June 2023 Issue

Wild to host Crazy Game of Hockey

Matt Boldy Joins List of Celebrities Participating in Three-Event Weekend, July 7-8

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild announced Fan HQ is the presenting partner for the “Crazy Game of Hockey” VIP Event at the historic Pantages Theatre in downtown Minneapolis on July 7 at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge and Cory Wong and include a red-carpet entrance; food and beverage; live and silent auctions; and entertainment featuring headliner duo Tigirlily Gold, the band Yam Haus and stand-up comedian Natalie Friedman. Fans will have access to unique photo opportunities and autographs from the athletes, musicians, celebrities, and VIP personalities throughout the evening.

The Minnesota Wild’s “Crazy Game of Hockey” charity event is being held in collaboration with the band O.A.R. and Minnesota’s own, Grammy-nominated guitarist Cory Wong on July 7 and 8 in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The weekend activities will consist of three events helping launch and promote the Wild Alumni Association: the VIP event presented by FAN HQ at the historic Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis on July 7 at 7 p.m., a celebrity hockey game at TRIA Rink in Saint Paul on July 8 at 12:30 p.m. and a concert at the legendary Armory in Minneapolis featuring O.A.R. and Cory Wong on July 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the “Crazy Game of Hockey” charity event are on sale now at wild.com/CrazyGame and include admission to all three events. For more information, including group ticket information, please contact Wild Fan Relations at (651) 222-9453, ext. 1. A portion of the net proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation.

More than 40 athletes, musicians, celebrities, and VIP personalities scheduled to participate in the charity hockey game, including: Wild players Matt Boldy, Alex

Goligoski, Ryan Hartman and Jon Merrill; Wild Alumni Niklas

Backstrom, Keith Ballard, PierreMarc Bouchard, Kyle Brodziak, Matt Cullen, Devan Dubnyk, Darby Hendrickson, Mark Parrish, Alex Stalock, Clayton Stoner and Thomas Vanek; USA hockey stars Hannah Brandt, Natalie Darwitz and Hilary Knight; athletes Zac Dalpe (NHL), Ben Leber (NFL alumni), Joe Mauer (MLB alumni), Randall McDaniel (NFL alumni), Mike Modano (NHL alumni), Greg Ostertag (NBA alumni), Drew Stafford (NHL alumni), Tom Reid (NHL alumni); celebrities Chris Culos (O.A.R.), John Feitelberg (Barstool Sports), Dan Finnerty of the Dan Band (from The Hangover and Old School), Paul Fletcher (Radio Personality), Natalie Friedman (comedian), Jamie Hersch (NHL Network), Richard On (O.A.R.), Bill Sherck (Outdoor TV Host) and Andrew Zimmern (TV Personality).

Marc Roberge, former Captain Mikko Koivu and Wild Alum Ryan Carter will serve as captains for Team O.A.R. and Cory Wong, current Wild Captain Jared Spurgeon and Wild Alum Nate Prosser will serve as captains for Team Cory Wong.

Fan HQ is an independently-owned sports memorabilia and apparel retail

Brett McLean named IOWA wild head coach

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota

Wild General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the hiring of Brett McLean as head coach of the Iowa Wild. McLean, 44, spent the last three seasons (2020-23) as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild. During his tenure with the Wild, he helped the team to three consecutive Stanley Cup Playoff berths and a 134-63-23 (.661) regular-season record, the sixth-best point percentage in the National Hockey League (NHL) during that span. He returns to Des Moines after previously serving three seasons (2017-20) as an assistant coach for Iowa, during which time the club recorded an 107-71-37 (.583) regular-season record in American Hockey League (AHL) play.

Prior to his coaching career, the Comox, B.C., native played professionally as a forward for 18 seasons (19992017), compiling 1,111 games across seven different leagues (NHL, AHL, IHL, ECHL, SEL, Swiss-A and the Aus-

trian League). Originally selected by the Dallas Stars in the ninth round (242nd overall) of the 1997 NHL Draft, McLean posted 162 points (56-106=162) in 385 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers from 2002-09. For his AHL career, he totaled 198 points (7226=198) in 274 games with Cincinnati, Saint John, Houston, Norfolk and Rockford (1998-12). He recorded 406 points (181-225=406) in 329 games in five seasons (1994-99) in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with Tacoma, Kelowna and Brandon. McLean also represented Canada multiple times during his playing career, including at the Under-18 level, the 1998 IIHF World Junior Championship and for six Spengler Cups. He won the Swiss-A championship in 2010 and the Spengler Cup in 2012.

McLean and his wife, Brenna, have a daughter, Darian, and two sons, Nixon and Nash.

store, specializing in officially-licensed Minnesota clothing and autographed items. Located in Ridgedale Center (Minnetonka, MN), it’s your headquarters for authentic signatures and the state’s largest athlete appearances. Previous guests include Justin Jefferson, Randy Moss, Mike Modano, Tony Oliva, among hundreds of others. Learn more at FanHQStore.com, and on Twitter or Instagram.

Tigirlily Gold

Sister duo Tigirlily Gold has been playing music together since they could walk, and officially formed their band in high school. Growing up, they crisscrossed the mid-west, growing a fierce fan base and selling out amphitheaters across their home-state of North Dakota. After moving to Nashville, they landed a weekly residence at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway. Playing four-hour sets, three to four nights a week, the sisters developed a performance style that’s not only captivating and fun but shows just how much entertaining is in their blood. After releasing their original song “Somebody Does,” in 2021, the track topped the iTunes chart and Tigirlily Gold was signed to Monument Records. They released their self-titled, debut EP in July 2021, working with multi-Grammy Award Winner

Shane McAnally, and hit the road with artists Walker Hayes and Ashley McBryde. Now, the powerhouse duo is set to embark on a new musical chapter with their upcoming project, Blond –a deeply personal record that includes poignant tales of love and loss alongside powerful anthems and songs of female empowerment. Ready to bring girl group energy back to country music, Tigirlily Gold is poised for a breakout year

Yam Haus

Yam Haus is a band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have built a devoted grass roots following in the Midwest and across the United States, sold out the iconic 1,500 capacity First Avenue, and their music has been added to the regular rotation on Cities 97.1, a twin cities iHeart radio station, as an independent band. They have a new body of songs made in Nashville with producer Mark Needham that they hope to share with the world.

Natalie Friedman

Natalie Friedman, made in Minnesota and raised by her hilarious Russian+ Ukrainian Immigrant parents, is an actress and comedian best known for her amazing character acting and impressions. Boasting over 4 million followers on socials, Natalie has established herself as a triple threat actress, stand-up comedian and voice actress; recent TV credits include an over-the-top Yoga Instructor on Netflix sitcom DAD STOP EMBARRASSING ME alongside Jamie Foxx and LET’S BE REAL on Fox where she voices Kim Kardashian. Natalie can also be seen on LOL Network’s THE WRITER’S ROOM, where she plays a writer who pitches to Kevin Hart. After attending Natalie’s stand-up show, you’ll feel like you just got a drink with her and about 20 other characters.

Gadreau signs 5-year deal with Wild

Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed forward Frederick Gaudreau to a five-year, $10.5 million contract ($2.1 million average annual value) that goes through the 2027-28 season.

Gaudreau, 29, has recorded 36 points (1719=36), 135 shots and four shorthanded goals (SHG) in 81 games with Minnesota this season. He ranks first on the Wild in SHG’s, fifth in goals and plus-minus rating and sixth in scoring for the season. Gaudreau also ranks second among team forwards in blocked shots (52). The 6-foot-0, 184-pound native of Bromont, Quebec, leads the NHL in shootout goals (eight), ranks tied for third in SHG’s, tied for sixth in SHP’s (five) and has recorded four

multi-point games this season. He set a franchise record with two shorthanded goals on March 29 at Colorado.

Gaudreau owns 98 points (36-62=68), 24 penalty minutes (PIM) and a plus-33 rating in 260 career games during six NHL seasons with Nashville, Pittsburgh and Minnesota (2016-23). Gaudreau has set career-highs in goals, PIM, PPG’s, SHG’s, shots, games played and blocked shots this season, and has skated in 137 consecutive games dating back to December 12, 2021.

Visit wild.com/pressbox for the latest news and information from the team including press releases, game notes, multimedia content and daily statistics.

Freddy Gadreau

www.minnesotahockey.org

Minnesota Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey, is the governing body of youth and amateur hockey in Minnesota and the premier developer of hockey players in the state. Minnesota Hockey is governed by a board of directors and consists of approximately 140 community based associations who are formed into 12 districts.

Supporting kids in sports

by HEATHER BERGESON MD, CAQ, TRIA Orthopedics

Families everywhere are gearing up for another season of sports. As children lace up their shoes and head to their games and practices, parents are getting ready to cheer on and support their youth athletes.

I work in primary care sports medicine and pediatrics at TRIA. I spend lots of time talking with young athletes and parents. I see many parents who want their kids to not only succeed in sports, but also have fun and enjoy the activity. But sometimes even well-intentioned advice and support from parents can be too intense for kids and can cause problems or decrease the child’s enjoyment.

As parents, we don’t want to cause problems with over-intense advice or

unrealistic expectations of our kids. We also don’t want to be uninterested or uninvolved. So how do we support our kids in sports in a healthy way?

Unhealthy support

It can be helpful to recognize behaviors to avoid when supporting our children in sports. For example, our words hold a lot of power. Avoid backseat conversation on the way home from the game. This can be confusing and unhelpful for young athletes. Let the coaches worry about the X’s and O’s and the scoreboard.

Focusing on weakness too much isn’t always helpful. Every athlete has unique strengths, so it is important to be realistic.

Burnout can be a problem for kids who specialize in one sport too early or feel too much pressure. Unfortunately, about 70 percent of kids quit organized

sports by age 13. Avoid intense pressure and don’t ignore signs of burnout. Signs of burnout could include lack of motivation, decreased performance or persistent pain and injury.

Kids who specialize in one sport too early or feel too much pressure can lead to burnouts. Unfortunately, about 70% of kids quit organized sports by the age of 13. Avoid this intense pressure and don’t ignore signs of burnout. Signs of burnout include lack of motivation, decrease performance or persistent pain and injuries.

Healthy support

There are many ways we can champion our children as they participate in group activities and sports. To start, we should encourage kids to sample many different sports and play the sport of the season. Keep the focus on fun, fitness and friends.

Young athletes need to bring positivity to each practice and game. As parents, we can model this behavior and honor the game by showing respect for coaches, teammates, officials, and the opposing team.

Losing or failing in sports can be a good opportunity to support our children. It’s only a failure if you fail to learn from it. There are more life lessons in the losses. Mistakes should be encouraged. They are essential to eventually mastering a skill.

Youth sports can be an extremely fun way for kids to exercise, establish friendships and learn many life lessons. Encouragement and support can greatly enhance a kid’s experience in sports. This season, let’s be parents who help and support our kids in the healthiest way possible!

Minnesota Hockey announces rosters for CCM HP 14 Summer Development Camps

TEAM ROSTERS

Minnesota Hockey has announced the rosters for the 2023 CCM High Performance 14 Summer Development Camps. The week-long camps for the top boys and girls hockey players in Minnesota will be held in June at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Both camps will take place June 18-22.

A total of 120 players were selected for each of the camps based on players’ performance in the 2023 HP 14 Spring Festivals.

Players at the summer camps will be exposed to a series of on-ice and off-ice development sessions, including areas such as proper weight training and stretching techniques, developing mental skills, video sessions and position specific skills. Players will also be split into teams and compete against other top players in games each day, providing opportunities for players to implement what they learn in practice.

The camp is led by current and former coaches from the Division I, Division III and high school levels. Current college players at the Division I and III levels will serve as counselors.

More Rosters on Page 9

The faces behind the film

Behind the scenes with the Minnesota Wild digital team

by JACKSON BOLINE Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

You see the pictures, the videos, highlights, and other content that give you an inside look at your favorite teams, but have you ever wondered who’s behind the content?

To pump out as much content as teams like the Minnesota Wild do on social media takes a cog of individuals who have different jobs and responsibilities. These individuals all come from different places and backgrounds, but together they make up a team. The Minnesota Wild are known as a professional hockey team but really, the “Wild Team” is not only the players on the ice but the men and women up in the booth, down on the glass with cameras, inside the locker room with a microphone and those pressing send on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Youtube.

Just like a team on the ice, the team off the ice sees all their employees as family. They joke around with each other, poking fun at any slight mistakes or even just introducing a Social Media Coordinator as the Team Mascot while the journalist covering this story believes she really was, (That really happened by the way). Just like a family they also celebrate each other’s successes and hype one another up about great shots they captured during a game.

Chris Barriere is the senior manager of the Wild’s digital team and also a part-time Marcus Johansson impersonator.

Chris is one of the team’s leaders in all things digital, and is a key piece to the Wild’s media cog. The digital team feeds off of Chris’s energy, which keeps spirits high even in times of technical difficulties. He came into a Wild media room wanting to change the way the hockey team was perceived.

“When I first started with the Wild, many things with digital were not as accepted as they are now,” Barriere said. “Bill Guerin understands and likes what we do with the players on the Wild,”

Chris sees himself as just a part of the team that makes the content even though you can see that Chris is a very valuable person on the team. He seems to do everything, from filming, editing, managing and so much more.

Barriere is one of the leaders on a team of talented people and each person has their own role and someone who specializes in something different. Everyone on the team is skilled in their role as well, but teamwork is always relevant in the Wild digital teams office. That being said, let’s meet the team:

Brandon McCauley can be seen on the bench or just around the team before, during, and after the games.

He is the Senior Digital Content Producer and works on pregame Social Media content, in-game photography/

videography and of course editing everything in the meantime.

You can catch some of his work and much more (including his dog) on Instagram @bpmccauley_.

Matt Hussey and Dustin Peterson are the producers for the digital team. They both do so much more than just production work, including some light construction work. Matt was the mastermind behind the backdrop for the podcast “Wild on 7TH” with Ryan Carter and John King and even built the entire thing from objects he found.

As producers, Hussey and Peterson work alongside the team every day getting content out on Youtube and TV. He brainstorms ideas for shows like ‘Beyond Our Ice,” “posted up,” and “Becoming Wild.”

Joey Skare is also a producer on the team but also is an editor. Skare is heavily involved with all media content that gets pushed out onto social media. This may include being involved in the brainstorming process, helping with the filming process and editing the content.

Joe Brunett and Monty Torres share the task of video editing.

These two have their own assignments, whether it’s editing one of the behind the scene shows or its highlights for social media, these two are constantly going over hours worth of film.

Sean Rice, a multiskilled videographer/editor delivers a lot of the vid-

eo and pictured content fans see on a nightly basis during the season and even during the offseason. Rice can be seen on the ice during pregame filming the likes of the players for hype videos, or he can be seen on the glass filming the game for highlights.

He can also be spotted easily when he wears his tan suit, a suit that Wild forward and enforcer Ryan Reaves gives him a hard time for. Rice has even been told by other Wild players to give Reaves a taste of his own medicine r. This type of camaraderie shows how close the digital team is to the players.

Sydney Laumeyer is the team’s digital designer. This means she is the artist behind gameday-themed graphics fans see on social media, and pictures all over the area. She also creates online graphics that give fans entertaining, and visualy pleasing images.

Ryan Gause is the motion graphic designer for the Wild. He works closely with Sydney with graphics, but Ryan works more with motion graphics, which are the funny entertaining videos you may see on the jumbotron. Some videos including Wild mascot Nordy show up in famous movie clips where he doesn’t belong, or fan hype clips to get the crowd loud.

The final piece to getting the content out on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or Facebook goes through the two Digital and Social Media Coordinators Andee Bender, and Devon Reagan. These two

work all night on game days to feature the players. They take pictures, and videos, while also being the ones to press send on social media pages.

These names are a few of many who make the entertaining content fans see every day. They work from sunup to sundown on game days, some even traveling with the team where they were forced to do their video and photo editing on buses and planes. Everyone in the digital department has a passion for what they do, and it shows in their work. So next time you see a video on the Wild that gives you chills or makes you laugh just remember, these are the faces behind the camera.

