Four of five finalists will play in state tournament

The finalists for the Reed Larson Award have been announced by Let’s Play Hockey.

In hockey, forwards and goaltenders tend to get the most attention with their gaudy offensive numbers and highlight-reel saves, respectively. Meanwhile, on the blue line are those who play tough defense, guard the front of the net and start the offensive rush up the ice.

No award existed exclusively for Minnesota’s top high school blueliners. With that in mind in 2013, Let’s Play Hockey created the Reed Larson Award to annually honor the state’s top senior boys’ high school defenseman.

Reed Larson, a native of Minneapolis, played on the blue line for Minneapolis Roosevelt High School and the University of Minnesota, followed by 904 regular season games in the NHL, most notably as a captain of the Detroit Red Wings. He finished his career with 685 points and is now enshrined in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

This year’s finalists are: Danny Browning (Minnetonka), Tate Hardacre (Minnetonka), Griffin Sturm (St. Cloud Cathedral), Brandon Mickelson (Moorhead) and Jayden Kurtz (Rogers). ‘

The finalists and ultimately the winner is voted on by a panel of high school, college and junior coaches and scouts. The winner will be announced Sunday, March 8.

Other players receiving votes: Carson Steinhoff (Shakopee), Matthew Hauser (Rogers), Broden Hontvet (Warroad), Gabe Perron (Academy of Holy Angels), Cameron Rice (Eden Prairie), Avi Kasargod (Academy of Holy Angels), Cody Loida (Mahtomedi), and Bridger Riley (Northfield).

Past winners include: