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Chris Pryor

A pro scout on the state of Minnesota

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Last Updated on Thursday, 13 December 2012 17:56

 

By Chris Pryor

Sometimes we do not realize the uniqueness of a situation until you’ve been away from it for a period of time. Minnesota is unlike any other state in the country. It has its rich history of both high school and college hockey. On any given weekend during the months of December through February, you have the option of supporting your local high school team plus any one of the five WCHA teams in the state, along with a variety of Division III schools.

I had the luxury a couple weeks ago to watch my alma mater Hill-Murray play Eagan in the afternoon and the Nebraska-Omaha/ Gopher game at night. Let’s put the game themselves aside for a moment.

To begin with, both games were standing room only. Now, the venues were obviously different but the electricity and atmosphere was the same in both rinks, Minnesotans love their hockey. From the Squirts wearing their Eagan jerseys to the adults wearing their Gopher sweatshirts, the support at both arenas was amazing.   

Sometimes you forget how important hockey is to the fabric of Minnesota sports. It is why Minnesota is known for the blustery cold and its hockey. 

Having been born and raised in St. Paul and having skated outdoors (as did every other kid) from Squirts through high school, you learn to appreciate and understand the mentality of living in the state of 10,00O lakes.

Having grown up watching the high school tournament on TV and dreaming of one day stepping on that same ice is something that a kid from Minnesota can dream of and actually have a chance to achieve.

Young players should never lose sight of their dreams. Go out to the rink each day and live the dream. Work on your game and have fun, please have fun. You are only young once, enjoy the game and never lose sight of your dreams!
 
Chris Pryor is the director of hockey operations for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is in charge of the amateur and pro scouting departments. A native of St. Paul, Pryor spent eight seasons as a scout for the Flyers. He played parts of six seasons in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars and New York Islanders. If you have a question for a pro hockey scout, e-mail it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .