at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship, helping to anchor the U.S. to its 23rd-straight medal in the event.

Edwards, who became the first Black woman to skate for the U.S. Women’s National Team at an international event, recorded eight points, the third highest point total at the tournament. She notched her first career goal during the team’s preliminary round game against Czechia and also posted her first career hat trick during a 5-0 semifinal victory against Finland.

She shined in the gold medal game, recording a team-leading two points, including the first U.S. goal midway through the opening period. In addition to earning tournament MVP honors, she was also voted to the tournament’s Media All-Star Team.

As a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin during the 2023-24 season, Edwards recorded 56 points (21G, 35A), skating in all 41 of the Badgers’ games.

The forward earned Third Team AllWCHA honors, recording four points (2G, 2A) in the WCHA Final Faceoff championship game and a goal and assist in the national semifinal game against Colgate, propelling Wisconsin to an NCAA Frozen Four championship game

Mac Swanson was at the center of a historic season for the Fargo Force in 2023-24. The forward helped his team to a record-breaking 50-10-2 (W-OTWOTL) regular season record, setting a new mark for most USHL single-season wins, before leading Fargo to its second Clark Cup title. The forward led all USHL skaters with 51 assists and ranked third in the league with 77 points in 55 games played. Swanson’s stellar performance earned him USHL Player of the Year honors, and he was also named USHL Forward of the Year and a USHL First Team All-American.

The Anchorage, Alaska, native’s success continued into the postseason, where he paced all skaters in goals (5), assists (12), and points (17) and was named the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player after leading Fargo to a Clark Cup championship.

On the international stage, Swanson appeared on the 2023 U.S. Junior Select Team that finished third at the 2023 World Junior A Challenge in Truro, Nova Scotia, in December. He led all skaters at the tournament with nine assists, and tied for a Team USA lead with 11 points in six games. He also was selected to participate at the 2024 Chipotle All-American Game in January.

Warroad’s Hampton Slukynsky wins Dave Peterson Award

The record shows that the Fargo Force won more games than any team in USHL history during the 2023-24 season.

However, that lofty 50-10-2 record for the 2024 Clark Cup champions was more about getting through tight situations than it was about dominating opponents.

Navigating the constant challenges of playing in close games was a big part of making his first year above high school hockey a special one for Hampton Slukynsky, an 18-year-old from Warroad, Minnesota.

Slukynsky, the recipient of the 2024 USA Hockey Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Award, credited two areas for making the transition year between high school and college such an overwhelming success.

Skating skills and quickness were important in making the climb to a quicker game, but Slukynsky also knew he had to be aware of other parts of the game.

“Just being able to get to my spots quicker helped, but it was the mental game, too,” Slukynsky said. “It’s a lot tougher mentally because every game is close, whether it’s 2-1 or 5-4, there’s a lot of pressure on the goalie.“I was just trying to get a lot better mentally, knowing that when you give up a goal it’s over; it’s in the past. There’s nothing I can do about it, but just try to focus on the next shot. I got a lot better on that in the last year and that helped me a lot.”

The Force won their last seven onegoal games, going 14-5 overall in those situations.

Finding a way to win is an important part of Slukynsky’s make-up, according to Fargo coach Brett Skinner.

“He has a competitive streak,” Skin-

ner said. “He’s a pretty quiet kid, but he’s internally driven. In practice, whenever we did competition drills, you could tell that there was a chip on his shoulder that he wanted to win, and that translates into games.

“He’s a very talented goalie that certainly has a bright future.”

That future is at Northern Michigan University, where Slukynsky will report in the fall to begin his college career. That was the tentative plan at the start of the season for the fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2023 NHL Draft, but the level of success the USHL Goaltender of the Year had solidified that

timeline, according to Slukynsky.

Anton Castro carried the slightly heavier burden early in the season in a two-goalie rotation, but by playoff time, Slukynsky was handling the entire workload.

“That really contributed to Hampton’s success,” Skinner said. “He was able to ease into getting up and running. He didn’t have to carry the burden right away. The two of them being talented, also pushed each other throughout the season to continue to get better.”

Slukynsky wound up leading the league in all the major goalie statistics — wins, shutouts, goals against average

and save percentage. He was 28-3-0 with five shutouts, a 1.86 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He followed that up by going 9-3 in the playoffs, boasting a .931 save percentage and a 1.69 GAA while helping the Force win the Clark Cup.

“After the first couple games, I had a couple good games back-to-back earlier in the year, which helped give me some confidence,” Slukynsky said. “That was huge. Then, kind of from there, I just tried to keep it rolling.”

Along the way, Slukynsky took a break from the USHL to add to his international experience.

Slukynsky, who had helped Team USA to the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Switzerland, went 4-0-1 at the World Jr. A Challenge in Nova Scotia and helped the U.S. take home a bronze medal.

Once back in Fargo, Slukynsky became the No. 1 goalie and convinced his coach that he has all it takes to find longterm success at his position.

“To be as successful as he was, you have to have a tremendous work ethic,” Skinner said. “He has a very professional approach, off the ice as well as on the ice in practice. His game-day habits, they all are mature beyond his years.”

In Slukynsky, Skinner saw a combination of traits uncommon for a goalie who will not be 19 until this summer.

“He’s got the frame and the size that it takes to be a quality goalie and then he has solid technique, which continued to improve this year with the guidance of our goalie coach, Carter Krier, but he also has an athleticism that is going to allow him to make the bigger saves, make the saves in big minutes, which can be unique, especially at his age,” Skinner said. Article courtesy of USA Hockey

John Koufis, the 2024 Adult Player of the Year

When John Koufis found out that he would receive USA Hockey’s 2024 Adult Player of the Year Award, he responded with characteristic humility.

“I’m just an old guy playing hockey,” said the 58-year-old from Palatine, Illinois. “You don’t really think about awards and things of that nature at this stage of the game. Obviously, I’m humbled and honored.”

Koufis was downplaying a lifetime in hockey that has included nearly a half-century as a player and experience as a coach, administrator and team owner. How many people can claim that they have represented not one, but two countries in international play?

Koufis has played hockey continuous since he was about 10 years old besides his final two years earning his accounting degree at DePaul University.

“I guess in retrospect I missed it … because the second I was done with school, I started playing immediately,” Koufis said. “I call myself the luckiest amateur beer-leaguer on the planet. I never played in college. [I] just kept playing, had a passion for the game. I just love the game, period.”

Koufis did play high school hockey, but he will tell you that he was nothing special back then

“I was very average,” he recalled. “Moments of brilliance surrounded by long periods of mediocrity. It’s like my golf game.”

In 1991, Koufis and friends were talking in a bar and decided to form a hockey team. They liked the logo and colors of the new San Jose Sharks; that’s how the Chicago Sharks were born.

Koufis said the core of the team really formed in 1994. That year, the Sharks competed at the USA Hockey Adult National Championships.

The team would go on to win multiple national titles in their 30s and 40s. Most recently, the Sharks captured the 50+ Tier I championship at the 2024 USA Hockey Adult National Championships.

John Koufis, 58, has been playing hockey sicne he was about 10 years old. He is from Palatine, Illinois.

“We’ve just never stopped participating,” said Koufis, who has run the organization with friend Mike Vasilevich since 1994. “Probably 70% of that core is still together.”

The Sharks organization now also has 60-plus and 40-plus teams to go along with the “Baby Sharks,” featuring players all under 30.

Koufis, a Greek American dual citizen, played in five IIHF Division III Men’s World Championships for Greece during his 40s.

“Playing full-check [hockey] at that age chasing 20-year-olds around was interesting. I did OK,” he said. “Yes, it’s Division III, but it’s still pretty neat to represent your nationality.”

Koufis recently returned from Slovakia, where he served as Greece’s general manager for the 2024 IIHF Development Cup.

Last year, Koufis became majority owner and chief executive officer of the Johnstown (Pa.) Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League.

“Part of buying the team was also to sort of give back to the next generation of kids coming up and keeping myself busy in my retirement,” said Koufis, currently chief financial officer of General Kinematics in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Meanwhile, Koufis continues to skate along at right wing with no end in sight.

“You get the bumps and bruises from time to time,” he said. “Other than five

broken noses and about 50-some-odd stitches in my face? No complaints. I’ve got a face for radio anyway, so no big deal.”

How long is he prepared to keep playing for?

“USA Hockey’s got national championships in the 75-plus [age group], so I’ve seen our future,” Koufis said. “We’ve got a great bunch of guys, lifelong friends now. This has sort of made me reflect a little bit about this hockey life that I somehow, by accident, stepped into. No one does it alone, obviously. You can’t do it by yourself.

Article courtesy of USA Hockey

Photo from USA Hockey.

Hampton Slukynsky is one of two Minnesotans to receive an award from USA Hockey. He is a Warroad native and recently announced his commitment to Western Michigan.

Photo from USA Hockey.

Annual Mark Pavelich GOLF SCRAMBLE and SUNDAY NIGHT FISH FRY

Sunday, August 18th •

Monday, August 19th

SUNDAY NIGHT FISH FRY

Sunday, Aug. 18 • 6:00pm at former NHL Star Jordan Leopold’s Mississippi Garden in Chaplin, MN

4th Annual Mark Pavelich GOLF SCRAMBLE

Monday, Aug. 19 • 10:30am at The Legends Club in Prior Lake, MN

Attendees at the Fish Fry can mingle with hockey celebrities and members of the 1980 Gold Medal team. There will be pub-style hockey trivia, meat raffles, and the chance to win a professionally guided fishing trip for 2 with NHL hockey legend and avid tournament fishing professional Reed Larson.

Scan here to sign up for either or both events!

To sign up visit http://fundraiser.support/ TheRanch or visit our our website to see other opportunities to help carry on Mark’s mission

FOURSOME

Your own team of four (4) players in the golf tournament. A VIP Celebrity can be your fourth player if interested. SINGLE

One (1) Hole Sponsor (Tee Box or Green-side signage with your Company’s name and logo) with the option to have a table or booth present to promote the brand associaion, hand out collateral materials, and greet the players.

Your own team of four (4) players in the golf tournament. A VIP Celebrity can be your fourth player if interested PLUS One (1) Hole Sponsor (Tee Box or Green-side signage with your Company’s name and logo) with the option to have a table or booth present to promote the brand association, hand out collateral materials, and greet the players.

PWHL Minnesota 2024 Walter Cup Champions

PWHL Minnesota makes history!

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Lets Play Hockey Publisher

History was earned May 29 in Massachusetts.

PWHL Minnesota defeated Boston 3-0 to claim the inaugural Walter Cup.

Liz Schepers, Michela Cava and Kendall Coyne Schofield scored for Minnesota, who made an improbable comeback against Toronto in the semifinals and outlasted a strong Boston team and the outstanding goaltending of Aerin Frankel to become the first team in PWHL history to hoist the league’s championship trophy.

The win capped off a memorable season, not just for Minnesota, but for the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which shattered attendance records and became must-watch television by showcasing the world’s greatest female players.

Game 4 went into double overtime and was not without controversy. With just over three minutes remaining in the second overtime, No. 1 overall pick and the leading scorer in the playoffs, Taylor Heise, carried the puck around a Boston defender before cutting hard to the crease in a scoring attempt. In the process she lost an edge and slid into the crease and Frankel. Meanwhile the puck squirted loose and Sophie Jaques buried what appeared to be the series-clinching goal. But the goal was disallowed after replay officials determined Heise’s contact with Frankel was goaltender interference.

The game played on, but not for much longer. Boston’s Alina Muller scored with 1:24 left to give Boston the win and send the series back to Lowell, Mass. for Game 5.

After 13,104 fans attended Game 4 in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center, Game 5 sold out a capacity crowd of 6,309 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.

While Game 4 will go down as the most memorable of the series, Game 5 did not disappoint. Minnesota came out strong and controlled play for most of 60 minutes, outshooting Boston 4417. Frankel was once again outstanding. She turned away all nine shots she faced in the first period and it took until 6:14 of the second period for Minnesota to finally score their first goal against her in more than 102 minutes.

Former Mounds View High School star Sydney Brodt, who scored a big goal in Game 2, tried to fire a bouncing puck at Frankel, but fanned on the shot. She was able to corral the puck and carry it to the side of the net, dragging a sprawling Frankel with her before sliding the puck across the crease to teammate Liz Schepers, who tapped it home for a 1-0 lead. For Schepers, a Minnesota native and former star at Mound Westonka High School, it was her first PWHL goal and couldn’t have come at a better time.

One of the big reasons Minnesota was able to win the championship was their production throughout their lineup. Brodt scored a huge goal in Game 2, also her first of the season. But the biggest reason was the production of their top line of Heise, Cava and Coyne Schofield. The trio combined for 10 goals and 10 assists in their 10 games.

Leading 1-0, Cava, who was sensational in the series, scored on a wraparound attempt that deflected off a skate and past Frankel. From there Minnesota dominated. In the third period Minnesota outshot Boston 19-3. Fittingly, Coyne Schofield, not only

the captain of Minnesota, but somewhat of a godmother of women’s hockey, sprang loose with her still exceptional speed and banged home an empty-netter to seal the win.

Coyne Schofield has been a member of several championship teams in her career, but admitted being a part of the historic win of the inaugural Walter Cup was at the top of the list.

“This is the new pinnacle of women’s hockey,” she said. “To be on top is the best feeling in the world. To be on top with this group is extremely special and I can’t wait to get back to the state of Minnesota and celebrate.”

Coyne Schofield said the team stuck together despite losing their final five regular season games and starting off by losing the first two games against Toronto in the semifinals.

“It took every single player and every single person you see on this ice right now to make it happen,” she said following the game during an on-ice interview. “A lot of people counted us out when we had that seven-game slide coming into the playoffs. We got in and we never looked back. It was such a team effort.”

Heise, who finished the playoffs with five goals and three assists in 10 games, was named the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. She said despite the losing streak heading into the playoffs, the players believed in each other.

“We believe in each other every single shift we are out there,” she said following the game. “I am just really proud of this group and I’m excited to share this moment with them.”

Heise earned MVP honors in the playoffs, scoring five goals and adding three assists in 10 games.

The 28-player roster included 12 players from Minnesota. Both Heise and Coyne Schofield said they were excited to bring the Walter Cup back home where they can celebrate with Minnesota fans.

“This team is so special,” said Heise. “We are (from) all over the place, but Minnesota is our home right now. We are the state of hockey and I think this proves it.”

PHOTO BY ARIANNE BERGERON

PWHL PHOTOS

Kendall Coyne crashes the net in the decisive Game 5 held in Boston. PWHL Minnesota won the game 3-0 and the series 3-2 to claim the inaugural Walter Cup.

PWHL Walter Cup

PHOTOS COURTESY

Champions 2024

AttheDraft:PWHL Minnesota takes Claire Thompson with third overall pick

Sarah Fillier goes No. 1 overall to PWHL New York

The second annual Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft was held June 10 in St. Paul at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The draft consisted of the six franchises and seven rounds. A total of 42 players were drafted.

PWHL New York selected forward Sarah Fillier with the No. 1 overall pick. Fillier was a star at Princeton University where she scored 30 goals last season. She was also a member of Team Canada in the World Championships. In 120 games for Princeton, she scored 93 goals and added 101 assists for 194 points.

PWHL Minnesota selected 26-year-old defenseman Claire Thompson with the third overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft held in St. Paul on Monday, June 10.

Thompson is a graduate of Princeton University where she played from 2016-2020 and recorded 87 points in 129 games. She was a member of Team Canada as recently as 2023 and also played for Toronto in the PWHPA.

She adds much-needed depth to the Minnesota blue line that also includes Lee Stecklein, Maggie Flaherty, Sophie Jaques, Nikki Nightengale and Natalie Buchbinder.

Minnesota had the first overall pick last season when they chose Taylor Heise. Heise, a Lake City, Minn. native, led the PWHL Minnesota squad to the Walter Cup title two weeks ago, earning Playoff MVP honors. This year’s draft was without former general manager Natalie Darwitz, who was dismissed from her duties last week. Head Coach Ken Klee and his staff made the picks Monday from the draft table at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown St. Paul.

Minnesota chose all forwards with their next four picks. In the second round they drafted University of Wisconsin star Britta Curl who has won three national titles with the Badgers. In the third round, they chose St. Cloud State forward Klára Hymlárová. In the fourth round, they took Brooke McQuigge, a forward at Colgate University. In the fifth round, they went with another 200-foot forward in Dominique Petrie out of Clarkson University. They added to their blue line depth in the sixth round with Mae Batherson, a 23-year-old left-handed defenseman from St. Lawrence University. With their final pick they chose Katie Knoll, a forward from Northeastern University.

The team did not draft any Minnesota-born players, but five Minnesotans were drafted, six if you count Somerset, Wisc. native Abby Boreen, who played high school hockey at Hill-Murray.

Boreen went in the third round by Montreal. Boreen played for PWHL Minnesota this past season. Other Minnesota players drafted included Minneapolis native Izzy Daniel (3rd Round/18th Overall//PWHL Toronto), Blaine native Gabby Rosenthal (4th Round/19th Overall/PWHL New York), Maple Grove native Mannon McMahon (5th Round/26th Overall/PWHL Ottawa), former Centennial star Anneke Linser (6th Round/36th Overall/ PWHl Toronto) and Madeline Wethington of Blake High School (7th round/38th Overall/ PWHL Ottawa.

Mannon McMahon is a product of Maple Grove and went on to a great career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She was drafted Monday by Ottawa in the fifth round.

Curl is a native of Bismarck, North Dakota. Hudson, Wisc. native Anna Wilgren was also drafted in the fifth round and 29th overall by PWHL Montreal. Former Gopher and Madison, Wisc. native Amanda Kessel was drafted 41st overall by Montreal.

Here is a rundown of PWHL Minnesota’s picks, including Minnesotans chosen in the draft:

ROUND 1 - PICK 3 – CLAIRE THOMPSON, DEFENSE

Claire Thompson played four years at Providence where she served as team captain before playing for Team Canada in international competition. The Toronto native last played professionally in the PWHPA for Toronto.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

College: Princeton University

Age: 26 Height: 5’8” Shoots: Left Thompson, a 26-year-old from Toronto, ON, will join the PWHL after spending the last year as a full-time medical student at New York University. She won gold with Canada’s National Women’s Team at the 2022 Olympics where she was a Tournament All-Star and won 2021 gold and 2023 silver medals representing her country at IIHF Women’s World Championships. The Princeton University graduate has two prior seasons of professional experience competing with the PWHPA.

PWHL Hockey Operations says: “A generational offensive talent from the back end with the entire package of skating, puck skills, shot, game sense, and size. She has a good stick and a steady defensive game, and transitions with speed with a well-timed ability to join the rush that will immediately enhance all aspects of a team’s offense.”

Claire Thompson: “I’m so honored and excited to join PWHL Minnesota! It is a dream come true to be a part of this league, and I couldn’t think of a better team to join than the defending Walter Cup Champions! I’m looking forward to moving to the State of Hockey and play in front of so many amazing fans!”

ROUND

2 , PICK

9 – BRITTA CURL, CENTER

Britta Curl is a three-time NCAA champions for the Wisconsin Badgers (2019, 2021, 2023) and had 62 points in 41 games last season.

Hometown: Bismarck, ND

College: University of Wisconsin

Age: 24 Height: 5’9″ Shoots: Left PWHL Minnesota went with a power forward with a heavy shot with their second pick in Britta Curl of Wisconsin. Curl racked up 22 goals in her senior season as a Badger and was part of three national championship teams for the University of Wisconsin. Curl is a native of Bismarck, ND and was a member of Team USA’s U18 squad in 2017 and played in the World Championships in 2021, 2023 and 2024. She averaged a point a game in college with 179 points in 180 games. Her 40 assists are a testa-

ment to her playmaking skills in addition to her physicality up front which should bode well in the PWHL going up against bigger, stronger defenders.

ROUND 3 – PICK 15 – KLÁRA HYMLÁROVÁ, FORWARD

Klara Hymlarova was a 2022 Olympian and is a two-time IIHF World Championships Bronze Medalist (2022, 2023), and six-time IIHF World Championships participant (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023).

Hometown: Opava, Czech Republic College: St. Cloud State University Age: 25 Height: 5’4” Shoots: Left Hymlárová was a 2022 Olympian for the Czechia in 2022 and played five years at St. Cloud State University, serving as an alternate captain in 2022-23. She brings a wealth of both international and NCAA experience to the PWHL Minnesota squad and joins a roster of solid forwards that helped lead the team to the inaugural Walter Cup.

ROUND 4 – PICK 21 – BROOKE MCQUIGGE, FORWARD

McQuigge scored 33 points last season at Clarkson.

Hometown: Ontario, Canada

College: Colgate University

Age: 24 Height: 5’8” Shoots: Left

McQuigge is another strong forward to add to an already strong forward group expected to return for PWHL Minnesota. Considered a “tough” forward, she will be a strong two-way player if she makes the PWHL Minnesota roster, working both ends of the ice and being strong on the forecheck. She is also crafty, evidenced by her 33 points in 40 games last season.

ROUND 5 – PICK 27 – DOMINIQUE PETRIE, FORWARD

Petrie played at Harvard University before playing for Colgate last season.

Hometown: Hermosa Beach, CA

College: Colgate University

Age: 23

Height: 5’7” Shoots: Right

Petrie is the second consecutive pick for PWHL Minnesota out of Colgate University where she scored 15 goals and 35 points in 40 games last season. She initially attended Harvard University where she played for four seasons before joining Colgate. She’s another two-way forward who adds a bit of scoring punch and playmaking ability to her game.

ROUND 6 – PICK 33 – MAE BATHERSON, DEFENSE

Mae Batherson played at Syracuse University before transferring to St. Lawrence University.

Hometown: New Minas, Nova Scotia

College: Syracuse University and St. Lawrence University

Age: 23

Height: 5’7” Shoots: Left

Batherson is the second defenseman for the PWHL Minnesota squad off the board, joining first-round pick Claire Thompson. In her graduate year for St. Lawrence, she put up impressive numbers as a skilled offensive defenseman with 8 goals and 29 assists in 39 games.

ROUND 7 – PICK 39 – KATY KNOLL, FORWARD

Katie Knoll from Northeastern University was PWHL Minnesota’s final pick of the draft.

Hometown: Amherst, NY

College: Northeastern University

Age: 23

Height: 5’7” Shoots: Right

PWHL Minnesota snagged another two-way forward in Katy Knoll from Northeastern. The New York native scored at least 10 goals in each of her five seasons at Northeastern.

Claire Thompson had a strong career at Princeton University and should help bolster PWHL Minnesota’s blue line. PHOTO COURTESY OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

No. 1 overall pick Sarah Fillier went to PWHL New York.

Minnesotans selected in PWHL Draft

MINNESOTANS DRAFTED IN THE PWHL DRAFT

ABBY BOREEN – ROUND 3/17TH OVERALL – MONTREAL HILL-MURRAY HIGH SCHOOL • UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Boreen is from Somerset, Wisc. but played high school hockey at Hill-Murray before becoming a Golden Gopher. She played last season with PWHL Minnesota, appearing in 14 games.

IZZY DANIEL – ROUND 3/18TH OVERALL – TORONTO BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL • CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Daniel starred at Blake before heading to Cornell University where she won the Patty Kazmaier Award as college hockey’s top player. She is a Minneapolis native.

GABBY ROSENTHAL • ROUND 4/19TH OVERALL • NEW YORK BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL • OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Rosenthal is a native of Blaine, Minn. where she starred for the Bengals before having a stellar career at Ohio State University. “I am so excited to get back to the game,” Rosenthal said. “I am excited to play for them and the city of New York.”

MANNON MCMAHON • ROUND 5/26TH OVERALL • OTTAWA MAPLE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL • UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-DULUTH

Mannon McMahon will join Ottawa after being selected in the fifth round. She is a mark of resiliency having set the record at UMD with 173 consecutive games played.

“It’s so amazing just to be in the room with so many amazing athletes,” McMahon said after hearing her name called. “It’s a dream come true. I couldn’t be happier.”

McMahon’s toughness that allowed her to stay in the lineup will bode well in a more physical professional league. She was also captain of the Bulldogs. “The physicality piece is a big part of the game,” she said when asked what she brings to her new team. “And my creativity and good character in the locker room and being a good teammate.”

ANNEKE LINSER • ROUND 6/36TH OVERALL • TORONTO CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL • UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-DULUTH

Linser was a Ms. Hockey Finalist in 2018 out of Centennial High School before having a solid career at UMD. She is another player that fits the model of professional women’s hockey – tough and skilled.

“I am so overwhelmed with emotion,” she said after being drafted by Toronto. “I am incredibly grateful to be in a room with such great talent.” When asked what she brings to the table as a player, she said: “I think I bring a blue-collar play. I’m a 200-foot player and I like to play physically so hopefully that translates well into the league.”

MADELINE WETHINGTON • ROUND 7/38TH OVERALL • OTTAWA • BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL • UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Wethington was the Ms. Hockey winner in the State of Hockey in 2019 and went on to play five seasons for the University of Minnesota as a stay-at-home defenseman. Wethington said she is excited to play in Ottawa. “I’m excited for a new market,” she said. “Ottawa seems like a great place. I am looking forward to the great fans. I heard they’re fantastic there.”

2024 PWHL DRAFT FAST FACTS:

42 players selected including 24 forwards, 15 defenders, 3 goaltenders.

28 players selected from NCAA, 13 from professional teams, 1 from U SPORTS.

28 NCAA players selected represent 12 programs including Ohio State (8), Colgate (5), Northeastern (3), Clarkson (2), St. Lawrence (2), Wisconsin (2), Cornell (1), Minnesota (1), Minnesota-Duluth (1), Princeton (1), St. Cloud State (1), Yale (1).

13 professional players represent 4 leagues including SDHL (9), PWHPA (2), PWHL (1), and ZhHL (1).

1 U SPORTS player represents Concordia University.

7 countries were represented including the United States (20), Canada (13), Czechia (3), Finland (2), Sweden (2), Austria (1), Russia (1).

18 players selected have Senior National Team experience.

20 United States players represent 10 states including Minnesota (5), Wisconsin (3), California (2), New York (2), Ohio (2), Texas (2), Illinois (1), Michigan (1), North Dakota (1), Pennsylvania (1).

13 Canadian players represent 6 provinces including Ontario (6), Alberta (3), British Columbia (1), Manitoba (1), Nova Scotia (1), Quebec (1).

Birth years include 2002 (3), 2001 (14), 2000 (12), 1999 (7), 1998 (1), 1997 (1), 1995 (1), 1994 (2), 1991 (1).

