News

2013 NHL Draft: The Minnesotans

Details: Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 18:21

By Peter Knutson
Let’s Play Hockey

Minnesota has always been well-represented in the NHL Drafts. This year promises to be no different. With the NHL’s Final Scouting Report scheduled to be released on April 23, many Minnesotans are expected to be on the list.

Topping the list are Connor Hurley of the Edina Hornets and Tommy Vannelli of the Minnetonka Skippers. Both are expected to be drafted in the early rounds.

Triple “A”

Details: Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 17:05

By VJ Stanley

Triple A – Does that mean attitude, athleticism and academics? A recent conversation with some hockey players who were playing “Triple A” hockey at the Bantam level led me to this column.

The children were adamant about both their ability to get a Division I scholarship, and the proper path to take to receive the scholarship. They would continue to play at their current level, which included not playing for their high school team, missing days of school to go to different tournaments and playing as much as possible.

2012-13 Best Backyard Rink Contest winner

Details: Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 16:36

The Hammitt Rink
Bemidji, Minnesota

Our rink started as a small clearing in a 40-acre red pine plantation. We cut down about 250 trees in front of our rural Bemidji home. A few years later, our rink has evolved into an elaborate “Field of Dreams” of some sort, providing skating, camaraderie, solace from work, exercise and most importantly valuable family/neighbor time.

Blocking shots

Details: Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 17:02

By Derek Lambert
MN Puck Blog

Blocking shots may be the most under appreciated act in the game. Although noticed when players block shots, often times it isn't credited as being very important. It takes a lot of heart to go down and block a shot, and also is a great defensive play. There are multiple ways to block a shot, some are situational and some are more effective than others. To stand in front of a shot is a huge play that is rarely taught to players, but is more just a suggestion, an afterthought. Here are a few of my thoughts on blocking shots.

Checking from behind problem remains

Details: Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 March 2013 19:25

By Scott Pionk

I agree with Chris Pryor’s article concerning checking from behind (LPH March 6, 2013). We are making no significant progress. One specific incident from the recent high school playoffs illuminated this quite brightly.