Chris Barriere (Middle) filling in for Marcus Johansson during the team picture during a photo shoot. Barriere is the senior manager of the Minnesota Wild’s digital team.

PHOTO CREDIT: MINNE-

Chris Barriere, filming Head Coach Dean Evason during his post-game press conference.

PHOTO CREDIT: MINNESOTA WILD

Sean Rice Videographer/ Editor Joey Skare Producer/Editor

Ryan Gause Motion Graphic Designer Joe Brunett Video Editor

Matt Hussey Producer Sydney Laumeyer Digital Designer

The State of Hockey’s top NHL scorer

by JACKSON BOLINE Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

Minnesotans played in 2,980 NHL games in

2022-23

New York Islanders All-Star Brock Nelson was this season’s NHL scoring leader for those who hail from the State of Hockey.

Nelson, a 2010 Mr. Hockey finalist representing Warroad had a career year scoring 36 goals and 39 assists for 75 points. He is one of two Minnesotans to finish in the NHL’s top 50 scorers this season. Pittsburgh Penguins forward and former Hill-Murray standout Jake Guentzel finished with 36 goals and 37 assists for 73 points. Guentzel was Minnesota’s top NHL scorer a year ago.

Buffalo Sabres centerman Casey Mittelstadt (Eden Prairie) came in third amongst Minnesotans in the NHL with 15 goals and 44 assists for 59 points.

Brock Boeser (Burnsville) finished 18-37-55 and Blake Wheeler (Plymouth) finished with 16 goals and 39 assists for 55 points. Wheeler moved into third all-time in scoring for Minnesota-born players.

Anders Lee (Edina) and Justin Faulk (South St. Paul) both finished fifth

UMD’s

amongst Minnesotans in NHL scoring with 50 points. Lee had 28 goals and 22 assists and Faulk had 11 goals and 39 assists.

Thomas Novak (St. Paul) finished 17-26-43 and K’Andre Miller (St. Paul) had 9 goals and 34 assists for 43 points.

Finishing up the top 10 NHL Minnesotans scoring leaders in the 2022-23 season is Brady Skjei (Lakeville) who had 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points.

Minnesota was well-represented during the 2022-23 NHL season. The State of Hockey totaled the most points out of any other state in the United States with 1,010. The following best was New York who totaled 713 points. Minnesotans played 2,890 games this season, which is 1,089 more than the next state.

Warroad native Brock Nelson was a Minnesota Mr. Hockey finalist in 2010 and led all Minnesota-born NHL players in points in the 2022-23 season. Blaine’s Nick Bjugstad won the Mr. Hockey Award in 2010. Bjugstad had 29 points this year for the Edmonton

Minnesota’s Top NHL scorers 2021-22 season

Hughes honord with Hockey Humanitarian Award

Hughes plays big role in Sophie’s Squad quest to raise awareness for mental illness

Graduate senior center Gabbie Hughes (Lino Lakes, Minn.) of the University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team has been named the 2023 recipient of the Hockey Humanitarian Award, which was announced Friday by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation at the Men’s Frozen Four in Tampa.

Hughes is the 28th honoree of the award and the third student-athlete from a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) school to be selected. She was recognized during the Friday night NCAA Men’s Frozen Four awards ceremonies, alongside the recipients of the Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award, the Mike Richter Award and the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.

Hughes, a 2022 Patty Kazmaier top3 finalist, is one of three repeat finalists from last season, along with three-time finalists Jacob Adkins (Centennial, Col.) and Andrew Walker (Mason, Mich.) from UMass Boston, and two-time finalist Hannah Price (Pittsburgh, Pa.) from Rensselaer. Ryan Herpy (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) of Albertus Magnus and Will Rosen (Washington, D.C.) of Saint Anselm were the other two finalists.

“I congratulate the award’s other finalists for their varied and innovative community service initiatives. This means a lot more to me than just a personal recognition, it’s a victory for mental health awareness in general,” said Hughes. “I think having mental health — and specifically Sophie’s Squad — recognized by a national platform like HHAF is extremely important. It’s a great honor for me, but it’s a much bigger deal for Sophie’s Squad and mental health awareness; that’s the most important piece.”

The award is presented annually to college hockey’s finest citizen – a student athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team, but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.

Hughes has made an impact statewide in Minnesota as an integral part of the Sophie’s Squad organization, a non-profit that she helped co-found to address mental health. Sophie’s Squad has raised more than $286,000 for men-

tal health resources and advocacy in its less than two years existence. Sophie’s Squad has put on more than 43 events over that span, including its first-ever DI women’s and men’s double header Hockey Hits Back on Dec. 12, 2022. Hughes has participated in every single event that didn’t conflict with her hockey schedule. For those she was unable to attend, Hughes contributed recorded speeches and created social media postings. Hughes is also deeply involved as a speaker throughout Minnesota at schools and athletic events and often represents the charity in media interviews. She is passionate about speaking to teenagers and uses her own story of mental health struggles to encourage kids of all ages to talk about theirs, too. In doing so, Hughes has had a big role in changing the narrative about the importance of mental health awareness and treatment.

“Gabbie was part of and helped lead the initial brainstorming of Sophie’s Squad in the summer of 2021,” Sophie’s Squad Board Members said in a state-

ment. “Gabbie’s commitment to and passion for Sophie’s Squad has been critical to our success. In addition, Gabbie is the type of athlete we seek to help, and has been a shining example of how athletes can help other athletes. She has set the example for future generations by sharing her struggles and demonstrating that it’s OK to not be OK. Gabbie has helped us share the message of checking in on your own mental health and, perhaps more critically, the mental health of your teammates. We are honored and thrilled you have chosen Gabbie Hughes as your 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient.”

UMD head coach Maura Crowell stated: “Gabbie has cemented herself as a legend on a long list of Olympians and renowned women’s hockey players that have proudly worn the Minnesota Duluth Bulldog jersey. She has over 200 points in her storied on-ice career,

but I believe this recognition of her work with Sophie’s Squad may be her highest honor. We are so grateful to Gabbie for bringing the critical importance of mental health awareness front and center for both our program and our community.”

On Friday night, the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation virtually presented Hughes with a check for $3,000 for Sophie’s Squad. (Hughes is currently rostered with the U.S. National Team in Brampton, Ontario for the 2023 IIHF World Championship). The other four finalists each received $500 for their respective designated charities. These donations from the HHA Foundation are made possible through the generous support of the awards partners and donors.

For more information about the Hockey Humanitarian Award, visit www.hockeyhumanitarian.org

Gabbie Hughes celebrating a goal agasint Bemidji State University

Photo Credit: John Swartz (BSU)

Oilers.

Gabbie Hughes has played an integral role in Sophie’s Squad quest to raise awareness for mental health. Hughes is a common site at Sophie’s Squad events where she visits with young hockey fans.

The Rise of Lakeville’s Jake Oettinger

by JACKSON BOLINE

Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

Minnesota is known as the ‘State of Hockey’ for good reason. This state has produced countless NHL players and is home to numerous Division 1 college hockey programs. But despite the abundance of talent that the state has produced, there is one position that has been less represented than the others: goaltending. That’s what makes Dallas Stars’ young and talented goalie Jake Oettinger’s rise to the NHL all the more impressive. The 23-year-old from Lakeville, Minn. is one of only a handful of goalies from the state this season to stand between the pipes in the NHL, and the only true No. 1 starting netminder for their team.

Oettinger was one of five Minnesotan goaltenders who made starts for an NHL team this season. The five included, Oettinger (Lakeville, Minn.), Capitals Charlie Lindgren (Lakeville, Minn.), Blackhawks

Alex Stalock (St. Paul, Minn.), Panthers

Alex Lyon (Baudette, Minn.), and Blackhawks Jaxson Stauber (Plymouth, Minn.).

Out of all five, Oettinger was the only full season starting goalie for their team. He started in 62 of 82 games for the Stars. The next best was Lindgren who started 31 games for the Washington Capitals. Oettinger’s save percentage was atop of this list as well, as he sported a .920 save percentage while the next best was Lyon at .914.

So now that you have a good idea of the NHL version of Jake Oettinger, let’s go through how he got to be not only one of the best Minnesota born goalies, but one of the best goaltenders in the entire NHL.

To do that, let’s go back to the 201314 Minnesota boys High School hockey season. A very young Jake Oettinger played one season for Lakeville North, helping his team advance to the state title game against Edina where they fell short 8-2. Oettinger had a great season prior to the state tournament, as he had a .931 save percentage and three shutouts. Some other notable players on the 2013-14 Lakeville North team included Jack McNeely, who played five seasons at Minnesota State Mankato serving as the assistant captain for two of them; Nick Poehling, who played four years with St. Cloud State University serving as the captain for two of them, and Ryan Poehling who just finished his fourth season in the NHL, currently with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After a year with Lakeville North, Oettinger went on to represent Team USA with the U.S. Under-17 National Development Team. He ended up sharing the

Jake Oettinger: By the Numbers

net with Joseph Woll, who is currently a goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They both split 29 games. Oettinger was the better of the two with a .916 save percentage and 2.57 goals against average (GAA).

Oettinger spent the next six seasons with the National Development team and Boston University, moving up to the Under-18 group, and eventually making the Under-20 roster during the 2017-18 season. Oettinger started three games in the World Juniors Championship during their Bronze medal run. He was also one of the top college goaltenders in the nation while with Boston University.

His accolades were plenty during his collegiate career. In his first year with BU, Oettinger was named to the NCAA (Hockey East) All-Rookie Team, Second AllStar Team, and was included as a NCAA (New England) D1 All-Stars. During the 2017 NHL entry draft, Oettinger was selected No. 26 overall in the first round by the Dallas Stars. He was drafted a pick after the Montreal Canadians picked his Lakeville teammate Ryan Poehling.

Oettinger completed his collegiate career sporting a .923 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA in three seasons as the starting goalie for the Terriers. He went straight from the NCAA to the AHL, where he made six starts for the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars.

The 2019-20 season is where Oettinger showed his potential. He posted a .917 save percentage and three shutouts in his 38 starts for the AHL Texas Stars. This type of consistency was all Dallas needed to give him a spot on the NHL roster. Oettinger was involved in a rotational role during the 2020-21 with veteran goaltender Anton Khudobin. Oettinger was the better of the two, .911 save percentage and a 11-8-7 record on a team that didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

During the 2021-22 season, Oettinger won the starting job in Dallas over former Vezina Trophy winner and Stanley Cup Champion Braden Holtby. This was the season where he established himself as one of the premiere goaltenders in the NHL. Oettinger had a good regular season, helping the Stars get to the playoffs, as he sported a .914 save percentage and 2.53 GAA, he also had a 30-15-1 regular season record. Though these are good

numbers, the playoffs are where Oettinger became a superstar in the NHL.

Oettinger led the league in save percentage during the first round of the playoffs at .954. His analytic stats had him at 13.28 goals above expected in the seven games against the Flames. The only goalie in Dallas Stars history with a better save percentage in a single round was Ed Belfour, who had a .967 rate in the 1998 second round win over the Oilers.

“That’s the level of goaltending I expect from myself,” Oettinger said during the first round of the 2022 playoffs.

The Dallas Stars were defeated by the Calgary Flames in that best-of-seven series, but without the incredible play of Oettinger the Stars most likely wouldn’t have won as many games.

The 2022 NHL playoffs will always be remembered as Oettinger’s “shining moment” in the NHL, but he obviously wants to win a series. Well, that’s exactly what he did in 2023, and against his hometown team.

The Dallas Stars finished with 108 points, good enough for second in the Central Division. This got the Stars paired up with the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It took six games for the Stars to defeat the Wild in the best of seven series. Oettinger was excellent in the series against

his hometown state. He ended the series with 2.01 GAA and a .929 save percentage while adding the first shutout by any goalie in the playoffs.

Oettinger has shown he is a dominant goalie in the NHL. He plays at his best when his team needs him the most, which is a quality that is key to winning the Stanley Cup.

Oettinger is already one of the best goalies in the NHL, but how does he compare all-time to other Minnesota born goalies?

Oettinger is already eighth all-time in games played with 139, behind Bob Mason (International Falls, Minn.) who finished his career with 145 games played. The only active Minnesota born goalie above Oettinger is Alex Stalock (St. Paul, Minn.) who is currently No. five all-time with 179 games played.

Oettinger currently has the best save percentage of all Minnesota born goalies who started 100 or more games, with a career .916 save percentage. There were a couple of goalies who hailed from the State of Hocke who played over 100 games, but played before the save percentage was tracked as a stat in 1983. This list includes Frank Brimsek, who won two Stanley Cup’s with the Boston Bruins. Brimsek played 514 total games while sporting a 2.70 GAA and had 40 shutouts, so if you want to look at all-time great Minnesotan goalies, Brimsek would be atop that list. The other NHL goalie who played before they started using save percentage as a stat was Mike Karakas. Karakas won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1938. He played in a total of 336 games and held a goals allowed average of 2.91. These are a couple of Minnesota goalies who paved the way for all that would follow in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Oettinger is only 24 years old, and has been in the NHL only three seasons, so it is too early to crown him the top Minnesota born goalie, but his career trajectory is heading into legendary territory. He’s already a franchise goalie, a playoff weapon and a bonafide star in the National Hockey League. So if nothing else, he is a role model for all Minnesota goalies who have dreams of playing on a NHL team.

St. Thomas announces new home for Tommies Hockey

In January the University of St. Thomas announced they received a record $75 million donation from a private donor that is going towards building a multi-sport and multiuse, on-campus arena. This new facility will host Tommies hockey and basketball, commencement ceremonies, academic convocations, speakers, career fairs, and other events for the university and the community.

The Tommies women’s and men’s hockey teams currently play their home games at the St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights.

The university received $75 million as a gift from Lee and Penny Anderson for the project. In a corresponding move, the arena will be named after the donors and will be known as the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena.

St. Thomas President Rob Vischer recently told a Minnesota news outlet, he expects the new facility to bring an enhanced experience for students and fans. He also expects this to create a new community and economic asset for the Twin Cities.

The new facility will be built where its athletic campus currently sits, which is near the athletic fields and the Anderson Parking Ramp.

The arena will seat 4,000 spectators for hockey and 5,000 for basketball. The Cretin Residence Hall, Service Center, and McCarthy Gym are presently located where the arena is expected to be built. These buildings and facilities must be torn down to build the arena. The plan is to break ground in 2024 and open the facility in fall of 2025.

St. Thomas University joined the Division 1 ranks in college athletics and is in the process oif upgrading their facilities, which will include the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, which will house basketball and hockey games as well as other school events and activities.

Jake Oettinger

From the State of Hockey: The unique background and story of Alex “The Lyon King” Lyon

by JACKSON BOLINE Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

The early life of Alex Lyon is not one you hear all too often when referring to someone on a NHL roster. Lyon grew up on an island in Baudette Minn. for his first seven years, with his parents and older sister. His parents managed a fishing lodge on the island, which forced Alex and his sister Sam to take a rowboat to school.

In 2000 the Lyons moved back to the mainland in Baudette, which is when Alex began to play hockey.

baudette is home to about 1,000 peopel where most activities involve hunting, fishing or playing hockey.

“I think the really odd thing that happened was we grew up with a group of 23 boys, and we had a group of probably 15 of us that were so incredibly competitive and talented that we drove each other,” Lyon said told Lindsey Willhite of AHL On The Beat.

The young Lyon graduated with a very small class size, and out of the 23 male’s in his senior class, 15 of them played hockey. Lyon was the starting goalie for the Lake of the Woods varsity hockey team. He started all 26 games during his senior season, posting a .919 save percentage.

Hockey wasn’t the only sport that Lyon played. In the Fall he was a starting offensive lineman, tight end, linebacker and defensive end on the gridiron. He also competed on the diamond, playing shortstop.

After his high school playing career, Lyon joined the Omaha Lancers in the USHL. In two seasons, Lyon started 98 games going 54-36 and five shutouts. He had a .910 save percentage, while allowing less than three goals per game in both of his seasons. He committed to play hockey for Yale University in the 2013-14 season.