Round 1:

2024 PWHL DRAFT RESULTS:

New York – Sarah Fillier, F (Princeton University) CAN*

Ottawa – Danielle Serdachny, F (Colgate University) CAN*

Minnesota – Claire Thompson, D (PWHPA) CAN*

Boston – Hannah Bilka, F (Ohio State University) USA*

Montréal – Cayla Barnes, D (Ohio State University) USA*

Toronto – Julia Gosling, F (St. Lawrence University) CAN*

Round 2:

Boston (via New York) – Daniela Pejšová, D (Luleå HF) CZE*

Ottawa – Ronja Savolainen, D (Luleå HF) FIN*

Minnesota – Britta Curl, F (University of Wisconsin) USA*

New York (via Boston) – Maja Nylén Persson, D (Brynäs IF) SWE*

Montréal – Jennifer Gardiner, F (Ohio State University) CAN

Toronto – Megan Carter, D (Northeastern University) CAN

Round 3:

New York – Noora Tulus, F (Luleå HF) FIN*

Ottawa – Gwyneth Philips, G (Northeastern University) USA*

Minnesota – Klára Hymlárová, F (St. Cloud University) CZE*

New York (via Boston) – Allyson Simpson, D (Colgate University) USA

Montréal – Abigail Boreen, F (PWHL Minnesota) USA

Toronto – Izzy Daniel, F (Cornell University) USA

Round 4:

New York – Gabby Rosenthal, F (Ohio State University) USA

Ottawa – Stephanie Markowski, D (Ohio State University) CAN

Minnesota – Brooke McQuigge, F (Clarkson University) CAN

Boston – Sydney Bard, D (Colgate University) USA

Montréal – Dara Greig, F (Colgate University) CAN

Toronto – Lauren Bernard, D (Ohio State University) USA

Round 5:

New York – Elle Hartje, F (Yale University) USA

Ottawa – Mannon McMahon, F (University of Minnesota-Duluth) USA

Minnesota – Dominique Petrie, F (Clarkson University) USA

New York (via Boston) – Kayle Osborne, G (Colgate University) CAN

Montréal – Anna Wilgren, D (University of Wisconsin) USA

Toronto – Noemi Neubauerova, F (Brynäs IF) CZE*

Round 6:

New York – Emmy Fecteau, F (Concordia University) CAN

Ottawa – Anna Meixner, F (Brynäs IF) AUT*

Minnesota – Mae Batherson, D (St. Lawrence University) CAN

Boston – Shay Maloney, F (Leksand IF) USA

Montréal – Anna Kjellbin, D (Luleå HF) SWE*

Toronto – Anneke Linser, F (Djurgårdens IF) USA

Round 7:

Boston (via New York) – Ilona Markova, F (Agidel Ufa) RUS*

Ottawa – Madeline Wethington, D (University of Minnesota) USA

Minnesota – Katy Knoll, F (Northeastern University) USA

Boston – Hadley Hartmetz, D (Ohio State University) USA

Montréal – Amanda Kessel, F (PWHPA) USA*

Mannon McMahon was selected in the fifth round and 26th overall by PWHL Ottawa. McMahon is a product of Maple Grove High School and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. LPH PHOTO BY JEFF ANDERSON

Izzy Daniel was selected in the third round and 18th overall. A Minneapolis native who attended Blake High School, she recently won the Patty Kazmaier Award given to women’s college hockey’s top player. LPH PHOTO BY JEFF ANDERSON

Mike Snee returns to lead expansion of Minnesota Wild Community outreach

Focus Includes Increased Support for Community and High School Hockey Programs

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild announced today Mike Snee has been hired as Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation and Community Relations, a newly created position. One of the original staff hired in 1998, Snee will return on June 17 to align and guide the strategic direction of the two entities that embody the Wild’s mission to create a Greater State of Hockey.

Snee has achieved great success driving community engagement and collaboration at all levels of hockey, energized by a deep-rooted passion for growing the game. During his 12-year tenure as Executive Director of College Hockey Inc., the Duluth, Minn., native designed and implemented a strategic plan that resulted in several new hockey programs at NCAA schools, a Canadian broadcasting rights agreement and a significant increase in revenue. Prior, Snee was impactful as the Executive Director of Minnesota Hockey, receiving the 2013 Minnesota Hockey President’s Award for exemplary service to youth hockey in the state. He also accepted the 2019 Oscar Almquist Award for his contributions to the success of high school hockey in Minnesota.

“Mike’s enthusiasm for strengthening the hockey community and growing our sport is unparalleled,” said Matt Majka, Chief Executive Officer of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE), parent company of the Minnesota Wild. “We are thrilled to welcome Mike back to the Wild. His strong background and ability to lead and create connection across all levels of the game will be invaluable as we continue to focus on our community impact, especially within hockey in Minnesota.”

In his new role Snee will work to expand the reach and impact of the Wild Foundation and Community Relations efforts that collectively assist hundreds

“There is nowhere in North America where hockey is as accessible, affordable, meaningful, and successful as it is throughout Minnesota. I look forward to waking up every day to help make something that is already spectacular even better.”

of organizations and thousands of people each year. In particular, he will focus on implementing new initiatives within the Wild Foundation and raising charitable funds that drive the growth and success of nonprofit youth hockey associations and high school hockey teams throughout the State of Hockey. He will report to Minnesota Wild Foundation Chair Scott Peterson and MSE CEO Matt Majka.

“Mike’s leadership skills, life-long commitment to growing the game of hockey, and extensive network in the hockey community make him uniquely qualified and perfectly suited for this exciting new role. This opportunity will enable Mike to leverage the collective

Wild announces block party series

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild today announced the 2024 Block Party Series presented by CUB will visit eight communities in the Twin Cities this summer starting on Tuesday, July 16 at the CUB location at 1801 Market Drive in Stillwater, from 5 – 8 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. 2024 MINNESOTA WILD BLOCK PARTY SERIES

*Tuesday, July 16 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 1801 Market Drive in Stillwater

*Thursday, July 18 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 1540 New Brighton Blvd. in Minneapolis

*Tuesday, July 23 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 1729 Market Blvd. in Hastings

*Thursday, July 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 13855 Rogers Drive in Rogers

*Tuesday, July 30 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 23800 State Highway 7 in Shorewood

*Thursday, August 1 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 1059 Meadowlands Drive in White Bear Township

*Tuesday, August 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 3784 150th Street West in Rosemount

*Thursday, August 8 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CUB location at 1198 Vierling Drive East in Shakopee

- Mike Snee

strengths of the Wild Foundation and Wild Community Relations into a driving force to grow the game across the State of Hockey,” said Peterson.

“I am grateful to the Minnesota Wild for creating this opportunity and honored that they have selected me to lead it,” said Snee. “There is nowhere in North America where hockey is as accessible, affordable, meaningful, and successful as it is throughout Minnesota. I look forward to waking up every day to help make something that is already spectacular even better.”

Snee is a longtime member of the USA Hockey Congress, providing guidance and expertise to the national governing body for ice hockey in the Unit-

ed States. The University of St. Thomas graduate also serves on the boards of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the Minneapolis Youth Hockey Association and has coached youth hockey and baseball for over 20 years. Prior to his nine-year stint in sales and sponsorship for the Wild, he worked with the Minnesota North Stars and Minnesota Moose hockey teams.

- WILD --

About the Minnesota Wild Foundation: The Minnesota Wild Foundation exists to support the game of hockey and improve the lives of families in the State of Hockey. With support from Wild players, fans and donors, the Minnesota Wild Foundation supports pediatric medical causes, serves as the largest non-member funding source for Minnesota Hockey, and provides fundraising opportunities for youth hockey associations across the state. Since its inception in 2009, the Wild Foundation has distributed $5.9 million in grants to hockey organizations and children’s medical related charities and has helped local charities raise over $7.5 million through its Split the Pot Raffle program. Together we create a Greater State of Hockey. Make a donation or learn more at www.wild.com/foundation, mnwildfoundation@wild.com, or 651-602-6000. Follow the Minnesota Wild Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

*Flex, 11-Game, half and full-season memberships are available for purchase. Please visit tickets.wild.com or contact a Wild Ticket Sales Representative by calling or texting (651) 222-WILD (9453) for more information. Group reservations of eight or more tickets can place a deposit now, contact grouptickets@wild. com for more information. Deposits are also being accepted for single game suite rentals, contact suites@wild.com for more information.

The Minnesota Wild Block Party Series is a celebration of hockey and will feature interactive games and music for fans of all ages to enjoy, including an inflatable street hockey rink, an inflatable shooting activation with electronic hockey net, a video game station featuring EA Sports NHL 24 and yard games (bag toss and connect four). Light concessions courtesy of Coca-Cola, T-Rex Cookies and Kemps will be available for sale with all proceeds donated to local youth hockey associations. Minnesota Wild partners KFAN 100.3 FM and Red Bull will be present at select locations. In addition, Minnesota Wild mascot, Nordy, will be at all locations. CUB is the Official Grocer of the Minnesota Wild.

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

NAHL 2023-24 Award Winners

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced the recipients of the 2024 NAHL Awards on June 11. The selections were based on performances during the 2023-24 regular season, as voted upon by the league’s 32 Head Coaches, the NAHL’s Board of Governors, and the NAHL front office.

