This topic has been controversial! Minnesota hockey die-hards want to keep MN
a hockey hot-bed-land!
 
It all started in the early 90's when top caliber players started leaving high
school programs to head for junior A teams scattered throughout the Midwest.
By the time the graduates of 96 rolled around, all the top players started
their seasons early in September playing on USHL teams— returning to their MN
home teams to start the season here in November. Many played their entire
seasons on USHL teams; because it was the prescription to up their draft
status. That's why players leave MN. They get better visibility playing for
leagues that are more heavily scouted and have a reputation for playing a more
competitive game.
Some feel MN hockey doesn't have an edge anymore and that other programs have
surpassed them.
Hockey is a high school sport in MN, bound by state restrictions. There's a
shorter season and opportunities to play other teams around the country is
strictly off-limits. Play is limited to your conference and in-state pairing
with teams in areas outside of your neighborhood. You could say, hockey is a
neighborhood sport here. I wouldn't change it for any "high-profile"
development program. My son played his whole high school career here. He was a
California transferee looking for a frozen pond! It was his dream come true!
He calls this place SOTA. He tells everyone COME TO SOTA!
 
It's HOME!
 
If the state wants to keep the talent here, then the state will have to relax
its
rules and allow top players to travel, or, adjust the existing program  by
allowing out-of-state play, and longer seasons.
 
 
Victoria Price
 
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