A record 14 state tournaments took place in 10 locations over the span of three days. For the first time, the AA classification was added to the Peewee and Bantam levels. A lot of miles were traveled (the Red Wing 12U B team trekked over 400 miles to play in Roseau) and a lot of goals were scored.

 I was able to get to nine of 10 sites, and will take away a memory from each one. Whether it was 12-year-old girls looking around in awe of this history contained in the lobby of Roseau Memorial Arena or the jubilant celebration of Wayzata Navy’s Bantam B team after a triple overtime championship victory over a gritty North Metro team, this weekend was what our state tournaments signify.

Seeing the smiles on the faces of kids would not be made possible without the countless hours put in by hundreds of volunteers to make this special weekend possible. Each location went to great lengths to make the players feel like they were a part of a world class event.

While 14 teams walked away with first place hardware, I hope that every player involved walked away with memories they will never lose.

On Sunday night, I received an email from a parent of an Eagan 12U A player. She noted that one of the girls made a comment at the pre-tournament banquet that “trophies collect dust, but memories will go forever.”

The mother continued: “While we didn't end in the spot we thought or wanted, the fact was that our girls, ALL of the girls from every team, worked hard to get where they were this weekend.  They all earned their spot and the games were hard fought and win or lose, I hope they all remember it as a great weekend.  It was an experience that I am so glad my daughter got to have.”

Now we hit the offseason. Hopefully these kids will get a little time away from the rink to reflect on their accomplishments, but also to get involved in other sports and activities to stay fresh and come back next year looking for another run to state at whatever level they end up playing.

Congrats to all of our state champions, and state participants! And one more thank you to the parents, coaches and volunteers who made the tournaments and the season such a great success!

Glen Andresen

Executive Director