2023-24 NAHL Individual Awards

2023-24 Most Valuable Player

Maxwell Martin, Wisconsin Windigo 2023-24 Forward of the Year

Maxwell Martin, Wisconsin Windigo 2023-24 Defenseman of the Year

Conner Brown, Janesville Jets

2023-24 True Hockey Goaltender of the Year

Jack Wieneke, Lone Star Brahmas

2023-24 Coach of the Year

Cody Campbell, Minot Minotauros

2023-24 General Manager of the Year

Dan Wildfong, Lone Star Brahmas 2023-24 Executive of the Year

Don Stone, Odessa Jackalopes

2023-24 Organization of the Year

Rochester Jr. Americans

2023-24 USPA Academic Achievement Award

Maxon Vig, Oklahoma Warriors

2023-24 Leadership Award

Sonny Dinbuile, Philadelphia Rebels

2023-24 Community Service Award

Caden Pendo, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

2023-24 Broadcaster of the Year

Kyle Cannillo, Rochester Jr. Americans

2023-24 Volunteer of the Year Ashlee Daniel, Amarillo Wranglers

All-NAHL 1st Team

• Forward: Maxwell Martin, Wisconsin Windigo

• Forward: Ivan Zadvernyuk, Lone Star Brahmas

• Forward: Dominik Bartecko, New Jersey Titans

• Defense: Conner Brown, Janesville Jets

• Defense: David Helledy, Maine Nordiques

• Goalie: Jack Wieneke, Lone Star Brahmas

All-NAHL 2nd Team

• Forward: Matteo Disipio, Rochester Jr. Americans

• Forward: Sixten Jennersjo, Northeast Generals

• Forward: Austin Salani, Austin Bruins

• Defense: Erick Comstock, Wisconsin Windigo

• Defense: Colby Woogk, Minot Minotauros

• Goalie: Brady James, Minot Minotauros

NAHL All-Rookie 1st Team

• Forward: Tommy Cronin, Bismarck Bobcats

• Forward: Justin Kerr, Lone Star Brahmas

• Forward: Ryan Seelinger, New Mexico Ice Wolves

• Defense: Maxon Vig, Oklahoma Warriors

• Defense: Erick Comstock, Wisconsin Windigo

• Goalie: Liam Beerman, Anchorage Wolverines

2023-24 NAHL Division Award

All-Central Division Team

• Forward: Austin Salani, Austin Bruins

• Forward: Tommy Cronin, Bismarck Bobcats

• Forward: Jack O’Hanisain Minot Minotauros

• Defense: Matthew Rafalski, Bismarck Bobcats

• Defense: Colby Woogk, Minot Minotauros

• Goalie: Brady James,Minot Minotauros

All-East Division Team

• Forward: Dominik Bartecko, New Jersey Titans

• Forward: Matteo Disipio, Rochester Jr. Americans

• Forward: Charles Tardiff, Maine Nordiques

• Defense: David Helledy, Maine Nordiques

• Defense: Lukas Klemm, Johnstown Tomtahawks

• Goalie: Jakub Krbecek, Philadelphia Rebels

NAHL mourns the loss of New Hampshire coach Nick Cammarata

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) and New Hampshire Mountain Kings are mourning the loss of Coach Nick Cammarata who passed June 3 from a heart attack. He was 44. This spring, Nick joined the New Hampshire Mountain Kings Academy as the 15U coach. In addition he was also going to serve as an assistant coach for the organization’s NAHL junior team.

Nick was originally from Canton, Mass. He played prep hockey at St. Sebastian’s and was a four-year member of the Merrimack College Warriors from 1999-03. Cammarata served as one of Merrimack’s captains during the 2002-03 season. After 127 games as a Warrior, Cammarata played four seasons professionally in the ECHL, SPHL, CHL, as well as a brief stint in Italy.

He recently embarked on a coaching career. He was an assistant coach with the Vernal Oilers (CAJHL) in 2021-22 and was later hired as the head coach of the Texas Brahmas (NA3HL). Last season he was an assistant coach with the Badlands Sabres (NA3HL).

Nick’s time with the Mountain Kings was short, however impactful. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, our staff and players, may they find some comfort that Nick was teaching hockey, the game he loved. Our thoughts and condolences are with Cammarata’s family and friends.

All-Midwest Division Team

• Forward: Fyodor Nikolayenya, Anchorage Wolverines

• Forward: Haden Kruse, Janesville Jets

• Forward: Maxwell Martin, Wisconsin Windigo

• Defense: Conner Brown, Janesville Jets

• Defense: Erick Comstock, Wisconsin Windigo

• Goalie: Max Beckford, Wisconsin Windigo

All-South Division Team

• Forward: Jack Ivey, Amarillo Wranglers

• Forward: Ivan Zadvernyuk, Lone Star Brahmas

• Forward: Brock James, Lone Star Brahmas

• Defense: Nolan Gagnon, Amarillo Wranglers

• Defense: Bryce Ingles, Lone Star Brahmas

• Goalie: Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau, Shreveport Mudbugs

NAHL All-Division Rookie of the Year Awards:

• East: Owen Lepak, Maryland Black Bears

• Central: Tommy Cronin, Bismarck Bobcats

• Midwest: Jacob Jastrzebski, Wisconsin Windigo

• South: Ryan Seelinger, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Wilderness defenseman Manning makes NCAA DIII Commitment

The Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Joe Manning has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in the WIAC.

Manning, 20, is a NAHL veteran, suiting up for the Chippewa Steel, Amarillo Wranglers, Kenai River Brown Bears and most recently, the Minnesota Wilderness. With 132 total games played, Manning tallied 39 points (5 goals, 34 assists). Of his 132 total games, 4 were Robertson Cup playoff games.

Manning is the 11th player to commit for the Wilderness this season and will join seven NAHL alumni, in addition a handful of fellow NAHL freshmen at Stevens Point in the fall.

Jack Wienek (left), goalie for the Lone Star Brahmas, and Maxwell Martin (right), forward for the Wisconsin Windigo, were named to the All-NAHL 1st Team by the NAHL on Tuesday, June 11.

Nick Cammarata

Hockey tournament coordinator, Tim Sweezo, for final approval. The list below is of Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinators for each district. Please call them if you need information about a certain tournament. District 1 Tom Mickus (651) 248-3075; District 2 Jake Reinseth (651) 274-9023; District 3 Chad Nicholls (952) 544-0808; District 4 Kris Hohensee (507) 360-6787; District 5 Jeff Carlen (320) 274-3509; District 6 Brad Hewitt (952) 250-6431; District 8 Zac Dockter (612) 735-9703; District 9 Troy Marquardt (507) 384-7386; District 10 Mark Osmondson (612) 747-8308; District 11 Clark Coole (218) 590-0703; District 12 Craig Homula (218) 744-5566; District 15 Cyndi Young (218) 731-5899; District 16, Mark Dragich (218) 7910229; 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.

July 2024

12-13 Forest Lake, MN. Jerilyn Glenn Invitational Girls Hockey Tournament. Girls High School. Contact coachbregaffy@gmail. com. Register at https://www.flhockey.org/page/ show/2210716-tournaments,

19-21 Duluth, MN. Northern Exposure Hockey Tournament. Boys 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Contact Kasey Yoder at kaseyyoder@gmail.com or 651-432-1840. Visit http://www.northernexposureaaahockey.com.

August 2024

8 Edina, MN. Rumble at the Rink. Girls 8U. Girls 10U. Contact Amy at amyw@ mnmadehockey.com. Visit www.mnmadehockeytournaments.com/rumble.

September 2024

21-23 Edina, MN. Liberty Classic. Girls 8U/10U/12U. Contact Amy at amyw@mnmadehockey.com. Visit www.mnmadehockey.com

November 2024

1-3 Faribault, MN. Bantam Challenge B2 Tournament. Bantam B2. Contact fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www. faribaulthockey.com/page/show/10555-tournament-registration

8-10 Albert Lea, MN. Bantam B/B2. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

8-10 Luverne, MN. Luverne Blazing Blades Tournament. Bantam A. Contact Amber Lais at 605-212-8169. Register at https://luvernehockey.sportngin.com/tourneys.

8-10 Eden Prairie, MN. Bantam B1 & C Season Premiere Kickoff. Bantam C, B1. Contact ephatournaments@ephockey.com. Register at https://www.ephockey.com/page/ show/180737-tournaments.

8-10 Baldwin, WI. Out in the Sticks Squirt Tournament WI A: 1B 2B 3A 4A MN:B2 WI B: 16 2C 3B 4B MN:C. Contact Deanna Bignell at deannalink@att.net. Register at baldwin. pucksystems2.com/show/26105-tournament-information.

15-17 Albert Lea, MN. Bantam A. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

15-17 Austin, MN. Talkin’ Turkey Showdown. Squirt B/C. Contact Marty Clennon at 319-230-6065 or ayha.tournaments@gmail. com. Register at https://austin.pucksystems2. com.

15-17 Little Falls, MN. Squirt Flyer Face-Off Challenge. Squirt B1, Squirt B2. Contact apeterson@isd116.org. Register at https://littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com/page/ show/51280-tournaments.

15-17 Fairmont, MN. Fairmont City of the Lakes Shootout. Squirt A/B. Contact Luke at luke.ebeling@midco.com. Register at https:// fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

21-24 Anoka, MN. Casey Orn Memorial Bantam Tournament. Bantam B2, Bantam, B1, Bantam A. Contact tournaments@anokaareahockey.com Register at anoka.pucksystems2.com/page/show/2757-anoka-classic-tournaments

22-24 Detroit Lakes. Detroit Lakes Thanksgiving Classic. Bantam B, Contact Brooke Bohls at 605-520-4941 or brookebohls.dlyha@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/page/show/203545-tournament-information.

22-24 Luverne, MN. Luverne Blazing Blades Tournament. Peewee A. Contact Amber Lais at 605-212-8169. Register at https://luvernehockey.sportngin.com/tourneys.

22-24 Owatonna, MN. O-Town Showdown. Peewee C, Bantam C. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm.director@gmail.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

22-24 Little Falls, MN. Flyer Face-Off Challenge. Bantam B1. Contact apeterson@isd116. org. Register at https://littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com/page/show/51280-tournaments.

22-24 Fairmont, MN. Fairmont Bar-Down Showdown. Peewee A/B. Contact Luke at luke. ebeling@midco.com. Register at https://fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

22-24 Mankato, MN. Mankato Squirt Tournament. Squirt C. Contact cfoguth92@gmail. com. Register at cfoguth92@gmail.com

29-1 Blaine, MN. MVI Mavericks Super Rink Spectacular. Bantam B1/B2/C (Waitlist). Peewee B1/B2/C (Waitlist). Squirt B1/B2/C (Waitlist). Register at https://www.mvihockey. org.

29-1 Chaska and Victoria, MN. Squirt A/ B1/B2/C. Peewee C. Contact Laurie Grund at jlgrund@gmail.com. Register at www.cchockey. org/brick-city-tournament.