In his first season with Yale, Lyon was named Ivy League Co-Rookie of the year in 2014 after winning 14 games. The accolades didn’t end there. After leading the nation in save per-

SKY BLUE BOYS

.948 save percentage and six shutouts.

centage (.939), shutouts (7) and goals-against average (1.67), Lyon was awarded the Ken Dryden Trophy, given to the best goalie in the ECAC. He also received First-Team AHCA/ CCM All-America, First Team All-ECAC, First-Team All-New England and First-Team All-Ivy League honors. His Junior season followed suit, repeating as the Ken Dryden Award winner and many of the same first -team honors.

Lyon decided to forgo his senior season at Yale University and instead signed a entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in April of the 2016 season. He would start 47 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, posting a .912 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average during the 201617 season. This season proved to the entire organization that Alex Lyon was ready to get some NHL action, which he would eventually get the following season.

Lyon made his NHL debut on Feb. 1, 2018 against the New Jersey Devils,

2 Drew Cheng D Minneapolis

3 Becker Wenkus D Edina

4 Beckett Shillings D Woodbury

5 Michael Norman D Rochester

6 Gabriel Swenson D Hermantown

7 Bauer Walter D East Grand Forks

8 Jakob Bjornlie F Stillwater

9 Connor Timmins F Orono

10 Lane Larson F Sartell

11 Jonathan Bloedow F Chaska

12 Cash Hardie F Minnetonka

13 Bennett Knutson F Apple Valley

14 Caden Zasada F Hill Murray

15 Drake Sternhagen F Albert Lea

16 Jack Rykkeli F Anoka

17 Owen Klimek F Alexandria

18 Griffen Hannah F Northern Lakes

19 Anton Klint F Roseau

1 Raef Roeller G Roseville

20 Taylor Hatton G Gentry Academy

losing 4-3. He would later get his first career NHL win on Feb. 18 after he replaced an injured Michal Neuvirth in the second period. Lyon saved 25 of 26 shots en route to a 7-4 win against the New York Rangers. Lyon was a part of the Flyers organization for the following two seasons, bouncing up and down from the NHL and AHL.

In the summer of the 2020-21 season Lyon left the Flyers organization for free agency after spending five seasons with the team. He signed a oneyear two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. The accolades found Lyon once again with the Hurricanes AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves in the 2021-22 season. While only playing two games in the NHL, Lyon was the star of the Wolves in the AHL, finishing the season with 18 wins and three shutouts, while having a stellar 2.16 GAA. This was good enough to earn him the Hap Holmes Memorial Award, given to the AHL goaltender with the lowest goals against average. Lyon stepped up in a big way in the AHL playoffs, adding two shutouts, which included a 28-save performance in the final game of the Calder Cup.

Lyon joined the Florida Panthers in the 2022 offseason, signing a twoway contract. Lyon played most of the

SKY BLUE GIRLS

2 Natalie Heitzman D Hermantown

3 Jillian Borgmeier D Mankato East

4 Maislyn Tomlinson D Wayzata

5 Margaret Greenagel D Fergus Falls

6 Molly Clough D Andover

7 Norah Kratz D Farmington

8 Audrey Davis F Edina

season with the AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers before getting called up more than halfway through the season because of the departure of Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight. Lyon didn’t see too much action between the pipes, until starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was sidelined by an illness. At this point, Alex Lyon went from a NHL journeyman goalie to a No. 1 who was depended on by an entire franchise.

When Lyon took over in the crease, the Panthers were fighting for a wildcard spot, and looking to snap a four game skid. Lyon’s first start after taking over as the top goalie was against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 29, and he made his name heard. Lyon made 38 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory to snap the Panthers four game skid, and the next night he made 18 saves in a 5-2 win.

Lyon would go on to win the next four games to complete a 6-game winning streak, which put him in a class of his own. He is the first goalie to win six straight games during his first season with the Panthers, stopping 194 of 203 shots, a 1.50 goals-against average, and a .956 save percentage. All this energized the Panthers to make the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Wild Card team in the Eastern Conference, and thus, the “Lyon King” nickname was born.

Lyon continued to start for the Panthers, while long time starter Bobrovsky served as the backup for the first three games of the playoffs against the number one seeded Boston Bruins, before being pulled in game three.

The Panthers advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals where they lost in five games to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Alexander Augustus Lyon, a small town kid who rowboated to school for several years, and graduated in a class with only 23 boys, 15 of which he played hockey with, is now a part of a team who made a postseason run. And The Lyon King was a vital piece to bringing the Panthers from outside of the playoff picture in March to being in the Stanley Cup Final in June.

WHITE BOYS

2 Ryker Dunbar D Mahtomedi

3 Owen Verness D Osseo Maple Grove

4 Andrew Botts D Edina

5 Luke Christopherson D West Saint Paul

6 Carson Scott D Champlin Park

7 Whitaker Rewertz D Hibbing

8 Ryland Rooney F Gentry Academy

9 Jackson Hendricks F Wayzata

10 Isaac Mentzer F Sartell

11 Bo Schmidt F St. Cloud

12 Channing Goodwin F Rosemount

13 John Whisler F Woodbury

14 Elliott Schell F Rochester

15 Landon Medin F Rogers

16 Fin Kuzmuk F Duluth East

17 Mason Deraney F Detroit Lakes

18 James Palmer F Bagley

19 Hudson Cariveau F East Grand Forks

1 Lucas Anderson

20 Hudson Ferrie

Macray Oconnor F West Saint Paul 15 Bennett Bergloff F Sioux Falls Power 16 Jackson Bartovich F Rock Ridge 17 Richard Pyle III F Brainerd 18 Luke Johnson F Fergus Falls 19 Joel Prokop F Bemidji

1 John Abercrombie G Chaska Chanhassen

20 Drew Sherman G Rosemount

Petersen F Elk River

16 Ella Ketring F Roseau

17 Grace Roethler F Dodge County

18 Abigail Swanson F Sartell

19 Angela Cody F Eden Prairie

1 Isabella Prosser G Osseo-Maple Grove

30 Bethany Bigalke G Eastview

Lyon started 27 games in net for Lake of the Woods High School, including two playoff games. He finished that year with a 1.48 GAA,

PHOTO CREDIT: BREAKDOWN SPORTS

Alex

Red Lake Falls native wins USA Hockey Award

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –

Alex Gullingsrud’s doctors say he is “the closest thing to a miracle they’ve ever seen.”

The 10-year-old sled hockey player from Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, was diagnosed with chondroblastic osteosarcoma, a highly aggressive form of bone cancer, in August of 2021, at the age of eight.

Over the course of nine months, Gullingsrud underwent intense chemotherapy, scans, transfusions, major surgery to remove the tumor in his pelvic bone, amputation of his right leg, a revision surgery, and lung surgery.

In March of 2022, Alex and the Gullingsrud family received the incredible news that Alex was cancer-free, and in July had the opportunity to “ring the bell,” signaling the end of his treatment, at Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

In November of 2022, he tried sled hockey for the first time and fell in love with the game. A member of the Fargo-Moorhead HOPE, Inc. Hurricanes Sled Hockey Team, sled hockey has been a life-changing outlet for Gullingsrud, from the strong bonds he’s built with his coaches and teammates, along with the ability to stay active and competitive.

Outside of his return to sportswhich also includes wheelchair baseball, swimming, fishing and hunting - Alex is a model volunteer in his community. He has helped out Meals on Wheels in Red Lake Falls, as well as the Red Lake County Food Shelf. He also helped guide a fellow patient at the Fargo Sanford Hospital through their own amputation operation and how to get through a difficult time. He is a ref and volunteer at local sled hockey tournaments and helps at a local youth basketball camp as well. During his treatment when he couldn’t participate in physical education class, he helped kindergarten students practice writing and reading. His volunteer work also included visiting local nursing homes and assisting the residents.

In February of 2023, the NHL’s Minnesota Wild invited Gullingsrud to center ice prior to a game against

the Columbus Blue Jackets as the game’s official flag bearer for Diversified Hockey Celebration night at the Xcel Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Through his perseverance, courage, and positive attitude, Gullingsrud’s story has become a source of motivation and hope for anyone experiencing hardships in their life. USA Hockey will host its 2023 Annual Meeting from June 7-10 in Denver. The fourday event provides USA Hockey’s various councils, committees and sections the opportunity to conduct the business of the national governing body and celebrate accomplishment.

Jim Johannson College Player of the Year – Logan Cooley

Logan Cooley burst on to the college hockey scene during the 2022-23 season, making his presence known on the ice as a freshman at the University of Minnesota. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native played a commanding role in the Gophers’ offense, helping lead the team to the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, including a title game appearance.

Cooley was second in the NCAA in points (60) and led the nation in assists (38), while also registering six game-winning goals for Minnesota.

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He paced the Gophers offense, topping the team in points, goals and assists and led all NCAA players with a plus-38 rating.

Cooley was named a Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalist, being recognized as one of the top three players in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey, while also garnering All-America West First Team honors, along with being named to the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and All-Big Ten First Team.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft also represented Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping the U.S. to a bronze medal. He registered a team-leading 14 points (7G, 7A), good for second overall in the touvrnament and a spot on the Media AllStar Team.

Other winners

USA Hockey honored its service award recipients, players of the year, and other top award recipients during the President’s Awards Dinner on June 9.

Honorees included William Thay-

er Tutt Award winner Steve Palmacci (Arlington, Mass.), Builders Award recipient Ron DeGregorio (Salem, N.H.) and Distinguished Achievement Award winner Rand Pecknold (Bedford, N.H.).

Other award winners included Excellence in Safety Award recipient Phil Johnson (Fargo, N.D.), Chet Stewart Award winner Steve Stevens Sr. (Spokane, Wash.), John Beadle Adult Member of the Year Ace Malette (Grey, Maine) and Walter Yaciuk Award recipient Jack Witt (Muskegon, Mich.), Player of the year award recipients include Adult Player of the Year Karen Ota-O’Brien (Coconut Creek, Fla.), Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Caroline Harvey (Salem, N.H.), Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Cole Knuble (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Jacob Fowler (Melbourne, Fla.).

In addition, Brian Fishman Fellow Michael Reedy (West Dundee, Ill.) and Brendan Burke Intern Kevin Braeunle (Lansdale, Pa.) were also recognized.

Knight Named 2023 IIHF Female Player of the Year

ZURICH, Switzerland – U.S. Women’s National Team forward Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) was named 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation Female Player of the Year the IIHF announced today.

The award, which is in its inaugural season, honors the top female hockey player who best exemplified skill, determination, team success, and sporting character on and off the ice during the preceding season. To be eligible, a player must have competed in at least one IIHF tournament at any level during the year, as well as in a domestic league of the highest caliber for that country.

Knight represented the U.S. at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, recording a tournament-leading eight goals. Three of her goals came in the

gold-medal game at the championship, a 6-3 victory over Canada, including the game-winning goal late in the third period. Knight, the U.S. captain, finished the tournament with 12 points (8G, 4A) and now has 101 Women’s World Championship points in her career.

The Sun Valley, Idaho, native has competed in 13 IIHF Women’s World Championships, winning a medal in all of them. She has won nine WWC golds, tied for most in IIHF history. In addition, Knight played in the PWHPA for Team Sonnet, recording 10 points in 18 games.

U.S. defender Caroline Harvey (Salem, N.H.) was a finalist for the award and came in second in the voting.

Hilary Knight Team USA

Alex Gullingsruide in action during a game. Gullingsruide is a Red Lake Falls, MN native and was named USA Hockey’s Disabled Athlete of the Year.

Gopher star Logan Cooley was the recipient of the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year.

Luke Strand Named Head Coach of 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team

Goehring, Mullin, Oliver tabbed assistant coaches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –Luke Strand (Eau Claire, Wis.), who is set to start his first season as head men’s ice hockey coach at Minnesota State University this fall, will serve as head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that will compete in the upcoming 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, it was announced today by USA Hockey.

The tournament is set for August 1-6 in Břeclav, Czechia, and Piešťany, Slovakia.

Strand will be joined by assistant coaches Karl Goehring (Apple Valley, Minn.), Jimmy Mullin (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Nick Oliver (Wannaska, Minn.).

ABOUT STRAND

Strand will serve as head coach of the Under-18 Men’s Select Team for the first time, having previously worked as an assistant coach for the U.S. Junior Select Team that won the 2010 World Junior A Challenge.

Strand, who boasts 20 years of coaching experience, wrapped the 202223 season as an assistant men’s ice hockey coach at Ohio State University where he orchestrated the program’s

top-ranked penalty kill unit (.887) and helped the Buckeyes to a 21-16-3 record, a third-place finish in the Big Ten Conference and a berth in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

Prior to his time in Columbus, Strand served as head coach and director of hockey operations for the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers for five seasons (201722), guiding the team to the Clark Cup title in 2022 behind a 41-16-4-1 (W-LOTL-SOL) record. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin, native also coached the Musketeers to playoff berths in 2019 and 2021. Before his time at the helm in Sioux City, Strand spent one year as a scout for the NHL’s Calgary Flames (2016-17) and had stops in the AHL, NCAA and USHL between 2003-16

ABOUT GOEHRING

Goehring, who is set to begin his fifth season as an assistant coach for the University of North Dakota men’s ice hockey program this fall, is making his international coaching debut as an assistant coach of the 2023 Under-18 Men’s Select Team.

In his four seasons behind the bench, Goehring has helped guide the Fighting Hawks to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2021, 2022), three Penrose Cups as NCHC regular-season champions (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22) and one Frozen Faceoff title (2021) as NCHC playoff champions. Prior to his time in Grand Forks, he spent two seasons (2017-19) with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch as the goaltending and video coach after seven campaigns (2010-2017) as a volunteer

goaltending coach for North Dakota. A UND alum, Goehring had an impressive playing career that led him to the NHL’s Nashville Predators and included stops in the AHL and ECHL. Additionally, the Apple Valley, Minnesota, native was in net for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2000 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

ABOUT MULLIN

Mullin, who served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship where the U.S. brought home a silver medal and 2022 Five Nations Tournament where the U.S. finished second, is serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team for the first time.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native, who helped the USA Hockey National Team Development Program’s Under-17 team to the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs, is set to begin his third season as an assistant coach at the NTDP in September. Mullin also had stints as the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets director of player development and advancement, and as director of scouting for the NAHL’s Chippewa Steel.

Mullin played five seasons of college hockey, including four (2011-15) at Miami University (Ohio) and one (2015-16) at Minnesota State University, before going on to play three years (2016-19) professionally with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings. He also played for Team USA at the 2010 World Jr. A Challenge where he led the tournament in goals, including the game-winner in the championship game.

ABOUT OLIVER

Oliver, who helped guide Team

USA to a second-place finish at the 2022 Five Nations Tournament and a thirdplace effort at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge, is serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team for the first time.

Set to begin his first season as an assistant men’s ice hockey coach at the University of Wisconsin this fall, Oliver spent the 2022-23 campaign as head coach of the USHL’s Fargo Force, leading the franchise to its first Anderson Cup as USHL regular-season champions and was named USHL Coach of the Year.

Prior to his time in North Dakota, he spent four years (2018-22) as an assistant men’s ice hockey coach at St. Cloud State University, where he helped the Huskies to their first-ever NCAA national championship game appearance in 2021 and to the Penrose Cup as NCHC regular-season champions in 2018-19. The Wannaska, Minnesota, native played collegiately at St. Cloud State (2011-15) and has served as a USA Hockey National Player Development Camp coach on multiple occasions.

ADDITIONAL TEAM STAFF

USA Hockey has also announced additional staff in support of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team, including general manager Marc Boxer (Colorado Springs, Colo.); equipment managers Ross Chicantek (Portage, Mich.) and Andrew Zagorianakos (Providence County, R.I.); athletic trainer Jacqui Gutierrez (Charleston, S.C.); team physician Dr. Anthony Abene (Los Gatos, Calif.); team leader Parker Metz (Fargo, N.D.) and player personnel Tony Gasparini (Lakeville, Minn.) and Troy Ward (North Saint Paul, Minn.).

THREE RULES AND TOTAL INSANITY

by MARK LICHTENFELD Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

There’s something about amateur hockey that often brings out the worst in anybody. This includes coaches, scorekeepers and yup, USA Hockey.