29-1 Edina, MN. 20th Annual Tradition Cake Eater Classic. 15UA/15UB12UA/12UB /12UB2/10UA/10UB/10UB2. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www. edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

29-1 Hopkins, MN. Boys Rasberry Jam. Girls 12 A, Girls 12U B1, 12U B2, 10U A, 10U B1, 10U B2.. Contact hyhatournaments@gmail. com. Register at https://www.hopkinshockey. com.app.crossbar.org/program/girls-raspberry-jam.

29-1 Hopkins, MN. Hopkins Girls 48th Raspberry Jam Hockey Tournament. PeeWee A, Bantam C, Bantam B1, Bantam A, PeeWee B1, PeeWee C, Squirt B1, Squirt B2. Contact hyhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www.hopkinshockey.com.app.crossbar. org/program/girls-raspberry-jam.

29-1 Minneapolis, MN. 50th Annual Minneapolis Cup. Bantam C, Bantam B2, Bantam B1, PeeWee B1, PeeWee B2, PeeWee C, Squirt B1, Squirt B2, Squirt C. Contact psmith@ mplshockey.com. Register at www.mplshockey. com

29-1 Rosemount, MN. Squirt B2 Much Turkey Extravaganza. Squirt B2. Contact Michaelc@rosemounthockey.org. Register at https://www.rosemounthockey.org/sqb2muchturkey

29-1 Eden Prairie, MN. Bantam AA & Peewee AA First Test of the Best Hockey Tournament. Peewee AA, Bantam AA. Contact ephatournaments@ephockey.com. Register at https://www.ephockey.com/page/ show/180737-tournaments.

29-1 Northfield, MN. Northfield Bantam A Tournament. Bantam A. Contact TournamentDirector@NorthfieldHockey.Net. Register https://tourneymachine.com/Register/ h202107071638162694d7e1dac18894a/ h2024052120261175172e267dd11c743.

29-1 Faribault, MN. Peewee Frost Tournament. Peewee A & C. Contact fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www. faribaulthockey.com/page/show/10555-tournament-registration

December 2024

5-8 Anoka, MN. Anoka

Contact tournaments@anokaareahockey.com Register at anoka.pucksystems2.com/page/ show/2757-anoka-classic-tournaments

6-8 Little Falls, MN. Flyer Face-Off Challenge. Bantam A. Contact apeterson@isd116. org. Register at https://littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com/page/show/51280-tournaments.

6-8 Two Harbors, MN. Two Harbors Bantam B1 Tournament. Bantam B1. Contact thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at https://www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org/page/ show/2693908-tournaments.

6-8 Albert Lea, MN. Squirt A. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

6-8 Austin, MN. Battle for the Biscuit. Girls 10U/12U. Contact Marty Clennon at 319230-6065 or ayha.tournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://austin.pucksystems2.com.

6-8 Detroit Lakes. Detroit Lakes HoliDangle Classic. Peewee A. Contact Brooke Bohls at 605-520-4941 or brookebohls.dlyha@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/page/show/203545-tournament-information.

6-8 Hibbing, MN. 12UA Girls Contact Ryan at 218-290-0557 Register at https://www. hcyha.org/tournaments

6-8 Hutchinson, MN. Bardown at H-Town. Peewee A/B2. Contact Adam Simantel at 715-531-5432 or adam_simanntel18@hotmail.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.com.

6-8 La Crescent, MN. Iced Apple Tournament. Squirt C. Contact Kasey Payne, LYHA Tournament Coordinator, lyha.tournaments@gmail.com, 608-385-5448. Register at https://www.lacrescenthockey.com/page/ show/6687062-tournaments

6-8 New Hope, MN. New Hope Classic. Squirt A/B2/C. Contact Susie Melynchuk at 612-940-8686 or smelynchuk@comcast.net. More info at https://www.armstrongcooperhockey.org/page/show/3442473-tournaments

6-8 Owatonna, MN. O-Town Showdown. Bantam AA/A/B. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha. adm.director@gmail.com. Register at www. owatonnahockey.com.

6-8 Proctor, MN. Girls 15UA. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey. com.

6-8 Rochester, MN. Rochester Invitational. Peewee A/B/C. Contact Rob at rob@ryha. net. Register at ryha.net.

6-8 Fergus Falls, MN. Bantam B1 Fergus Falls Flow at the Falls Tournament. Bantam B. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com/ page/show/48928-tournaments

6-8 Eden Prairie, MN. Peewee B1 & B2 Prairie Face Off Hockey Tournament. Peewee B1, Peewee B2. Contact ephatournaments@ ephockey.com. Register at https://www.ephockey.com/page/show/180737-tournaments.

6-8 Mankato, MN. Mankato Bantam Tournament. Bantam B1. Contact cfoguth92@gmail. com. Register at cfoguth92@gmail.com

6-8 Faribault, MN. Battle of the biscuit Squirt Tournament. Squirt B. Contact fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www. faribaulthockey.com/page/show/10555-tournament-registration

7-8 Crookston, MN. Crookston Bantam B/ B2. Contact Jsolberg@crookston.mn.us or atr 218-281-1242. Register at https://www. crookstonmn.us

12-15 New Richmond, WI. Ryan Olson Memorial Tournament. Peewee A, Peewee B1. Contact Tournaments@nryha. net. Register at https://www.nryha.net/page/ show/193714-our-tournaments.

Classic. Girls 12U B1, Girls 12U B2, Girls 10U B1, Girls 10U B2.

13-15 Albert Lea, MN. Peewee A. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com.

13-15 Baldwin, WI. Rose Schultz Memorial Girls 10/12 Tournament. WI: A/B. MN: B1/ B2. Contact Shawn Kline at BLACKCATTOURNAMENTS@BLACKHAWKHOCKEY. NET. Register at baldwin.pucksystems2.com/ show/26105-tournament-information.

13-15 Edina, MN. 5th Annual Cornerstone Tournament. Squirt A/B1/B2. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www. edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

13-15 La Crescent, MN. Iced Apple Tournament. Bantam B1. Contact Kasey Payne, LYHA Tournament Coordinator, lyha.tournaments@gmail.com, 608-385-5448. Register at https://www.lacrescenthockey.com/page/ show/6687062-tournaments

13-15 Luverne, MN. Luverne Blazing Blades Tournament. Squirt A, B. Contact Amber Lais at 605-212-8169. Register at https://luvernehockey.sportngin.com/tourneys.

13-15 Owatonna, MN. O-Town Showdown. 15UB/12UB. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm. director@gmail.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

13-15 Fergus Falls, MN. Bantam A Fergus Falls Flow at the Falls Tournament. Bantam A. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com/ page/show/48928-tournaments

13-15 Walker, MN. City on the Bay Hockey Tournament. Squirt B/B2 (No B1 Teams). Contact Mitch at loomis@shoresofleechlake.com.

13-15 Fairmont, MN. Fairmont Southern MN Ladies Classic. Girls 10U B, Girls 12U B. Contact Luke at luke.ebeling@midco.com. Register at https://fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

13-15 Hibbing, MN. Bantam AA/A Contact Ryan at 218-290-0557 Register at https://www. hcyha.org/tournaments.

14-15 Crookston, MN. Crookston Peewee A. Contact Jsolberg@crookston.mn.us or at 218-281-1242. Register at https://www. crookstonmn.us

14-15 Crookston, MN. Crookston 12UA Girls. Contact Jsolberg@crookston.mn.us or at 218-281-1242. Register at https://www. crookstonmn.us

19-22 Eden Prairie, MN. Squirt A, B1, & B2 Prairie Shootout Hockey Tournament. Squirt A, B1, B2. Contact ephatournaments@ephockey. com. Register at https://www.ephockey.com/ page/show/180737-tournaments.

20-22 Sauk Centre, MN. Bantam B1 I-94 Challenge. Bantam B1. Contact Heidibeissel@ gmail.com. Register at https://saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com/i94tourneys.

20-22 Two Harbors, MN. Two Harbors Peewee B1 Tournament. Peewee B1. Contact thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at https://www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org/page/ show/2693908-tournaments.

20-22 Aberdeen, SD. Brown County Battle Squirt A/B. Contact Contact ihtd.cougars@ gmail.com or 605-290-7296. Register at http:// aberdeenhockey.sportngin.com/tournaments.

20-22 Albert Lea, MN. Peewee B/B2. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

20-22 Hibbing, MN. Peewee A Contact Ryan at 218-290-0557 Register at https://www. hcyha.org/tournaments.

20-22 Hutchinson, MN. Bardown at H-Town. Bantam A/B2. Contact Adam Simantel at 715-531-5432 or adam_simanntel18@hotmail.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.com.

20-22 Proctor, MN. Bantam B2. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey. com.

20-22 Rochester, MN. Rochester Invitational. Squirt A/B. Contact Rob at rob@ryha.net. Register at ryha.net.

20-22 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls Girls 10U Candy Cane Classic. Girls 10U A. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com/ page/show/48928-tournaments

27-29 Baldwin, WI. New Year’s Eve Bantam Tournament. WI A: 1B 2B 3A 4A MN: B2 WI B: 1C 2C 3B 4B MN:C. Contact Deanna Bignell at deannalink@att.net. Register at baldwin. pucksystems2.com/show/26105-tournament-information.

27-30 Edina, MN. 56th Annual Tradition Invitational Tournament. Bantam AA/A, Peewee AA. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ ourtournaments.

27-29 Hibbing, MN. Peewee B Contact Ryan at 218-290-0557 Register at https://www. hcyha.org/tournaments.

27-29 Mankato, MN. Mankato Squirt Tournament. Squirt B2. Contact cfoguth92@gmail. com. Register at cfoguth92@gmail.com

29-1 Edina, MN. 56th Annual Tradition Invitational Tournament. Bantam B1, Peewee A/B1. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ ourtournaments.

29-1 Northfield, MN. Northfield Peewee A Tournament. Peewee A. Contact TournamentDirector@NorthfieldHockey.Net. Register https://tourneymachine.com/Register/ h202107071638162694d7e1dac18894a/ h2024052120261175172e267dd11c743

January 2025

1-4 Crookston, MN. Crookston Mite & 8U Girls Jamboree. Contact Jsolberg@crookston. mn.us or at 218-281-1242. Register at https:// www.crookstonmn.us

2-5 Anoka, MN. Anoka Classic. Peewee B1, Peewee B2. Contact tournaments@ anokaareahockey.com Register at anoka. pucksystems2.com/page/show/2757-anoka-classic-tournaments.

2-5 Blaine, MN. MVI Mavericks Super Rink Spectacular. Bantam A (Waitlist)/Peewee A (Waitlist)/Squirt A (Waitlist)/ U15A&B (Waitlist)/ U12B1&B2 (Waitlist)/U10B1&B2 (Waitlist). Register at https://www.mvihockey.org

3-5 Albert Lea, MN. Girls 12UB/10UB. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

3-5 Austin, MN. Tyler Brady Peewee Memorial. Peewee A. Contact Marty Clennon at 319-230-6065 or ayha.tournaments@gmail. com. Register at https://austin.pucksystems2. com.

3-5 Detroit Lakes. Kent Cup Winter Series. Squirts. Contact Brooke Bohls at 605520-4941 or brookebohls.dlyha@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/ page/show/203545-tournament-information.

3-5 Luverne, MN. Luverne Blazing Blades Tournament. Mite & Mini-Mite. Contact Amber Lais at 605-212-8169. Register at https://luvernehockey.sportngin.com/tourneys.

3-5 Sauk Centre, MN. Squirt B1 I-94 Challenge.Squirt B1. Contact Heidibeissel@ gmail.com. Register at https://saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com/i94tourneys.

3-5 Owatonna, MN. O-Town Showdown. Peewee A/B. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm. director@gmail.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

3-5 Proctor, MN. Peeweee B2. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey. com.

3-5 New Richmond, WI. Tiger Winter Classic. Peewee C, Squirt C. Contact Tournaments@nryha.net. Register at https://www. nryha.net/page/show/193714-our-tournaments.

3-5 Baldwin, WI. Mite Cross Ice Jamboree. Mites. Contact Deanna Bignell at deannalink@ att.net. Register at baldwin.pucksystems2.com/ show/26105-tournament-information.

3-5 Virginia, MN. Taconite Showdown. MiniMite. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.rryha.org/ page/show/4365485-tournaments-2024-2025

3-5 Virginia, MN. Yeti Rumble. Mite. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail. com. Register at https://www.rryha.org/page/ show/4365485-tournaments-2024-2025

3-5 Faribault, MN. Faribault winter classic girls tournament. Girls 12Ub. 12U B1. Girls 15U B, A. Contact fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www.faribaulthockey.com/ page/show/10555-tournament-registration

4 Crookston, MN. Crookston Mite/8U Jamboree. Contact Jsolberg@crookston.mn.us or at 218-281-1242. Register at https://www. crookstonmn.us

10-12 Sauk Centre, MN. Squirt B2 & C I-94 Challenge. Squirt B2, Squirt C. Contact Heidibeissel@gmail.com. Register at https://saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com/i94tourneys.

10-12 Little Falls, MN. Peewee Flyer FaceOff. Peewee B1. Contact apeterson@isd116. org. Register at https://littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com/page/show/51280-tournaments.

10-12 Albert Lea, MN. Squirt B. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

10-12 Austin, MN. AYHA’s Peewee Tournament. Peewee B/C. Contact Marty Clennon at 319-230-6065 or ayha.tournaments@gmail. com. Register at https://austin.pucksystems2. com.

10-12 Detroit Lakes. Derick Brehm Memorial. Bantam A. Contact Brooke Bohls at 605520-4941 or brookebohls.dlyha@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/ page/show/203545-tournament-information.

10-12 Hibbing, MN. Squirt A Contact Ryan at 218-290-0557 Register at https://www. hcyha.org/tournaments.

10-12 Hutchinson, MN. Bardown at H-Town. Squirt A/B2/C. Contact Adam Simantel at 715-531-5432 or adam_simanntel18@hotmail.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.com.

PEEWEE TOURNAMENT

Nov. 15-17, 2024

Peewee 2A/3A(WI) / Peewee B1(MN ) 4 Game Guarantee - Cost $1200 https://tourneymachine.com/R146082

PEEWEE TOURNAMENT

Dec. 6-8, 2024

Peewee 2B/3B/1C(WI) / Peewee C(MN)

Cost $950 https://tourneymachine.com/R146084

BANTAM TOURNAMENT

Dec. 13-15, 2024

Bantam 2B/3B/1C(WI) / Bantam C(MN)

Bantam 2A/3A(WI) /Bantam B1(MN)

Cost: $1050 https://tourneymachine.com/R146088

SQUIRT TOURNAMENT

Jan. 3-5,

Bantam B1 Dec. 6-8, 2024 • $1350

Bantam A Dec. 13-15, 2024 • $1350

Squirt A Jan. 10-12, 2025 • $1150

PeeWee B1 Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025 • $1250

10U A - “Candy Cane Classic” Dec. 20-22, 2024 • $1150

12U A Jan. 24-26, 2025 • $1250 8U Jamboree Feb. 7-9, 2025

10-12 La Crescent, MN. Iced Apple Tournament. Squirt B1. Contact Kasey Payne, LYHA Tournament Coordinator, lyha.tournaments@gmail.com, 608-385-5448. Register at https://www.lacrescenthockey.com/page/ show/6687062-tournaments

10-12 New Hope, MN. Knockdown at New Hope. Girls 12UA/10UB1/10UB2. Contact Susie Melynchuk at 612-940-8686 or smelynchuk@comcast.net. More info at https:// www.armstrongcooperhockey.org/page/ show/3442473-tournaments

10-12 Rochester, MN. Rochester Invitational. Bantam A/B1/C. Contact Rob at rob@ryha. net. Register at ryha.net.

10-12 Proctor, MN. Peewee A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com.

10-12 Walker, MN. City on the Bay Hockey Tournament. Peewee B/B2 (No B1 Teams). Contact Mitch at loomis@shoresofleechlake. com.

10-12 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls Squirt Flow at the Falls Tournament. Squirt A. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com/ page/show/48928-tournaments

10-12 Baldwin, WI. Ice Fest 14/15 Girls Tournament. WI: 14 A/B. MN: 15 A/B. Contact Shawn Kline at BLACKCATTOURNAMENTS@ BLACKHAWKHOCKEY.NET. Register at baldwin.pucksystems2.com/show/26105-tournament-information.

11-12 Crookston, MN. Crookston 10UA/10UB Girls. Contact Jsolberg@crookston.mn.us or at 218-281-1242. Register at https://www.crookstonmn.us

11-12 Crookston, MN. Crookston Squirt A/B. Contact Jsolberg@crookston.mn.us or at 218-281-1242. Register at https://www. crookstonmn.us

16-19 Edina, MN. 48th Annual John Reimann Tournament. Junior Gold B/Junior Gold 16. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ ourtournaments.

17-19 Mankato, MN. Mankato Peewee Tournament. Peewee B2. Contact cfoguth92@ gmail.com. Register at cfoguth92@gmail.com

17-19 Sauk Centre, MN. Peewee B1 I-94 Challenge. Peewee B1. Contact Heidibeissel@ gmail.com. Register at https://saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com/i94tourneys.

17-19 Two Harbors, MN. Two Harbors Girls 12U B Tournament. Girls 12U B. Contact thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at https://www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org/page/ show/2693908-tournaments.

17-19 Albert Lea, MN. Squirt C. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

17-19 Owatonna, MN. O-Town Showdown. Squirt A/B. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm. director@gmail.com. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

13-15 Hibbing, MN. Bantam B1 Contact Ryan at 218-290-0557 Register at https://www. hcyha.org/tournaments.

17-19 Proctor, MN. Bantam A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com.

17-19 Rochester, MN. Shannon Cup Girls Weekend TournamentGirls 10UA/B, 12UA/B, 15UB/TBD. Contact Rob at rob@ryha.net. Register at ryha.net.

18-19 Faribault, MN. Mite Jamboree. Mini Mites. Mite 1, 2, 3.. Contact fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www. faribaulthockey.com/page/show/10555-tournament-registration

24-26 Austin, MN. Chris Fischer Bantam Classic. Bantam B. Contact Marty Clennon at 319-230-6065 or ayha.tournaments@gmail. com. Register at https://austin.pucksystems2. com.

24-26 Detroit Lakes. The Lakes Classic. Peewee B. Contact Brooke Bohls at 605520-4941 or brookebohls.dlyha@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/ page/show/203545-tournament-information.