Let’s start with the governing body. USA Hockey publishes a weekly educational piece online called Ask the Official. As many of you readers know, it poses allegedly submitted questions, and then USA Hockey provides answers, or more accurately, dances around the issue without giving a definitive ruling – something Officially Speaking would never do.

Here’s this week’s question and answer, copied and pasted directly from USA Hockey:

QUESTION: In a youth game a player is assessed the following penalties: a major for slashing, a minor for roughing and a minor for unsportsmanlike behavior, a total of nine minutes. The penalties were all called at the early part of a 12-minute period. How many players are placed in the penalty box?

ANSWER: If one player is assessed nine minutes in penalties (all minors or majors) all at one time, the offending player enters the penalty bench, nine minutes are added to the penalty clock and the teams play 5 v. 4 for the next nine minutes (assuming no other penalties are assessed or goals are scored during the next nine minutes).

Wow! Are you kidding us, USA Hockey? You just changed the rule two years ago to provide that a major penalty for slashing is an automatic game misconduct! So how do you come off confusing everyone that does not read Let’s Play Hockey’s Officially Speaking column by suggesting that the offending player receiving a slash-

ing major, plus two minors “enters the penalty bench?” Unreal.

Next, let’s talk pee wee house coaches. As a favor to the local organization, OS recently officiated a pee-wee house contest. In the second period, a player stick handles the puck right back into his own defensive zone while an opponent is clearly inside the blue line. Naturally, the house leaguer loses possession and the opponent retrieves the puck and scores. The coach then starts screaming it was offside. Okay, so this is a pee wee house coach, which is actually below a low-level JV coach, meaning OS will cut him some slack for being ignorant.

But when the guy continues screaming after I explain again that the player intentionally stick handled the puck into his defensive zone which nullifies offside, I know this is going to be good.

“It’s not delayed offside!” he screams in my ear.

“Doesn’t matter,” I yell back.

“Yeah, well I’m a referee,” he retorts, to the senior official in Nevada, a 33-year veteran.

“If you’re actually a referee,” I tell him, “Then I’m calling the association after the game and having you de-listed.”

Which is exactly what I did. Problem was, the president of the association advised OS that this ref/pee wee house coach skated about 3 games in September and then quit after one month.

Only in amateur hockey.

And finally, the scorekeeper. Look, when OS is standing at center ice with the puck in hand and all teams in position for the opening face-off and it’s three minutes after scheduled ice slot time and it’s a holiday weekend tournament which means the games must start early or on time at worst, you do not ever do what this scorekeeper did.

She started the warm up clock at game time, even though the teams were already on the ice early and had

just about finished warming up when the scorekeeper came to the box with her food.

And even though there was 1:20 on the warm up clock as OS was about to drop the puck at center, she refused to set the clock down and put the 14:00 period time on the board. Which means two refs, two teams and 100 spectators and were at the mercy of this rogue scorekeeper.

OS would have none of it. I skated over to the end boards, pounded on the glass, got the attention of the tournament director and told him I’m not starting the game until the scorekeeper is booted out of here, reminding him of the following rule found in the USA Hockey glossary:

Off-Ice Officials are those appointed to assist in the conduct of the game and may include the Official Scorer, Game Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper and the two Goal Judges. The Referee has general supervision of the game and full control of the game officials. In the case of any dispute the Referee’s decision shall be final.

When the tournament director pleaded with OS that there were no other persons to run the clock, OS responded with the usual diplomacy.

“Then tell the scorekeeper to apologize to me,” I demanded.

And with a bit of encouragement from the tournament director, that is exactly what happened.

Like I said. Only in amateur hockey

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

Luke StrandMinnesota State University head coach

Officially Speaking by Mark Lichtenfeld

Darwitz, Bobrowski to lead Hill-Murray girls program

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Natalie Darwitz, perhaps the state’s most celebrated female hockey player, is still making headlines.

On June 6 it was announced Darwitz was leaving the University of Minnesota Gopher Women’s program after two years serving as an associate head coach with Brad Frost. It took only a couple days for Darwtiz’s name to resurface when it was announced that she and Jake Bobrowski were taking over the Hill-Murray girls’ program.

Darwitz and Bobrowski have a history together with both coaching at Hamline University where Darwitz served as the head coach for six years. Bobrowski also served as an assistant girls hockey coach at Hill-Murray from 2011-2015. Both have also coached at the University of Minnesota.

Darwitz said she is excited to come full circle and be embedded in the high school hockey community again. She got her coaching career started as an assistant coach for her father, Scott, at Eagan High School. She went on to coach at Lakeville South for four years before joining the college ranks at Hamline where she turned the fledgling program into a perennial contender.

“I love the college level,” she said. “To me, it’s the highest level of womens hockey. But I also have a huge spot in my heart for high school hockey. High school hockey means so much in this state and to be immersed in that culture again is very exciting.”

Hill-Murray Activities Director John Pohl said Darwitz was at the top of his list when filling the vacant position. He said Darwitz and Bobrowski coming back to the high school ranks serves high school sports and high school hockey well.

“It’s great for Hill-Murray and I think it’s great for high school sports,” he said. “To have people of their quality who can coach at the highest levels to want to coach high school sports says something.”

Pohl said he hopes to see more highly qualified coaches coach at the high school level. For both Darwitz and Bobrowski, the decision wasn’t just about hockey, but about family.

Darwitz has two young sons, both involved in hockey and other activities and Bobrowski is a father of eight children, the youngest aged 8.

“This opportunity spoke to me and where I am at in my life,” said Darwitz, 39. “Having two young ones at home, it’s giving me a better schedule. This is a good fit for my family.”

Bobrowski spent much of the past year coaching at Elmira College away from his family. Returning to high school will also allow him to spend more time at home.

“This is an opportunity to get back home,” Bobrowski said. “(Coaching college) was a grind with a lot of travel, and even when you’re not working you’re still working.”

Darwitz said coaching high school athletes is a bit different from coaching college players, but she has experience doing both. She was 7925-10 in four years as head coach at Lakeville South and led Hamline all the way to the Division III National Championship game.

“In college you are dealing with an age range where they are in the

real world and really maturing,” she said. “You can have more in depth conversations. Going back to high school you are coaching seventh and eighth graders as well as upperclassmen. It’s a great age where kids can be molded and guided. They are sponges, not only on the ice but off the ice.”

Darwitz said she plans to use the same philosophy she has at every level of her coaching career, building a strong foundation of trust and making it an enjoyable experience for those involved.

“If you look at our track record, we’re builders,” Darwitz said of her and Bobrowski. “We are about development. We are about building things. It’s about building relationships with the players, making it fun and challenging for them.”

Darwitz said her and Bobrowski are committed to the overall student-athlete and look beyond the ice in terms of development.

“We are going to have fun on the ice and we are going to create principles that not only help in hockey but help in the real world,” she said.

Bobrowski echoes Darwtiz’s comments.

“Players want to know they can trust you,” he said. “If they know we care about them more than as just hockey players, that will translate into success on the ice. They want to play, be heard, want to learn and they want to get better.”

Darwitz and Bobrowski recently had a meet and greet with players and families and are excited to get on the ice with them in the coming days. Their goal is to provide a positive and fun culture where the students can grow as players and as people.

“We don’t make hires based on who can win championships,” said Pohl. “We hire coaches who can give our students the best experience they can. Students want to be treated well and have a positive experience and I have no doubt that Natalie and Jake will give our kids a great experience and develop them as hockey players and as people.”

Darwitz and Bobrowski are excited to get to work. The past two seasons the team has lost in the section final to Gentry Academy. Gentry Academy went on to win the Class AA state championship last season.

“It won’t happen overnight,” said Darwitz. “We’re a young team. Are we going to have fun?” Absolutely. Are we going to improve? Absolutely. Can we make Hill-Murray a top team in the state every single season? That is our goal.”

Natalie Darwitz has coached high school hockey before, having served as an assistant at her alma mater Eagan and as head coach at Lakeville South where she went 79-2510 in four seasons.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ATHLETICS

Jake Bobrowski will be in his second stint for the Pioneer girls program having served as an assistant from 2011-2015 where he was part of back to back state titles in 2014 and 2015. He most recently coached at Elmira College.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ATHLETICS

Let’s Play Hockey Publisher Are we going to have fun?” Absolutely. Are we going to improve? Absolutely. Can we make Hill-Murray a top team in the state every single season? That is our goal.”

- Natalie Darwitz Hill-Murray Girls Co-Head Coach

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

Oklahoma Warriors win first-ever Robertson Cup

The Oklahoma Warriors claimed first ever NAHL Robertson Cup National Championship as they scored a power play goal late in the 3rd period to defeat the Austin Bruins in front of a sold-out crowd at Fogerty Arena on Tuesday night by a score of 4-3.

The Bruins got off to a fast start, energized by the largely partisan crowd, as Isaak Brassard got the Central champs on the board first as he scored on a rebound on his own breakaway to make it a 1-0 contest just 7:31 into the game. The Warriors would have an answer four minutes later as forward Rylan Brady scored his first goal of the Robertson Cup Playoff as he one-timed a shot from the mid slot after a pass from behind the net to make it 1-1, which is how the period would end.

The 2nd period saw the Warriors take their first lead of the night as just about five minutes into the game Brendan Williams got a nice pass on a 3-on-2 rush and buried a shot past Bruins goal Trent Wiemken for a 2-1 lead. Five minutes later, the Warriors went up 3-1 as a 2-on-1 rush saw Brady feed a nice dish over to Blaise Miller, who one-timed a blast in the upper corner past an outstretched Wiemken for his first goal of the Robertson Cup Playoffs. The Bruins would turn the tide later in the period as they cut the Warriors lead down to 3-2 thanks to a power play goal from Josh

Giuliani, who pounced on a rebound for his 4th goal of the post-season. With less than a minute remaining in the 2nd period, the Bruins tied the game at 3-3 as Walter Zacher was left open in the slot and first a shot past Warriors goalie Daniel Duris for his 9th goal of the Playoffs and third goal of the Robertson Cup Championship.

In the 3rd period, neither team was willing to give an inch until late in the contest when Oklahoma took advantage of a power play as defenseman Garrett Horsager rocketed a slap shot from the point that found the net for a 4-3 lead. With under two minutes remaining in the game, Austin had a power play and pulled Wiemken for a 6-on-4 advantage, but Duris and the Warriors stood tall with several saves and blocked shots as time run out and the Warriors claimed their first ever Robertson Cup Championship. Duris stopped 34 of 37 shots in the win, while Wiemken stopped 19 of 23 shots.

The Robertson Cup is awarded to the national playoff champion of the North American Hockey League. The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. This marks the 48th season the NAHL has awarded the cup.

2023 NAHL Robertson Cup All-Tournament Team

Forward and MVP: Brendan Williams, Oklahoma Warriors

Forward: Walter Zacher, Austin Bruins

Forward: William Lawson-Body, Oklahoma Warriors

Defense: Jack Malinski, Austin Bruins

Defense: Owen Baumgartner, Oklahoma Warriors

Goaltender: Daniel Duris, Oklahoma Warriors

Robertson Cup MVP Brendan Williams (left) with NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld (right).

Owen Dyer locking up a Austin Bruin forward

Joey Delgreco (left) earned ROY and MVP Honors. Delgreco is a native of Grand Rapids MN.

Hunter Jones, a Andover native looks past a defender, waiting to find a good shot on net. PHOTOS CREDIT: CHRISTINE WISCH and GREG NAYMAN

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

THE LEAGUE OF OPPORTUNITY

Wilderness forward Marx Noren commits to Northern Michigan

After dazzling fans with his offensive skills this past season, the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that Top Prospects forward Kevin Marx Norén has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey with Northern Michigan University of the CCHA. He’ll be suiting up as a Wildcat beginning this Fall for the 2023-24 season.

“I am grateful to announce my commitment to play Division 1 Hockey at University of Northern Michigan. I would like to give a special thanks to my Family, Coaches, Friends and Everyone who supported me along the way. Be patient, everything comes to you at the right moment,” stated Marx Noren.

After being acquired from Fairbanks on September 15, 2022 during the NAHL Showcase, the 6’1/190 lbs. forward from Knivsta, Sweden, made an immediate and dramatic contribution to the Wilderness lineup in his first game. Marx Norén posted four goals in a 7-3 victory over the Northeast Generals, which set a new team single game record—and that would just be the beginning of his re-writing of the Wilderness record book.

He then went on to set new Wilderness marks in single-season goals with 33, and power play tallies with 14. He finished the regular campaign tied for the NAHL lead in goals with 34. Furthermore, his team-high 26 assists allowed him to finish the season with 60 points.

For his efforts, Marx Norén, 20, was named to the All-NAHL 2nd Team, and to the All Midwest Division Team. He also represented the Midwest Division

in the 2023 Top Prospects Tournament last February.

“We are really excited for Kevin,” said general manager David Boitz. “He is totally committed to being the best player he can be. His hard work, preparation and commitment will make him a very good college player. Northern Michigan is getting an outstanding young man and a terrific player.”

Marx Norén also led Minnesota in playoff goals with five over nine games, and his 10 post-season points tied for the team lead.

Marx Norén played a total of two seasons in the NAHL. He spent the 2021-22 campaign with three teams – the Jamestown Rebels, Kenai River Brown Bears and Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Throughout the course of his NAHL career, Marx Norén played 116 games, piling up 56 goals and 49 assists for 106 points.

St. Cloud forward Wandmacher commits to St. John’s University

The St. Cloud Norsemen of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Jack Wandmacher has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for St. John’s University.

Wandmacher, 20, immediately talks about the coaches as the primary reason he wants to be a Johnny. “The coaching staff and the campus,” answers Wandmacher when asked about why he chose St. John’s. “Through the whole process the coaches were fantastic and when I went on a tour of the campus I loved it.”

In a two-year career in the NAHL, the 5’10/175 lbs. native of St. Louis Park, MN, had 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) in 112 games and through an odd quirk of the system, he played 61 NAHL games this season as he played 32 for Corpus Christi then when traded the Norsemen still had 29 games left and dressed in all of them. That means he played 61 regular season games when the season is only 60 games long for each team. Jack also dressed in all 7 postseason games so he had perfect attendance throughout the regular and postseason.

“Wandy came to our team mid-season and worked his butt off. He was a great teammate and did everything he could to help the team win,” St. Cloud Norsemen Assistant Coach Brock Kautz compliments. “St. John’s is getting a great kid with an unbelievable work ethic.”

Marx Noren, a University of Northern Michigan commit, set the Minnesota Wilderness record in goals with 33.

Austin defenseman Gilman makes NCAA commitment

The Austin Bruins, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to share that Top Prospects Defensemen Bryan Gilman has announced his commitment to continue his education and play NCAA Division III hockey at St. Norbert College.

“I’m excited to announce my commitment to St. Norbert College,” stated Gilman. “Thanks to my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who helped along the way!”

A 5’11/190 lbs. native of Orange, California, Gilman appeared in 64 career games in his first and only season in Austin while helping the Bruins reach the Robertson Cup Final for the first time since the 2015 season.

In those games, Gilman totaled 1 goal and 7 assists for 8 points. Prior to joining the Bruins, Gilman was a member of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks program and spent a season with the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the SJHL.

St. Norbert College (SNC) is a private liberal arts college in De Pere, Wisconsin, a suburb of Green Bay. The Green Knights compete at the NCAA Division 3 level and are members of the NCHA (Northern Collegiate Hockey Association). St. Norbert won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2018 beating Salve Regina in double-overtime in Lake Placid, New York.

Wandmacher was thrilled to become a St. Cloud Norseman when he was traded this season because he joined a team in a playoff push and was much closer to home as he hails from St. Louis

Park, MN. St. John’s is located in Collegeville, MN and it’s just 20 minutes from St. Cloud, so Jack was happy that once again he’ll be close to home. “After playing in Texas for a bit and not seeing family it’s always nice to be close to home so I can see my parents and family often,” admits Wandmacher.

Wandmacher played four seasons for St. Louis Park High School and put up 46-46-113 in 85 regular season games for the Orioles. And with St. John’s playing their home games at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Wandmacher has also deduced that he’ll get an opportunity to come back to the MAC and watch his old team and some former teammates next season. “Yeah, I’m pumped I’ll have an opportunity to see the guys again and watch them play,” Wandmacher boasts. St. John’s hockey competes in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference or the MIAC and in 2022-23 the Johnnies finished 9-5-2 in conference play and 13-10-3 overall.

Windigo’s Begley makes commitment to Gophers

The Wisconsin Windigo of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Axel Begley has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota in the B1G.

Begley, 19, led all Windigo defensemen in points during the 2022-23 regular season with 9 goals and 28 assists for 37 points. He was also the team’s +/leader at +33. The 6’2/200 lbs. native of Mahtomedi, MN, competed in 7 Robertson Cup Playoff games for the Windigo, registering 2 assists.

He was named the Midwest Division Star of the Week for April 3-9, 2023, where he put up three assists in two games.

“I am proud and honored to receive a commitment to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota. I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have all helped and supported me throughout my life and development as a student/athlete. It was a dream of mine to play hockey for the Gophers,” stated Begley.

During Begley’s rookie season in the NAHL in 2021-22, he appeared in 28 regular season games for the Minnesota Magicians and recorded four points. During that same season, he also played high school hockey in Minnesota for Hill-Murray where he served as team captain his senior season.

“I’m thrilled for Axel to have the opportunity to continue his development as a player and student at Minnesota. Axel was a tremendous asset for us throughout the past season. It’s great to see his

efforts get rewarded with an invitation to join such a prestigious college hockey program. He will be missed, but we wish him the best throughout the next phase of his career,” said Windigo head coach Blake Hietala.

Austin Bruins player Bryan Gilman, an Orange, California native made a college committment to St. Norbert.

Axel Begley was a standout at Hill-Murray and will be a Minnesota Gopher.

Jack Wandmacher is a St. Louis Park native.

North Iowa defenseman Toll to play at UMD

The North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Jacob Toll has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, a member of the NCHC conference.

“I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to continue my academics as well as play Division 1 hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth! I would like to thank my family, coaches, friends and everybody who has supported me along the way. Excited for what the future holds,” stated Toll.

Colten St. Clair named new Wilderness Head Coach

It did not take long for the Minnesota Wilderness to fill its coaching vacancy.

The NAHL franchise today announced Colten St. Clair as the sixth head coach in team history. His hiring comes just one week after Brett Skinner departed to lead the coaching staff of the Fargo Force of the USHL.

The 30-year-old St. Clair has spent the last two seasons as associate head coach of the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers. In his first season with Sioux City, he helped guide the team to a Clark Cup championship. Before the start of the 2022-23 campaign, the role of assistant general manager was added to his duties.

“I’m really excited,” St. Clair said. “Mr. (Barry) Bohman (Wilderness owner) and Mr. (David) Boitz (Wilderness general manager) gave me the chance to learn and grow to carry on the tradition and bring another championship to the Wilderness.”

Prior to joining the Musketeers staff, St. Clair spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, one season as a volunteer assistant with the University of Maine and was introduced to the coaching ranks with the Phoenix Knights of the WSHL. In Phoenix, he started as an assistant coach and skills instructor in 2016-17, before being promoted to head coach the following season. In his first campaign as a bench boss, St. Clair took a team that won 5 games the year before to 28 wins in 2017-18. That turnaround, when he was only 25-years old, made history, as it earned him the distinction of being the youngest coach ever to win the WSHL’s coach of the year award.

“Colten is an outstanding young coach,” said Boitz. “We are extremely excited to bring him in to be our next head coach. Based on his passion for the game, commitment, and organization, we felt that Colten was by far our first choice among a very talented group of applicants.”

St. Clair, a Gilbert, AZ, native, spent almost his entire adult playing career in North Dakota. His Jr. A tenure was spent in Fargo where he played three seasons with the Force. He then went north to the University of North Dakota where he played five seasons of

NCAA hockey, which included helping the Fighting Hawks win a national title in 2016. St. Clair was an alternate captain on that championship squad.

St. Clair also had a short professional career—six games in 2016-17 with the Arizona Outlaws of the Mountain West Hockey League.

St. Clair’s resumé shows some similarities to Skinner’s, as both won NCAA championships in their playing careers (Skinner with Denver in ‘04 and ‘05) and both were on the coaching staff of Clark Cup winners (Skinner with Sioux Falls in 2019).

St. Clair said he spoke with Skinner over the last few days and the former Wilderness coach encouraged him to pursue his old job.

“I respect him a lot,” said St. Clair. “I talked to him for about 45 minutes about his experience with the Wilderness, and he’s been nothing but a great help.”

One possible reason for St. Clair’s early success in his coaching career could be the influence of those that coached him in his playing career. Those mentors include United State Hockey Hall of Famer Dean Blais, who was head coach/GM of Fargo in St. Clair’s first season of Jr. hockey. Blais is best known for his 18 seasons as a head coach in the NCAA, where he won two national championships with North Dakota.

While in Fargo, St. Clair also played under Jason Herter, who is currently the associate head coach at Western Michigan University and is a former assistant/ associate head coach at Minnesota-Duluth, where he helped guide the Bulldogs to two NCAA titles.

At North Dakota, St. Clair’s coaches included Dave Hakstol, who is now behind the bench of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, and current Fighting Hawks head coach Brad Berry.

St. Clair’s priority now is to get better acquainted with the Wilderness staff, including assistant coach Patrick Munson, getting to know the players tendered for next season and prepare for the NAHL draft, set for June 14th.

He and his girlfriend, Sydney Raboin, plan to find a residence in the Cloquet area by early August.

Toll, 18, made an immediate impact after he joined the Bulls in early March. The 6’3/160 lbs. native of Rosemount, MN, put up 8 points (1 goal, 7 assists) in 13 regular season games during the 2022-23 season.

“Jake adds the element of an offensive minded defenseman that defends reliably and responsibly. His defending and how efficient he plays makes him a player that will be a great fit at UMD. The fact that he has a high ability level and is nowhere near his ceiling, I expect him to play profession-

ally in the future,” said former Bulls head coach Todd Sanden, Toll joined the Bulls after his third season of playing high school hockey for Rosemount High in Minnesota, where he posted 31 points this past season.

St. Cloud forward Hanson commits to St. Scholastica

The St. Cloud Norsemen of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that forward Hunter Hanson has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the College of St. Scholastica.

“I think they’re an up and coming program that has a lot of potential to be very good next year,” Hanson said. St. Scholastica’s 13-1-2 conference record was the best record in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 2022-23 as they are 17-7-3 overall. “The coaching staff was very helpful and kind so I think it’ll be a good fit next year.”

Hanson wrapped up a three-year NAHL career this spring, all while wearing the St. Cloud Norsemen sweater. In his three seasons with the Norsemen he finished his NAHL career with a stat line of 26-36-62 in 154 regular season games played and 8 points in 15 Robertson Cup playoff contests.

During the 2022-23 season, Hanson recorded 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 59 games played.

Hanson’s contributions to the team were more than just on the scoresheet, as he logged a lot of minutes on special teams. “Hunter Hanson is an elite skater with a good sense for the game of hockey. He was huge in the success of our penalty kill,” compliments St. Cloud Norsmen Assistant Coach Brock Kautz. The Norsemen penalty kill percentage was 2nd of the 29 NAHL teams during the 2022-23 regular season, killing off 87.5% of opponents’ power play chances, just a tenth of a point behind the Oklahoma Warrior’s 87.6%. “He also logged minutes on our power play.”

Hunter hails from Blaine, MN and played for the Blaine High School Bengals. Hanson blossomed late in his high school career as in his sophomore and junior seasons he scored 2-6-8 in 48 regular season games and was pointless in his lone

playoff game in 10th grade. But he burst out for three goals in five playoff games his junior year and then racked up the points his senior season, going 16-17-33 in 28 games with the regular and postseason combined.

Hanson admits that geography and having a few other ties to the Duluth area, where St. Scholastica is located, factored into his decision. “Actually a lot of my childhood friends go to school up north in Duluth. One of my good friends I played hockey with most of my life in Blaine plays at Scholastica too so those were both very persuasive as far as selecting this program,” Hanson admits. “It’s a little far from home but I wanted a change of scenery.”

Outside of the numbers and skillset, Hunter is bringing even more to his next program and Coach Kautz is convinced St. Scholastica is getting the better end of the deal. “I think the best part about Hunter is he is an outstanding person and a great teammate,” boasts Kautz. “St. Scholastica is lucky to have him and his family a part of their program.”

While hockey is certainly a huge factor for Hunter, he certainly is thinking about his studies as well and feels the college is just as good of a fit as the hockey program is. “I really liked the campus and the facilities, they both caught my eye right away,” Hanson confides. “As far as a career, Scholastica has great science programs and a good PA program, which I may try and pursue. Hard to say right now, but definitely something in the sciences.”

The College of St. Scholastica Saints Men’s Hockey Team competes in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference or MIAC and their history includes two National Championships with the National Association of International Athletics in 1975 and 1977 (NAIA).

Jacob Toll scored 31 points in his final season with Rosemount.

Drafted from the State of Hockey

37 Minnesota natives selcted in the 2023 NAHL Draft

Round one selections

Pick #7: Haden Kruse

Hometown: Nisswa, MN

Drafted by: Janesville

Position: Centre

Shoots: Left

Born: 2003-03-25

Height: 6.00

Weight:171

Pick #8: Nick Mikan

Hometown: Edina,. MN

Drafted by: Springfield

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-03-31

Height: 6.04

Weight:210

Pick #17: Drew Belleson

Hometown: Champlin, MN

Drafted by: St. Cloud

Position: Right Defence

Shoots: Right

Born: 2005-04-02

Height: 6.01

Weight:185

Pick #20: Landon Stringfellow

Hometown: Andover, MN

Drafted by: Chippewa

Position: Left Defense

Shoots: Left

Born: 2006-05-10

Height: 5.10.25

Weight:189

Pick #25: Tommy Cronin

Hometown: Edina, MN

Drafted by Bismarck

Position: Forward Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-09-10

Height: 5.10

Weight: 176

Position: Forward

Shoots: Right

Born: 2003-01-15

Height: 5.11

Weight: 180

Pick #42: Ethan Lindahl

Hometown: Andover, MN

Drafted by: North Iowa

Position: Forward

Shoots: Left

Born: 2003-02-11

Height: 5.09

Weight: 165

Pick #45: Ryan Manzella

Hometown: Eagan, MN

Drafted by: St. Cloud

Position: Goalie Catches: Left

Born: 2004-03-17

Height: 5.11

Weight: 165

Pick #46: Nicholas Hatton

Hometown: Bloomington, MN

Drafted by: Chippewa

Position: Left Defense

Shoots: Left

Born: 2003-11-10

Height: 5.10

Weight: 165

Pick #63: Ben Tauscher

Hometown: Woodbury, MN

Drafted by: Maryland

Position: Forward

Shoots:Right

Born:2006-05-07

Height: 6.01

Round three selections

Pick #69: Brady Ingebritson

Hometown: Woodbury, MN

Drafted by: Springfield

Position: Forward Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-11-29

Height: 6.01

Weight: 170

Pick #79: Luke McCarthy

Hometown: Cottage Grove, MN

Drafted by: Bismarck

Position: Forward Shoots: Left

Born: 2004-02-14

Height: 5.09

Weight:160

Pick #83: Jace/JP Johnson

Hometown: Albertville, MN

Drafted by: Aberdeen

Position: Forward

Born: 2003-09-07

Height: 5.09

Weight: 150

Round Four selections

Pick #106: Johnny Conlin

Hometown: Shoreview, MN

Drafted by: Odessa

Position: Forward Shoots: Left

Born: 2005-12-20

Height: 5.09

Weight:165

Pick #121: Trey Fechko

Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN

Drafted by: Janesville

Position:Right Wing Shoots: Right

Born:2003-10-16

Height: 6.00

Weight: 190

Pick #125: Andrew Reyelts

Hometown: Proctor, MN

Drafted by: Kenai River

Position: Goalie Catches: Left

Born: 2006-03-20

Height:6.02

Weight:185

Round five selections

Pick #135: Marcus Fechko

Hometown: Edina, MN

Drafted by: Janesville

Position:Forward Shoots: Right

Born: 2005-09-15

Height: 5.09

Weight: 145

Pick #136: Blake Markwell

Hometown: Chaska, MN

Drafted by: Anchorage

Position: Right Defense Shoots: Right

Born:2004-12-04

Height: 6.02

Weight: 180

Pick #141: Hayden DeMars

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MN

Drafted by: Odessa

Position: Centre Shoots: Right

Born:2003-07-03

Height: 6.02

Weight: 201

Pick #148: Sam Ranallo

Hometown: Rogers, MN

Drafted by: Chippewa

Position: Forward

Shoots: Left

Born: 2004-11-17

Height: 5.11

Weight: 155

Pick #149: Finnigan Greeley

Round seven selections

Pick #193: Ty Broten

Hometown: Chaska, MN

Drafted by: Colorado

Position: Forward

Shoots: Left

Born: 2004-09-21

Height: 5.11

Weight: 160

Pick #195: Luke Steffen

Hometown: Blaine, MN

Drafted by: New Hampshire

Position: Forward Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-10-20

Height: 5.11

Pick #206: Drew Nelson

Hometown: Duluth, MN

Drafted by: Anchorage

Position: Right Defense Shoots: Right

Born: 2006-01-09

Height: 5.10

Weight: 155

Pick #209: Jack Christ

Hometown: Chanhassen, MN

Drafted by: St. Cloud

Position: Centre

Shoots: Left

Born: 2005-12-22

Height: 5.09

Weight: 170

Pick #214: Alec Waller, MN

Hometown: St. Michael

Drafted by: Maine

Position: Right Defense

Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-04-30

Height: 5.10

Weight:170

Pick #223: Josef Lalli

Hometown: Bemidji, MN

Drafted by: Maryland

Position: Right Defense

Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-02-27

Height: 5.10

Weight: 170

Pick #238: Brock Behrend

Hometown: Luverne, MN

Drafted by: Anchorage

Position: Forward Shoots:Right

Born:2004-12-09

Height: 6.02

Weight: 175

Pick #249: Evan Williams

Hometown: Champlin, MN

Drafted by: MN Wilderness

Tommy Cronin

St.

Pick # 29: Tyler Grahme

Hometown: Bloomington, MN

Drafted by: Wisconsin

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

Born:2004-07-11

Height: 5.11

Weight: 175

Round two selections

Pick #39: Nick Sajevic

Hometown: Shoreview, MN

Drafted by: Janesville

Pick #88: Caden Lee

Hometown: Chanhassen, MN

Drafted by: Minot

Position: Forward Shoots: Left

Born: 2005-09-30

Height: 6.02

Weight: 190

Pick #94: Isaiah Norlin

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Drafted by: Lone Star

Position: Right Defense Shoots: Right

Born: 2003-04-21

Height: 6.05

Weight: 187

Hometown: Hopkins, MN

Drafted by: Kenai River

Position: Left Defense Shoots: Left

Born: 2004-03-26

Height: 5.09

Weight: 160

Pick #156: Jameson Klein

Hometown: Lakeville, MN

Drafted by: Shreveport

Position:Right Defense

Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-05-13

Height: 5.08.75

Weight: 155

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

Born: 2004-11-02

Height: 5.10

Pick #256: Jordan Newpower

Hometown: Circle Pines, MN

Drafted by: Oklahoma

Position: Forward

Shoots: Left

Born: 2003-06-27

Height: 6.00

Weight: 150

Rounds 10 through 11: Blaise SchuttElk River, MN. Isaac Baker-St. Cloud, MN. Cade Kozak-Isanti, MN.

Haden Kruse of Nisswa was the top Minnesotan chosen with the No. 7 pick by the Janesville Jets.

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Thomas Academy was chosen 25th overall by Bismarck. Photo by: Jeff Lawer

The NHL Draft: Where a career begins

Oliver Moore is this year’s top Minnesota prospect in the NHL Entr y Draft

The speed, the skill, the IQ, and did we mention the speed? These are all things NHL scouts have noticed about Mounds View, Minn. native Oliver Moore. Moore has been mentioned as one of the top NHL Draft prospects in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Moore’s speed is what has really stuck out to team scouts, he is said to be one of the fastest skating centers in a draft that has a deep field of highly skilled centers. The 2023 NHL draft is held in Nashville on June 28-29.

Elite Prospects has Moore ranked No. 8 overall.

The Mounds View native played two seasons for Totino-Grace putting up 73 points in 42 games. Moore decided to forgo his senior season to the National Development Program, with the Under-17 team. Moore didn’t miss a step with his dominant play, scoring 24 goals in his first season with the U.S. National team, cementing him as one of the top prospects in the world.

This past season with the Under-18 U.S. National team has been his best yet, scoring 31-44-75 in just 61 games. This season has shown scouts that Moore’s speed is just part of what makes him so dominant. His shot is one of the best in the nation as well, scoring 31 goals at the top level of Junior hockey shows what he can do with the puck on his stick.

Moore’s draft stock has been on the rise the past couple of months;

“Moore is the second most involved player in offensive transitions in North America behind Connor Bedard. He’s sending almost a quarter of his passes to dangerous areas of the ice, and is among the higher-end shot generators in the class. Put this with his superb skating and edge work, dogged mentality of being hard on pucks defensively, and his puck skill: Moore has risen to the top 10 of our rankings and still could climb higher. I’d like to see him carry the puck into the dangerous areas of the ice in the offensive zone and not just on the rush, but he’s been showcasing his offensive acumen the last few months.” –

Austin Garret, Smaht Scouting

This year’s NHL draft is filled with big names, including, Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Will Smith, and Leo Carlsson, but Oliver Moore has quality’s to make him a NHL star;

“I don’t see a lot to nitpick in either his tools or his approach. More and more his game has shown dimension inside the offensive zone so that he can make things happen shift after shift out of all of his effort plays up and under sticks. He just has a unique ability to impose his will on the game. And while his game is bullish, he’s also got surprising soft skill. I’m not sure he has the star power of the names in front of him here, but he’s got some unique attributes in this class and he’s going to make a heck of an NHL player” – Scott Wheeler, The Athletic.

Here is a look at other Minnesotans ranked by Elite Prospects (www.eliteprospects.com):

Danny Nelson, Maple Grove, LW (University of Notre Dame)

Elite Prospects Rank: 43

Nelson, a tall 6-foot-3 203-pound forward, helped Maple Grove become section champions in the 2021-22 season. After his Sophomore season, Nelson would join the U.S. National U17 team, and play for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Nelson played defense during his earlier years and has transitioned to the wing. His enormous size has benefited him well in the offensive zone. Nelson has committed to play for the University of Notre Dame in the 2024-25 season.

“A former defenseman who has transitioned very nicely to a winger moves well for a big man and has soft

mitts. He is a powerful skater with excellent balance who is tough to move off the puck. He is more of a complementary attacker – a huge horse who eagerly does a lot of dirty work down low and creates more time and space for his highly skilled linemates. He wins plenty of puck battles along the wall and behind the net. He will move out of them with power, moves towards the net, and funnels pucks to the middle.” – Bill Placzek, Lines

Charlie Stramel, Rosemount, C (University of Wisconsin)

Elite Prospects Rank: 47

Stramel, a 6-foot-3 212-pound forward played just a year of high school hockey with Rosemount before entering the U.S. National Development Program. He would play the next season with the U17 and U18 teams before committing to the University of Wisconsin. Stramel finished his first season with the Badgers, posting five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 33 games played. He is a big-sized speedy forward who can play a grinding style while add-

ing skill.

“At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, the American who is a freshman winger at the University of Wisconsin has that rare blend of size, skill, and ability to physically punish. All the tools, in other words, to project as an NHL power forward.” Bob McKenzie – TSN

William Whitelaw, Rosemount, C

(University of Wisconsin)

Elite Prospects Rank: 48

Whitelaw, a 5’9” 172-pound center has been getting the attention of scouts since his youth hockey days in Rosemount. He is a hard-working but skilled forward who is filled with talent. Whitelaw is committed to play for the University of Wisconsin.

“Despite being an undersized forward he plays a very gritty, pest role with a lot of skill. He’s hard on pucks and physical along the boards…He’s at his best when he’s the puck-dominant player on the ice.” – Austin Garret, Smaht Scouting

Beckett Hendrickson, Minnetonka. LW

(University of Minnesota)

Elite Prospects Rank: 58

The six-foot-one 168-pound winger is well-sized for the position and can skate as well as anyone. He is someone who is more of a playmaking forward than a scoring forward, but he is known to chip in on offense. Hendrickson plays a full 200-foot game, playing sound defensively, and uses size to his advantage in the dirty areas on the offensive side. Hendrickson has committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2024-25 season.

Jake Fisher, Cretin-Derham Hall, C (Denver University)

Elite Prospects Rank: 89 Fisher, a 6-2, 190-pound forward led Cretin-Derham Hall to back-to-back state tournaments. He initially commit-

Oliver Moore is a Mounds View, Minn. native who played two seasons at Totino-Grace High School before joining the Team USA NDTP where he has excelled and is projected to be a first-round pick in next week’s NHL Draft.

PHOTO BY DAN HICKLING

Oliver Moore could be a top-10 pick off the board. Oliver Moore played two seasons for Totino-Grace High School.

ted to Northern Michigan, but recently committed to Denver. A strong power forward with good playmaking and scoring skills, Fisher projects to be a potential mid-round selection in this year’s draft. After graduation, he played with the USHL’s Fargo Force.

Jayson Shaugabay, Warroad, C (University of Minnesota-Duluth)

Elite Prospects Rank: 98

The five-foot-nine 168 pound forward was named Mr. Hockey. He is a very intelligent hockey player, which he uses in his playmaking. Shaugabay can score from anywhere while being able to place the puck on anyone’s stick in the area.

“He is an elusive, offensive-driven forward who excels at creating plays for his teammates. He really showed off all the skills elite playmakers have in the NHL in this game. The shiftiness in his skating, his smooth working hands, and the ability to have success making a play on the rush at a high pace.” - Douglas Larson

Gavyn Thoreson, Andover, LW (St. Cloud State University)

Elite Prospects Rank: 105

Thoreson is an absolute buzz saw on the ice. The high-motor forward has tremendous speed and puck skills and destroyed high school competition with 97 points last season.

His game translated well to the USHL where he notched 23 points in 23 games.

According to Elite Prospects, Thoreson is a “brilliant off-puck activator” who pops into soft ice and open seams consistently.

Jimmy Clark, Edina, C (University of Minnesota)

Elite Prospects Rank: 110

Clark is regarded as a tireless worker with a strong skill set that should have him on plenty of draft boards come draft time.

According to Elite Prospects, few prospects show the of playmaking ability Clark possesses.

His development should continue well as he becomes a Gopher. He notched 47 points in 62 games for Green Bay in the USHL.

Chase Cheslock, Rogers, D (St. Thomas University)

Elite Prospects Rank: 117

Chase, standing a big 6-foot-3 205 pounds had a very impressive senior season with Rogers, scoring 4-27-31 in 28 games. Cheslock is a big-bodied defenseman who moves the puck with poise and can help generate offense off the rush. His skating is very good for his large stature, which helps in the transition. Cheslock will be playing for the Omaha Lancers in the USHL in the upcoming season. He has also committed to play for the University of St. Thomas in the 2024-25 season.

Luke Mittelstadt, Eden Prairie, D (University of Minnesota)

Elite Prospect Rank: 119

Mittelstadt stands five-foot-eleven and 174 pounds, which is not very large stature, but what he lacks in size he has in skill and hockey intelligence. This two-way-style defenseman is a great skater who can move the puck well on the breakout and in the offensive zone. Mittelstadt completed his freshmen season with the Gophers scoring 21 points in 38 games.

“Incredibly composed under pressure, Mittelstadt is a good puck-handler with great vision. He’s able to stretch the ice with precise passes and often uses creative fakes to create space for himself and his teammates. He can also contribute offensively; he registered 35 points in just 24 games in his final season at Eden Prairie High. His skating routes are efficient, and his composure is key to his skill set.” - The Hockey Writers

Other Notable players to watch come draft time:

Tanner Ludtke, Lakeville South (University of Nebraska)

Standing six-foot and weighing 185 pounds, the forward is known for his competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He is also a highly skilled player who can be a game-changer who comes out in the biggest moments. Ludtke is committed to playing hockey for the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He has been playing in the USHL during this last season for the Lincoln Stars, putting up 32-34-66 in 57 games played.

Austin Burnevik, Blaine

(St. Cloud State University)

Burnevik is a tall six-foot-three 190-pound forward who uses his size to his advantage to find the back of the net. He is not afraid of getting into the gritty areas, like in front of the net to screen the goalie. Being with the U.S. National Development team for the past couple of seasons, he has seen top competition, so his readiness for professional hockey is ahead of some others. Burnevik is set to play for the Huskies of St. Cloud State University in the 2023-24 season.

Eric Pohlkamp, Brainerd (Bemidji State University)

Pohlkamp, a 5-foot-11 205-pound defenseman was the best player at his position this season in the USHL for the Roughriders. He was named the 2022-23 USHL Defensemen of the Year. He ended the season with 16-35-51 in 59 games played. Pohlkamp is a physical D-man but can step up on offense when needed. He can transition better than most and will add a threat from the point of the power-play. Pohlkamp has committed to play for Bemidji State University in the 202324 season.

Jackson Nevers, Edina (University of Minnesota)

Nevers, a 6-foot 181-pound forward was a leader for the state champion runner-up Edina Hornets. He had an incredible season scoring 20-20-40 in 28 games. He is a strong skating player who can change the game. Nevers shot is something that separates him from others, with his ability to put the puck where he wants it on the net. Nevers will be playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks this season. He has

also committed to play for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Jack Harvey, Stacy (Boston University)

Harvey, a 5-foot-10 165-pound forward is a quick skating skilled winger who can read a play much quicker than most. He has a long powerful straight-line stride that can generate very good speed. Harvey has been playing Junior hockey since 2020, playing in the USHL, and participating in the U.S. National Development program. This past season he put up 40-34-74 in 62 games played with the Chicago Steel in the USHL. Harvey has committed to play for Boston University in the 2023-24 season.

Cooper Conway, Andover (Colorado College)

Conway, a 6-foot 163-pound forward was an elite scorer in his senior season with the Huskies of Andover, scoring 46-41-87 in 31 games played. He is a hard-working and skilled forward who finds the back of the net often. Conway has played for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, where he will be in the 2023-24 season, before taking his talents to Colorado College in 2024.

Cayden Casey, Elk River (St. Lawrence)

Casey, who stands 6-foot-1, 174 pounds is a skilled playmaker who has great speed. He ended his senior season in Andover with 57 assists, to go along with 21 goals in 30 games. Casey was one of the top players in Minnesota this season, and it helped him get a chance to play for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. Casey is committed to playing hockey for St. Lawrence University in the upcoming season.

Ryan Koering, Eden Prairie (Colorado College)

Koering is a big 6-foot-3 185-pound defenseman, who uses that size very well. He is a physical but sound D-man who can move the puck very well. Koering finished his final year with Eden Prairie where he captained the squad for the last two years. He finished his senior season with 6-1016 in 27 games. Koering has committed to play for Colorado College in the 202423 season. He will be with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL this upcoming season.

Teddy Townsend, Eden Prairie (University of Minnesota)

Townsend, the 5-foot-10 165-pound forward was a top scorer and captain with Eden Prairie, scoring 14-25-39 in 27 games this past season. He is a high-tempo forward who has a great shot. He is a very intelligent player who can run a power play for a team. The dynamic forward is going to play for the Waterloo Black Hawks this upcoming season before heading to the University of Minnesota in the 2024-25 season.

Ty Hanson, Hermantown (University of Minnesota-Duluth)

Hanson, a 5’9”, 170-pound defenseman may be smaller than a typical D-Man, but his work ethic and great skating have helped him become a great defenseman. He played in the USHL this past season, for the Sioux City Musketeers, ending the season with 4-21-25 in 54 games. Hanson is a quick and smooth-skating D-man who moves the puck with poise. He is also a very intelligent hockey player who can play with the league’s best. Hanson has committed to playing hockey for the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the upcoming season in 2024.

Maple Grove native Danny Nelson transitioned from playing defense early in his career to a strong winger with good size and lots of upside.

PHOTO CREDIT: BREAKDOWN SPORTS

Calling all hockey players, coaches, and fans

Stay Sonesta!

Prime location in the Twin Cities!

Conveniently located to Hwy 494 and Hwy 212 with easy access to the metro area and close to many arenas: Edina (Braemar Ice Arena and Minnesota Made), Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Hopkins, Minnetonka and just a 15 minute drive to St. Paul.

✓ Spacious and bright guestrooms with refrigerator, and balcony or patio

✓ Starbucks on-site

✓ Indoor swimming pool & spa

✓ 24/7 Fitness Center

✓ Meeting and team space available

✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi

✓ Complimentary parking for group members

✓ Courtyard with firepit & yard games

✓ Breakfast packages available upon request

✓ Complimentary coaches room with 10+ rooms

2023 - 2024 TOURNAME NTS

Nov 17-19, 2023

15UA & Squirt C

Nov 24-26, 2023

Bantam B

Dec 1-3, 2023

Bantam AA

12 teams

Top 4 teams get 5 games

Dec 8-10, 2023

Squirt A

Dec 15-17, 2023

Mite & 8U Jamborees

Entry Fee $275 (half-ice games)

Jan 5-7, 2024

Peewee B1 & B2

Jan 12-14, 2024

12UA & B

Jan 19-21, 2024

10UB

12 teams

Jan 26-28, 2024

Squirt B1 & B2

4 game guarantee. $1,350 and no gate fees. MN hockey sanctioned.

We’ll provide the fun!

What’s included at Cragun’s: Team Hospitality Room (subject to availability)

 Breakfast  Lighted Ice Rink on Gull Lake  Huge Indoor Pool  Sports Centre  Arcade

All invitational tournaments held in Minnesota must first go through a district tournament coordinator before being sent to the Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinator, Tim Sweezo, for final approval. The list below is of Minnesota Hockey tournament coordinators for each district. Please call them if you need information about a certain tournament.

District 1 Tom Mickus (651) 248-3075; District 2 Jake Reinseth (651) 274-9023; District 3 Chad Nicholls (952) 544-0808; District 4 Kris Hohensee (507) 360-6787; District 5 Jeff Carlen (320) 274-3509; District 6 Brad Hewitt (952) 250-6431; District 8 Zac Dockter (612) 735-9703; District 9 Troy Marquardt (507) 384-7386; District 10 Mark Osmondson (612) 747-8308; District 11 Clark Coole (218) 590-0703; District 12 Craig Homula (218) 744-5566; District 15 Cyndi Young (218) 731-5899; District 16, Mark Dragich (218) 791-0229; Senior Women, Nancy Wefler (763) 537-7837.

Tournament entrants from outside Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota: Be informed that Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam teams will likely have some players up to six months older than the USA Hockey age guidelines for those classifications. Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are using a July 1 age cut-off date while USA Hockey is using a January 1 age cut-off date. If you are concerned about this issue, you should contact the tournament director immediately to determine whether or not you should register for the tournament.

May 2023

26-28 Duluth, MN/Superior, WI. Twinports Prospect Showcase Tournament. Girls 16U/19U. Contact Brent Olson at 218-591-4535 or at twinportsfemalehockey.com. Visit www.twinportsfemalehockey.com.

July 2023

21-23 Duluth, MN. 2006/07, 2008, 2009, 2010 (no check), 2011, 2012, 2013/14. Contact Kasey Yoder at kaseyyoder@gmail.com or at 651-432-1840. Register at www.northernexposureaaahockey.com

August 2023

3-6 Southwest Metro, MN. Buck Opener. Girls 10U/12U/14U. Boys Divisions 2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014. Register at https://tourneymachine.com/E118382

October 2023

27-29 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Peewee/Bantam Scrimmage Fest. Bantam AA/Bantam A/ PeeWee AA/PeeWee A. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments November 2023

November 2023

10-12 Bloomington, MN. Winter Classic. B1/Bantam B2/Bantam C. Contact Sven Bjorklund at bahatourneys@ gmail.com. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey.com/ page/show/187000-2023-2024-baha-tournaments.