24-26 Edina, MN. 12th Annual Quinn’s Cup. Boys Mite 4 and 3. Contact tournaments@ edinahockey.org. Register at www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

24-26 Hutchinson, MN. Bardown at H-Town. Girls 12UA/12UB2. Contact Adam Simantel at 715-531-5432 or adam_simanntel18@hotmail.com. Register at www.hutchhockey.com.

24-26 Minneapolis, MN. Winter Storm Girls Tournament. Girls 10UB1. Register at www. mplshockey.com.

24-26 Minneapolis, MN. Winter Storm Girls Tournament. Girls 10UB2. Register at www. mplshockey.com.

24-26 Minneapolis, MN. Winter Storm Girls Tournament. Girls 12UB1. Register at www. mplshockey.com.

24-26 Minneapolis, MN. Winter Storm Girls Tournament. Girls 12UB2. Register at www. mplshockey.com.

24-26 Proctor, MN. Squirt A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com.

24-26 Walker, MN. City on the Bay Hockey Tournament. Bantam B/B2 (No B1 Teams). Contact Mitch at loomis@shoresofleechlake. com.

24-26 New Richmond, WI. Cally Briggs Memorial Tournament. Girls 12U B, 12U B2, 10U A, 10U B. Contact Tournaments@nryha. net. Register at https://www.nryha.net/page/ show/193714-our-tournaments.

24-26 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls Girls 12U Hockey Tournament. Girls 12U A. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com/ page/show/48928-tournaments

24-26 Fairmont, MN. Fairmont Mitiest Mite Jamboree. Mini-mites, Mites. Contact Luke at luke.ebeling@midco.com. Register at https:// fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

24-26 Faribault, MN. Artic Blast Squirt C. Squirt C. Contact fhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://www.faribaulthockey.com/ page/show/10555-tournament-registration

24-26 Lakeland, MN. Jim Foley Squirt C Outdoor Classic. Contact ashleyhoene@msn. com or visit https://www.smphockey.org/page/ show/1371310-jim-foley-outdoor-squirt-c-clas-

sic.

30-2 Edina, MN. 40th Annual Bob O’Connor Tournament. Bantam B2/C, Peewee B2/C, Squirt B2/C. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

31-1 Lakeland, MN. Jim Foley Bantam C Outdoor Classic. Contact Kelsebion@hotmail. com or 612-220-3232 to sign up.

31-2 Detroit Lakes. Polar Fest Freeze. 12UB Girls. Contact Brooke Bohls at 605520-4941 or brookebohls.dlyha@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlyouthhockey.com/ page/show/203545-tournament-information.

31-2 La Crescent, MN. Iced Apple Tournament. 12UB Girls. Contact Kasey Payne, LYHA Tournament Coordinator, lyha.tournaments@gmail.com, 608-385-5448. Register at https://www.lacrescenthockey.com/page/ show/6687062-tournaments

BLACKHAWK

❑ Mite Cross Ice Jamboree - Jan. 3-5, 2025

❑ Ice Fest 14/15 Girls Tournament - Jan. 10-12, 2025

WI: 14 A/B MN:15 A/B

❑ February Freeze PeeWee Tournament - Feb. 7-9, 2025

WI A: 1B 2B 3A 4A MN:B2 WI B: 1C 2C 3B 4B MN:C

31-2 Proctor, MN. Squirt B2. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com.

31-2 Two Harbors, MN. Girls 10U B Two Harbors Tournament. Girls 10U B Contact thyouthhockey@gmail.com. Register at https:// www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org/page/ show/2693908-tournaments.

31-2 Luverne, MN. Luverne Blazing Blades Tournament. Girls 12U B. Contact Amber Lais at 605-212-8169. Register at https://luvernehockey.sportngin.com/tourneys.

Contact: Boys - Deanna Bignell: deannalink@att.net Girls - Shawn Kline: blackcattournaments@blackhawkhockey.net https://baldwin.pucksystems2.com/page/show/ 26105-tournament-information

YOUTH HOCKEY

31-2 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls Peewee B Flow at the Falls Tournament. Peewee B1. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https://fergusfallshockey.pucksystems. com/page/show/48928-tournaments.

31-2 Eden Prairie, MN. Peewee C & Squirt C Prairie Madness Hockey Tournament. Peewee C, Squirt C.. Contact ephatournaments@ ephockey.com. Register at https://www.ephockey.com/page/show/180737-tournaments.

31-2 Fairmont, MN. Fairmont Red, White, Ice Invitational. Bantam B. Contact Luke at luke.ebeling@midco.com. Register at https:// fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

7-9 Edina, MN. 1st Annual Girls Mite Jamboree. Girls Mite 4 and 3. Contact tournaments@edinahockey.org. Register at www. edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

7-9 New Hope, MN. New Hope Invitational. Bantam A, Peewee A. Contact Susie Melynchuk at 612-940-8686 or smelynchuk@comcast.net. More info at https:// www.armstrongcooperhockey.org/page/ show/3442473-tournaments

7-9 Two Harbors, MN. Two Harbors Squirt Tournament. Squirt B. Contact thyouthhockey@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org/page/show/2693908-tournaments.

7-9 Baldwin, WI. Febuary Freeze Peewee Tournament. WI A: 1B 2B 3A 4A MN: B2 WI B: 1C 2C 3B 4B MN:C. Contact Deanna Bignell at deannalink@att.net. Register at baldwin. pucksystems2.com/show/26105-tournament-information.

7-9 Virginia, MN. Jr. Gold Frozen Battle. JR Gold 18U. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https:// www.rryha.org/page/show/4365485-tournaments-2024-2025

Bantam A

Jan. 10-12, 2025

Thanksgiving

PeeWee

HoliDangle Classic Cost: $1300 Squirt Jan. 3-5, 2025

Kent Cup Winter Series Cost: $900

Gate

Derick Brehm Memorial Cost: $1300

PeeWee B Jan. 24-26, 2025

The Lakes Classic Cost: $1300 U12B Jan. 31-Feb. 2,

more info contact Brooke Bohls, Tourney Coordinator: 605-520-4941 or email: brookebohls.dlyha@gmail.com

29-1 Northfield, MN. Northfield Squirt A Tournament. Squirt A. Contact TournamentDirector@NorthfieldHockey.Net. Register https://tourneymachine.com/Register/ h202107071638162694d7e1dac18894a/ h2024052120261175172e267dd11c743. February 2025

1-2 Albert Lea, MN. Mites 8U Boys/8U Girls. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail. com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2. com

1-2 Sauk Centre, MN. Mite I-94 Challenge. Mite. Contact Heidibeissel@gmail.com. Register at https://saukcentremelrose.pucksystems. com/i94tourneys.

7-9 Albert Lea, MN. Bantam C. Contact Darcy at dbhauser92@gmail.com. Register at www.albertlea.pucksystems2.com

7-9 New Richmond, WI. Girls Stars Classic Tournament. Girls 15U B, 14U, 12U B1. Contact Tournaments@nryha. net. Register at https://www.nryha.net/page/ show/193714-our-tournaments.

8-9 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls Girls 8U Jamboree. Girls 8U. Contact ffhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https:// fergusfallshockey.pucksystems.com/page/ show/48928-tournaments

12-15 New Richmond, WI. Mite Invitational. Mite. Contact Tournaments@nryha. net. Register at https://www.nryha.net/page/ show/193714-our-tournaments.

14-16 Eden Prairie, MN. Girls 10U A & B2 Prairie Meltdown Hockey Tournament. Girls 10U A, 10U B2. Contact ephatournaments@ ephockey.com. Register at https://www.ephockey.com/page/show/180737-tournaments.

21-23 Virginia, MN. Up North Wolverine. Squirt B2. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at https:// www.rryha.org/page/show/4365485-tournaments-2024-2025

March 2025

12-15 New Richmond, WI. Senior Mens Tournament. Adult Men Over 35 Years old. Contact Tournaments@nryha. net. Register at https://www.nryha.net/page/ show/193714-our-tournaments.

United Civic Center Baldwin, WI

and C Tournament

January 10-12, 2025 Cost: $1100 •12UA and 12UB2 Tournament

January 24-26, 2024 Cost: $1200

GIRLS 15UA

Dec. 6-8, 2024

Entry Fee: $1500 (4 games)

BANTAM B2

Dec. 20-22, 2024

Entry Fee: $1150

PEEWEE B2

Jan. 3-5, 2025

Entry Fee: $1050

PEEWEE A

Jan. 10-12, 2025

Entry Fee: $1100

BANTAM A

Jan. 17-19, 2025

Entry Fee: $1200

SQUIRT A

Jan. 24-26, 2025

Entry Fee: $950

SQUIRT B2

Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025

Entry Fee: $900

OWATONNA YOUTH HOCKEY

Nov. 22-24, 2024

Dec. 6-8, 2024

Dec. 13-15, 2024

Jan. 3-5, 2025

Jan. 17-19, 2025

15UB:

Rock Ridge is Virginia Amateur Youth Hockey Association (VAHA, Virginia, MN) and Eveleth/Gilbert Youth Hockey Association (EG, Eveleth, MN)

Battle by the Bridge Peewee B2 Tournament

Dec. 20-22, 2024 • $1200

Taconite Showdown

Mini Mite Tournament

Jan. 3-5, 2025 • $400

Mite Yeti Rumble

Jan. 3-5, 2025 • $400

The Wolverine Classic 12UA &12UB Girls Tournament

Jan. 24-26, 2025 • $1200

Junior B - 18U Gold

Frozen Battle

Feb. 7-9, 2025 • $1600

Feb. 21-23, 2025 • $1200