10-12 St. Paul, MN. Capital Cup. Girls 12U B/Girls 12U/Girls 10U B/Girls 10U. Contact Katie Murphy at spcha.ops@gmail.com. Register at www.stpaulcapitalshockey.com/program/girls-capital-cup/519.

17-19 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey Squirt C. Squirt C. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com .

17-19 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey 15UA Tournament. Girls 15U A. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com.

17-19 Owatonna, MN. Owatonna Peewee C. PeeWee C. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm.director@gmail. com or 651-226-7950. Register at www.owatonnahockey. com.

17-19 Paynesville, MN. Rover Lakes Stars Bantam B2 Tournament. Bantam B2. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

17-19 Richmond, MN. River Lakes Stars Bantam A. Bantam A. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@ gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

24-26 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey Bantam B Tournament. Bantam B. Register at www.brainerdhockey. com.

24-26 Chaska and Victoria, MN. 36th Annual Brick City Classic. PeeWee C/Squirt A/Squirt B1/Squirt B2/Squirt C. Contact Laurie Grund at jlgrund@gmail.com. Register at www.cchockey.org/brick-city-tournament.

24-26 Blaine, MN. MVI Mavericks Super Rink Spectacular Thanksgiving Tournament. Bantam B1/B2/C, Peewee B1/B2/C, Squirt B1/B2/C. Register now at mvihockey. org.

24-26 Chaska and Victoria, MN. 36th Annual Brick City Classic Squirt A/B1/B2/C. Peewee C. Contact Laurie Grund at jlgrund@gmail.com or register at https://www. cchockey.org/brick-city-tournament.

24-26 Edina, MN. 19th Annual Cake Eater Classic. 15UA/15UB/12UA/12UB1/12UB2/10UA/10UB1/10UB2. Email tournaments@edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments

24-26 Minneapolis and Richfield, MN. 49th Annual Minneapolis Cup. Bantam B1/B2/C, Peewee B1/B2/C, Squirt B1/B2/C. Information and registration at www. mplshockey.org.

25-27 Detroit Lakes, MN. Thanksgiving Classic. Bantam B. Contact Brooke at 605-520-4941 or brbohls@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlhockey.sportngin. com/register/form/240897059.

30-3 Anoka, MN. Anoka Classic Girls Tournament. Girls 12U B1/Girls 12U/Girls 10U A/Girls 10U B1/Girls 10U B2/Girls 10U. Contact Cory Schmidt at schmidty41@gmail. com or 651-983-0551. Register at anoka.sportngin.com/ page/show/2757-anoka-classic-tournaments.

December 2023

1-2 Worthington, MN. Worthington Hockey Girls 10U/12U. Girls 12U/Girls 10U. Contact Joe Vosburgh at whatournament@hotmail.com or 507-360-8789. Register at www.worthingtonhockey.com/tournaments .

1-3 Detroit Lakes, MN. Holidangle Classic. Peewee A. Contact Brooke at 605-520-4941 or brbohls@gmail. com. Register at https://www.dlhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/240897059.

1-3 Hutchinson, MN. Battle at Burich. Peewee A/ B2. Contact Tom Larson at 320-260-0065 or hhatournaments@gmail.com. Register online at www.hutchhockey. com.

1-3 New Ulm, MN. Peewee B2. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail. com.

1-3 Bloomington, MN. Winter Warm Up. Girls 15U/ Girls 15U B/Girls 12U A. Contact Sven Bjorklund at bahatourneys@gmail.com or 612-383-3311. Register at www. bloomingtonhockey.com/page/show/187000-2023-2024baha-tournaments .

1-3 Brainerd, MN. Battle for the Axe. Bantam AA. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com .

1-3 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament Series. Girls 12U A/Girls 12U/Girls 10U B/ Girls 10U. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments.

1-3 New Richmond, WI. Joe Swanda Memorial. Squirt B1/Squirt B2. Contact Barry Cunningham at tournaments@nryha.net or 651-283-0072. Register at www. nrhya.net.

1-3 Owatonna, MN. Owatonna Bantam Tournament. Bantam AA/Bantam A/Bantam B. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm.director@gmail.com or 651-226-7950. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

1-3 Paynesville, MN. River Lakes Stars Bantam B1 Tournament. Bantam B1. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

1-3 Proctor, MN. Proctor Girls 15UA. Girls 15U A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com.

1-3 Two Harbors, MN. The Great Lake Skate Peewee B2. PeeWee B2. Contact Jesse Lundgren at thyouthhockey@gmail.com or 218-834-8339. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org.

7-10 New Richmond, WI. Ryan Olson Memorial. PeeWee B1/PeeWee B2. Contact Barry Cunningham at tournaments@nryha.net or 651-283-0072. Register at www.nrhya.net.

8-10 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey Squirt A Tournament. Squirt A. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com .

8-10 Edina, MN. 4th Annual Cornerstone Tournament. Squirt A/B1. Email tournaments@edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassocia-

8-10 Paynesville, MN. River Lakes Stars Squirt C Tournament. Squirt C. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

8-10 Richmond, MN. River Lakes Stars Squirt A Tournament. Squirt A. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

8-10 Two Harbors, MN. The Great Lake Skate. Bantam B2. Contact Jesse Lundgren at thyouthhockey@ gmail.com or 218-834-8339. Register www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org.

8-10 Worthington, MN. Worthington Hockey Squirt Tournament. Squirt. Contact Joe Vosburgh at whatournament@hotmail.com or 507-360-8789. Register at www. worthingtonhockey.com/tournaments.

9-10 Crookston, MN. Girls 12UA/12UB. Contact Jake Solberg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston. mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn.us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

14-17 Bloomington, MN. Peewee Showdown. PeeWee A/PeeWee B1/PeeWee B2. Contact Sven Bjorklund at bahatourneys@gmail.com or 612-383-3311. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey.com/page/show/187000-20232024-baha-tournaments .

15-17 Eveleth, MN. Jr. Gold Frozen Battle. JR Gold. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.rryha.org.

15-17 Fairmont, MN. Girls 10UB/12UB. Contact Luke Ebeling at 507-848-9016 or luke.ebeling@midco.com. More info and registration at https://fairmont.pucksystems2. com.

15-17 Hutchinson, MN. Battle at Burich. Bantam A/ B2. Contact Tom Larson at 320-260-0065 or hhatournaments@gmail.com. Register online at www.hutchhockey. com.

15-17 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Mite and 8U Jamboree. Girls 8U. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com .

15-17 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls Candy Cane Classic. Girls 10U A/Girls 10U. Contact Tom Larson at hhatournaments@gmail.com or 320-260-0065. Register at www.hutchhockey.com.

15-17 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament Series. PeeWee A/PeeWee B. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments.

15-17 New Ulm, MN. New Ulm Squirt A. Squirt A. Contact Erica Newman at nusetournaments@gmail.com or 507-766-5943. Register at newulm.pucksystems2.com/ tournaments.

2023

PeeWee A & B2 Jan. 12-14, 2024

Registration is $1200/team (includes gate fee)

For more information, please contact Kari Houle at LFYHtournaments@gmail.com or 320-282-1434 or visit our site at Littlefallsyha.pucksystems.com/page/ show/51280

SAUK CENTRE/MELROSE YOUTH HOCKEY

15-17 Paynesville, MN. River Lakes Stars Squirt B Tournament. Squirt B. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

15-17 Two Harbors, MN. The Great Lake Skate. PeeWee B1. Contact Jesse Lundgren at thyouthhockey@ gmail.com or 218-834-8339. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org.

15-17 Virginia, MN. Rock Ridge Jr. Gold Frozen Battle. Junior Gold B. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.rryha.org/page/ show/4365485-tournaments-2023-2024.

16-17 Proctor, MN. Proctor Bantam B2 Tournament. Bantam B2. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@ gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com .

16-17 Crookston, MN. Bantam A/B. Contact Jake Solberg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston.mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn. us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

29-31 Eveleth, MN. Battle By The Bridge. Peewee B. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.rryha.org.

27-Jan. 1`Edina, MN. 55th Annual Tradition Invitational Tourna,ment. Bantam AA/A/B1, Peewee AA/A/B1. Email

Blackhawk

Hockey Association

tournaments@edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments

January 2024

4-7 Blaine, MN. MVI Mavericks Super Rink Spectacular New Year’s Eve Tournament. Bantam A/Peewee A/ Squirt A. Register now at mvihockey.org.

05-07 Bloomington, MN. Squirt Shootout. Squirt A/Squirt B2/Squirt C. Contact Sven Bjorklund at bahatourneys@ gmail.com or 612-383-3311. Register at www.bloomingtonhockey.com/page/show/187000-2023-2024-baha-tournaments .

05-07 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey Peewee B1/B2 Tournament. PeeWee B1/PeeWee B2. Register at www. brainerdhockey.com .

05-07 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament Series. Girls 8U. Register at www.hcyha.org/ tournaments.

05-07 Hutchinson, MN. Battle at Burich. Squirt B/ Squirt C. Contact Tom Larson at hhtournaments@gmail. com or 320-260-0065. Register at www.hutchhockey.com.

05-07 Owatonna, MN. Owatonna Peewee Tournament. PeeWee AA/PeeWee A/PeeWee B. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm.director@gmail.com or 651-226-7950. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

2023-2024 Tournament Schedule

Sauk Centre Civic Arena ❘ Sauk Centre, MN

I-94 Challenge

2023-2024 SEASON TOURNAMENT DATES

Bantam B: Dec. 1-3, 2023

(Entry Fee: $1,000 per team)

PeeWee B: Jan. 5-7, 2024

(Entry Fee: $1,000 per team)

Squirt B: Jan. 12-14, 2024

(Entry Fee: $1,000 per team)

Squirt B2/C: Jan. 19-21, 2024

(Entry Fee: $1,000 per team)

Mite Jamboree: Feb. 24, 2024 (No cost to register)

Mighty Mite Jamboree: Feb. 25, 2024 (No cost to register)

For more information, contact: Heidi at 320-260-0316 or heidibeissel@gmail.com

Visit our website at: https://saukcentremelrose.pucksystems.com

We are in the heart of the State of Hockey, 90 minutes from the metro just off Interstate 94 between St. Cloud and Alexandria

2023-24 Tournaments

13TH ANNUAL

DECEMBER

1-3, 2023

NEW HOPE CLASSIC Squirt A

6 to 8 teams • 3 game guarantee • $1300 per team

10TH ANNUAL

JANUARY 12-14, 2024

KNOCKDOWN AT NEW HOPE

U10B1, U10B2, U12B1

BATTLE AT BURICH

11-14 Edina, MN. 47th Annual John E. Reimann Tournament. JR Gold B/JR Gold 16. Email tournaments@ edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments

12-14 Detroit Lakes, MN. 1st Annual Derick Brehm Memorial Tournament. Bantam A. Contact Brooke at 605520-4941 or brbohls@gmail.com. Register at https://www. dlhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/240897059.

12-14 Hutchinson, MN. Tiger Town Showdown. 10UB. Contact Tom Larson at 320-260-0065 or hhatournaments@gmail.com. Register online at www.hutchhockey. com.

12-14 New Ulm, MN. Bantam B2. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail.com.

8-10 South St. Paul, MN. Squirt B2/C. Contact Michael Ahern at sspyha.tournaments@gmail.com.

19-21 Edina, MN. 11th Annual Quinn’s Cup Jamboree. Boys Mite 4, Boys Mite 3, Girls Mite 3. Registration opens in summer. Email tournaments@edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

19-21 New Ulm, MN. Girls 10UB. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail.com.

20-21 Crookston, MN. Girls 10U. Contact Jake Sol-

Feb.

berg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston.mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn. us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

20-21 Crookston, MN. Peewee B. Contact Jake Solberg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston.mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn. us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

20-21 Fairmont, MN. Mini Mites/Nites/8U Girls Jamboree. Contact Luke Ebeling at 507-848-9016 or luke. ebeling@midco.com. More info and registration at https:// fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

25-27 Detroit Lakes, MN. The Lakes Classic. Peewee B. Contact Brooke at 605-520-4941 or brbohls@gmail. com. Register at https://www.dlhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/240897059.

26-28 Eveleth, MN. The Wolverine Classic. Girls 10UB/B1 and 12UB/B1. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.rryha.org.

26-28 Hutchinson, MN. Tiger Town Showdown. 12UB1/12UB2. Contact Tom Larson at 320-260-0065 or hhatournaments@gmail.com. Register online at www. hutchhockey.com.

26-28 New Ulm, MN. Squirt B. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail.com.

Luverne 2023-24 BLAZING BLADES TOURNAMENTS

▶ Bantams A: November 10-12, 2023

▶ PeeWees A/B: November 17-19, 2023

▶ Squirt B: December 15-17, 2023

▶ Squirt A: January 5-7, 2024

▶ Mites/Mini: January 12-14, 2024

▶ 12UB: February 2-4, 2024

Tournament fees are $700 – No Gate Fees

Mite/ Mini-Mite Jamboree $200 – No Gate Fee

AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

2023-24 HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS

All games played at Hodgins-Berardo Arena 200 Curley Ave., Coleraine, MN

Silver Bay Blue Line Club 2023-24

HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS & JAMBOREES

Jamboree – Feb. 9-11, 2024

2nd & 3rd Year Mites • 12 Teams/ 3 games on 1/2 Ice • Registration Fee $150

Jamboree – Darrell Leen Memorial

24-25, 2024 1st & 2nd Year Mites • 12 Teams/ 3 games on 1/2 ice

For more info and to register, visit www.gahamn.org

Register at www.silverbayhockey.com

If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Bryan at 218-226-4214.

Welcome to the AmericInn of Silver Bay, MN.

Large pool & waterslide. Hockey teams welcome!

For reservations, call (218) 226-4300 or (877) 254-1827

Coach or Coordinator: Free (1) hotel room/night at AmericInn if you reserve 8 rooms or more/night.

Jan. 26-28, 2024

Jr. Gold B and 16

• 3 game guarantee

• $1,600 for each level

NO GATE FEES

DETROIT LAKES YOUTH HOCKEY

2023-2024 YOUTH HOCKEY

TOURNAMENTS

Thanksgiving Classic

Nov. 25-27, 2023

Bantam B • $1300

HoliDangle Classic

Dec. 1-3, 2023

PeeWee A • $1300

The Kent Cup Winter Squirt Series

Jan. 5-7, 2023

Squirt A/B/C • $900

1st Annual Derick Brehm Memorial Tournament

Jan. 12-14, 2024

Bantam A • $1300

The Lakes Classic

Jan. 26-28, 2024

PeeWee B • $1300

Polar Fest Freeze Invite

Feb. 2-4, 2024 U12B • $1050

For more info contact B Brooke Bohls at 6 605 520 4941 • b brbohls@gmail.com

https:// www.dlyouthhockey.sportngin. com/register/form/240897059

All games played at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena

2023

America’s No. 1 Hockey Newspaper!

05-07 Proctor, MN. Proctor Peewee B2 Tournament. PeeWee B2. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@ gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com.

05-07 Richmond, MN. River Lakes Stars Peewee A Tournament. PeeWee A. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www.riverlakeshockey.com.

05-07 Richmond, MN. River Lakes Stars Peewee A Tournament. Contact Corey Larson at riverlakestourneys@gmail.com or 651-334-5667. Register at www. riverlakeshockey.com.

05-07 Sioux Falls, SD. Sioux Falls Flyers Challenger Bantam Tournament. Contact Amanda Smith at amanda.smith@sfflyers.com or 605-359-8354. Register at www.sioux falls flyers-tournaments.

05-07 St. Paul, MN. Cormick Memorial Cup. Squirt B/Squirt C. Contact Katie Murphy at spcha.ops@gmail. com . Register at www.stpaulsapitalshockey.com/program/cormick-cup/1259 .

05-07 Worthington, MN. Worthington Hockey Bantam Tournament. Bantam. Contact Joe Vosburgh at whatournament@hotmail.com or 507-360-8789. Register at www.worthingtonhockey.com/tournaments .

5-7 Detroit Lakes, MN. The Kent Cup Winter Squirt Series. Squirt A/B/C. Contact Brooke at 605-5204941 or brbohls@gmail.com. Register at https://www. dlhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/240897059.

5-7 Eveleth, MN. Mini Mite/Mite Jamboree (Half Ice). Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@gmail.com. Register at www.rryha.org.

5-7 Hutchinson, MN. Battle at Burich. Squirt B/C. Contact Tom Larson at 320-260-0065 or hhatournaments@gmail.com. Register online at www.hutchhockey. com.

5-7 Worthington, MN. Bantams. Contact Joe Vosburgh at 507-360-8789 or whatournament@hotmail. com. Register at www.worthingtonhockey.com.

6-7 Crookston, MN. Squirt A/B. Contact Jake Solberg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston. mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn.us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

11-14 Edina, MN. 47th Annual John E. Reimann Tournament. JR Gold B/JR Gold 16. Email tournaments@ edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments

11-14 Anoka, MN. Anoka Classic Peewee Tournament. PeeWee B1/PeeWee B2/PeeWee C. Contact Cory Schmidt at cschmidty41@gmail.com or 651-983-0551. Register at anoka.sportngin.com/page/show/2757-anoka-classic-tournaments .

12-14 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey 12UA/B Tournament. Girls 12U A/Girls 12U B/Girls 12U. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com .

12-14 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament Series. Squirt A/Squirt B. Register at www. hcyha.org/tournaments.

12-14 Hutchinson, MN. Tiger Town Showdown. Girls 10U B/Girls 10U. Contact Tom Larson at hhtournaments@gmail.com or 320-260-0065. Register at www. hutchhockey.com .

12-14 New Ulm, MN. New Ulm Bantam B2. Bantam B2. Contact Erica Newman at nusetournaments@gmail.com or 507-766-5943. Register at newulm. pucksystems2.com/tournaments.

12-14 Proctor, MN. Proctor Peewee A Tournament. PeeWee A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@ gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com .

12-14 Detroit Lakes, MN. 1st Annual Derick Brehm Memorial Tournament. Bantam A. Contact Brooke at 605520-4941 or brbohls@gmail.com. Register at https://www. dlhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/240897059.

12-14 Hutchinson, MN. Tiger Town Showdown. 10UB. Contact Tom Larson at 320-260-0065 or hhatournaments@gmail.com. Register online at www.hutchhockey.com.

12-14 New Ulm, MN. Bantam B2. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail. com.

8-10 South St. Paul, MN. Squirt B2/C. Contact Michael Ahern at sspyha.tournaments@gmail.com.

19-21 Edina, MN. 11th Annual Quinn’s Cup Jambo-

CRYHA IS SEEKING PAID COACHES FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON!

Coon Rapids Youth Hockey Association (CRYHA) has a strong need for Head Coaching Candidates at the Bantam, PeeWee, and Squirt levels

Our competitively paid positions include paid travel expenses to out-of-town tournaments, reimbursement of coaching registration expenses, and apparel stipend. Coaches will also receive coaching development opportunities during the season! Head Coaches are allowed 2 additional paid assistant coaches as well. Our coaches are key contributors to our player development both on and off the ice. We encourage anyone with an interest in helping mentor and develop our young athletes to consider becoming a coach. Coaching is extremely rewarding and provides you with the opportunity to make a difference in our kids’ lives. The kids forget the games after the season is over but they remember the coach for the rest of their lives!

Requirements:

• This is a paid position and allows for 2 additional paid assistant coaching positions

• Candidates must possess significant ice hockey experience

• Candidate should not currently have a child playing hockey within CRYHA

• Scheduling can be flexible for the right candidate, hockey events will likely include evenings and weekends as schedule and ice times allow

• Ability to travel within the state of MN for out-of-town tournaments

• Hiring is conditional on the successful completion of a criminal background check; applicants should also either possess or be able to attain required background clearances and necessary USA Hockey coaching certification.

If you are interested in coaching during the 2023 – 2024 season, please direct inquiries joecarlin@ cryha.com. You can also reach Joe at 952-237-3723 with any additional questions.

ree. Boys Mite 4, Boys Mite 3, Girls Mite 3. Registration opens in summer. Email tournaments@edinahockey.org. Info and registration at https://www.edinahockeyassociation.com/ourtournaments.

19-21 New Ulm, MN. Girls 10UB. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail. com.

19-21 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd 10UA/10UB Tournament. Girls 10U A/Girls 10U B/Girls 10U. Register at www.brainerdhockey.com .

19-21 New Ulm, MN. New Ulm Girls 10UB. Girls 10UB/Girls 10U. Contact Erica Newman at nusetournaments@gmail.com or 507-766-5943. Register at newulm. pucksystems2.com/tournaments.

19-21 Owatonna, MN. Owatonna Squirt A/10UB Tournament. Squirt A/Girls 10U B/Girls 10U. Contact Mary Kelvie at oyha.adm.director@gmail.com or 651226-7950. Register at www.owatonnahockey.com.

19-21 Proctor, MN. Proctor Bantam A Tournament. Bantam A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@ gmail.com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com .

19-21 Two Harbors, MN. The Great Lake State. Girls 12U B2/Girls 12U. Contact Jesse Lundgren at thyouthhockey@gmail.com or 218-834-8339. Register at www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org.

20-21 Crookston, MN. Girls 10U. Contact Jake Solberg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston.mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn. us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

20-21 Crookston, MN. Peewee B. Contact Jake Solberg at 218-280-0260 or at jsolberg@crookston. mn.us. Online registration available at https://www.crookstonmn.us/360/2023-2024-tournaments.

20-21 Fairmont, MN. Mini Mites/Nites/8U Girls Jamboree. Contact Luke Ebeling at 507-848-9016 or luke. ebeling@midco.com. More info and registration at https:// fairmont.pucksystems2.com.

25-27 Detroit Lakes, MN. The Lakes Classic. Peewee B. Contact Brooke at 605-520-4941 or brbohls@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlhockey.sportngin. com/register/form/240897059.

26-28 Brainerd, MN. Brainerd Hockey Squirt B1/ B2 Tournament. Squirt B1/Squirt B2. Register at www. brainerdhockey.com .

26-28 Fergus Falls, MN. Flow at the Falls Squirt. Squirt A. Contact at ffhatournaments@gmail.com . Register at www.fergusfallshockey.org.

26-28 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament Series. Bantam B/Bantam B1. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments.

26-28 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament Series. Register at www.hcyha.org/tournaments.

26-28 Hutchinson, MN. Tiger Town Showdown.

Girls 12U B1/Girls 12U B2/Girls 12U. Contact Tom Larson at hhtournaments@gmail.com or 320-260-0065. Register at www.hutchhockey.com .

26-28 New Richmond, WI. Carly Briggs Memorial.

Girls 12U B/Girls 10U B. Contact Barry Cunningham at tournament@nryha.net or 651-283-0072. Register at www.nryha.net .

26-28 Proctor, MN. Proctor Squirt A Tournament. Squirt A. Contact Carl Burke at pahatournaments@gmail. com or 218-393-2220. Register at www.proctorhockey. com.

26-28 Sioux Falls, SD. Sioux Falls Flyers Chal-

2-4 Detroit Lakes, MN. Polar Fest Freeze Invite. Girls 12UB. Contact Brooke at 605-520-4941 or brbohls@ gmail.com. Register at https://www.dlhockey.sportngin. com/register/form/240897059.

2-4 Fairmont, MN. Bantam A. Contact Luke Ebeling at 507-848-9016 or luke.ebeling@midco.com. More info and registration at https://fairmont.pucksystems2. com.

2-4 Fergus Falls, MN. Flow at the Falls Peewee B Tournament. PeeWee B. Contact at ffhatournaments@ gmail.com . Register at www.fergusfallshockey.org.

2-4 Hibbing-Chisholm, MN. Hibbing-Chisholm Tournament. Mite/Mini-Mite. Register at www.hcyha.org/ tournaments.

2-4 Two Harbors, MN. The Great Lake Skate. Girls 10U B2/Girls 10 U. Contact Jesse Lundgren at thyouthhockey@gmail.com or 218-834-8339.

2-4 New Ulm, MN. Squirt C. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail.com.

2-4 Worthington, MN. Peewee. Contact Joe Vosburgh at 507-360-8789 or whatournament@hotmail. com. Register at www.worthingtonhockey.com.

3-4 Proctor, MN. Proctor Squirt B2 Tournament. Squirt B2. Contact Carle Burke at pahatournaments@ gmail.com or 218-393-0220. Register at www.proctorhockey.com .

9-11 New Richmond, WI. Stars Classic. Girls 15U B/Girls 14U. Contact Barry Cunningham at tournaments@nryha.net or 651-283-0072. Register at www. nryha.net.

9-11 Two Harbors, MN. The Great Lake Skate. Squirt B2. Contact Jesse Lundgren at thyouthhockey@ gmail.com or 218-834-8339.

10-11 New Ulm, MN. Mite Jamboree. Contact Erica Newman at 507-766-5943 or nusetournaments@gmail. com.

10-11 Fergus Falls, MN. Fergus Falls 8U Jamboree. Girls 8U. Contact at ffhatournaments@gmail.com . Register at www.fergusfallshockey.org.

10-11 New Ulm, MN. New Ulm Mite Jamboree. Girls 8U. Contact Barry Cunningham at nusetournaments@ gmail.com or 507-766-5943. Register at newulm. pucksystems2.com/tournaments .

10-11 Sioux Falls, SD. Sioux Falls Challenger Mite Falls Freeze Tournament. Mite. Contact Amanda Smith at amanda.smith@sfflyers.com or 605-359-8354.

17-18 New Richmond, WI. New Richmond Mite Invitational. Mite/Mini-Mite. Contact Anna Bonkoski at mitehockey_nr@yahoo.com . Register at www.nryha. net .

23-25 Fergus Falls, MN. Flow at the Falls Squirt B Tournament. Squirt B. Contact at ffhatournaments@ gmail.com . Register at www.fergusfallshockey.org .

23-25 Eveleth, MN. Up North Wolverine Squirt B Tournament. Contact Michelle at rryhatournaments@ gmail.com. Register at www.rryha.org.

March 2024

15-17 New Richmond, WI. New Richmond Senior Men’s No Check Tournament. Adult Men, Over 35, Over 40. Contact Jeremy Melchert at rocksnowjm@yahoo.com or 715-441-9324. Register at www.nryha.net .

PEEWEE TOURNAMENT

Dec. 1-3, 2023

PeeWee B1(MN )/PeeWee A(WI), PeeWee C(MN)/PeeWee B/C(WI)

BANTAM TOURNAMENT

Dec. 8-10, 2023

Bantam B1(MN)/Bantam A(WI), Bantam C(MN)/Bantam B/C(WI)

MITE JAMBOREE (Levels 1,2,3,4)

Dec. 16, 2023

Contact Dan Gilkerson dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

SQUIRT TOURNAMENT

Jan. 5-7, 2024

Squirt B(MN)/Squirt A(WI), Squirt C(MN)/Squirt B/C(WI)

QUESTIONS?

Somerset Youth Hockey Association

GIRLS

JAMBOREE

Jan. 13, 2024

Contact Dan Gilkerson dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

JR. GOLD TOURNAMENT

Feb. 16-18, 2024

Junior Gold 16, Junior Gold B

SENIOR MEN’S NO CHECK

TOURNAMENT

March 29, 2024

Adult Men

Contact Dan Gilkerson dgilkerson@somersethockey.com

Inscribed in history forever

Minnesota college almuni win Stanley Cup with Vegas Golden Knights

by JACKSON BOLINE

The Stanley Cup is one of, if not, the most unique trophy in all of professional sports. Lord Stanley’s Cup stands about 35 inches and weighs 34 and a half pounds. This trophy has been hoisted above thousands and thousands of NHL players’ heads... players from all around the world who come together and battle for the top prize in the sport.

The 2023 Stanley Cup Final champion, Vegas Golden Knights had three players with Minnesota ties in their hockey background. Phil Kessel, a former Golden Gopher, Zach Whitecould, a former Bemidji State Beaver, and Teddy Blueger, a former Minnesota State Maverick forward. These three players have experienced a hockey player’s lifelong dream.

Kessel, 35, grew up just over four hours East of St. Paul in Madison, Wisconsin. He was amongst the nation’s top Junior hockey players, jumping right in with the U.S National U18 Team for three seasons before making his commitment to the University of Minnesota, and becoming a Golden Gopher.

Kessel played one season with the Maroon and Gold, scoring 18 goals, 33 assists for 51 points in 39 games, good enough to get him drafted in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. The Boston Bruins selected a young Phil Kessel with the fifth overall selection.

He would only play three seasons for the Bruins before getting traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kessel spent six seasons in the True North, having some success, scoring 30 or more goals in four of those six seasons. The new journey for “Phil the Thrill” started in Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. This is where Kessel found the most career success, winning two Stanley Cups in 201516 and 2016-17. Kessel spent the 2022-23 season with the Vegas Golden Knights af-

ter three years with the Arizona Coyotes. Kessel ended the season with 14 goals, 22 assists for 36 points, and added his third Stanley Cup Championship.

Zach Whitecloud, 26, has a different story from Kessel, as he started his hockey journey in Brandon Manitoba, Can. Whitecloud spent most of his youth hockey career playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA, and the Virden Oil Capitals of the MJHL before making a college commitment to play Division-1 hockey at Bemidji State University in 2016.

Whitecloud spent two seasons in the northern Minnesota school, scoring 7 goals and 29 assists for 36 points. After the college hockey season, he was an undrafted signing for the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL and played one game. Whitecloud was up and down with the NHL Knights and the AHL Chicago Wolves for the next couple of seasons before establishing himself as an everyday defenseman for the Knights in the 2020-21 season. He played 59 games in the 2022-23 season for the Knights but played all playoff games. Whitecloud won his first Stanley Cup this season with the Knights.

The third player on the Golden Knights roster with Minnesota college hockey ties is Teddy Blueger. Blueger, 28, born in Latvia, committed to play for Minnesota State University Mankato prior to the 2012 season, the same year he was selected in the NHL Entry Draft in the second round to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Blueger played for MSU for the next four seasons before making the jump to pro hockey. He scored 31 goals, 77 assists for 108 points in four seasons with the Mavericks. Blueger is in his 10th season in the NHL and spent the last nine with the team who drafted him before signing as a free agent with the Vegas Golden Knights. This was Blueger’s first Stanley Cup Champion Ring.

Minnesotan’s who have their names inscribed on the Stanley Cup

Zach Whitecloud was a top defensmen in his two years with Bemidji State University.

Photo Credit: www.bsubeavers.com

Teddy Blueger, a four-year starter for the Mavericks.

Photo Credit: www.msumavericks.com

Phil Kessel is now a three-time Stanley Cup Champion.

Photo from: www.gophersports.com

Let’s Play Hockey Contributor

SEASON PREMIERE KICKOFF

November 10-12, 2023

$1,700 4-GAME GUARANTEE

8 teams each level, Round Robin

PRAIRIE SHOOTOUT

December 14-17, 2023

$1,600 4-GAME GUARANTEE

8 teams each level, Round Robin

FIRST TEST OF THE BEST

November 24-26, 2023

$1,700 4-GAME GUARANTEE

12 teams each level, Round Robin

PRAIRIE MADNESS

February 1-4, 2024

$1,600 4-GAME GUARANTEE

8 teams each level, Round Robin

PRAIRIE FACE OFF

December 8-10, 2023

$1,600 4-GAME GUARANTEE

8 teams each level, Round Robin

PRAIRIE MELTDOWN

February 16-18, 2024

$1,600 4-GAME GUARANTEE

8 teams each level, Round Robin

2023-2024 Tournaments

MAPLEWOOD, MN

APPLE VALLEY, MN

CHANHASSEN, MN

DELANO, MN