Minnesota: The Land Of 10,000 Lakes And Way More Hockey Fans!
Minnesota proves once again why it’s the State of Hockey! 🏒 A record-breaking crowd of 20,346 packed the Xcel Energy Center to watch a high school championship game – more than 12 NHL games that same night! 🤯 #MinnesotaHockey #StateOfHockey #HSHockey
St. Paul, Minnesota – The Land of 10,000 Lakes is known for many things – its beautiful nature, friendly people, and a deep love for hockey. In fact, the state is often referred to as the “State of Hockey” due to its rich history and passion for the sport. And if you needed any more proof of just how much Minnesotans love their hockey, look no further than the recent Boys High School Class AA Championship game.
A Record-Breaking Crowd for a High School Game 📣
On Saturday night, the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul was packed to the brim with hockey fans eager to watch the championship game between Edina and Chanhassen. The arena, which is home to the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, can hold 18,300 people. But this past weekend, an astounding 20,346 fans squeezed into the venue to cheer on their favorite high school teams. That’s right – a high school hockey game attracted more fans than 12 out of the 13 NHL games played across the country that same night!
Four Days of Non-Stop Hockey Action 🚨
The championship game was the culmination of a four-day tournament that saw 16 games played in total. From Wednesday to Saturday, hockey fans from all over the state flocked to the Xcel Energy Center to watch the best high school teams in Minnesota compete for the coveted state title. And they came in droves – the total attendance for the tournament was a whopping 140,442, setting a new record.
Minnesota: A Hotbed for Hockey Talent 🌟
So what makes Minnesota such a hockey powerhouse? For starters, the state produces more NHL players than any other. Currently, there are 53 Minnesota-born players in the NHL, far surpassing the next closest states of Michigan (37), Massachusetts (28), and New York (27). It’s no wonder that hockey is such an integral part of the culture in Minnesota.
A Tournament Like No Other 🏆
But it’s not just the level of talent that makes the Minnesota Boys High School Hockey Tournament so special. It’s the traditions, the excitement, and the sense of community that surrounds the event. From the Hockey Expo (the world’s largest hockey consumer show) to the viral goal celebrations and the annual “All Hockey Hair Team” video, the tournament is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the entire state together.
The Pride of Minnesota Hockey ❤️
For the players, competing in the state tournament is a dream come true. Imagine being a 16-18-year-old kid, playing on the same ice as your favorite NHL stars in front of a crowd of over 18,000 people. It’s an experience that they’ll never forget, and one that showcases the pride and passion that Minnesotans have for hockey.
As Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes put it, there’s something special about playing for your school and in front of your teammates. And with the amount of fans that come out to support these young athletes, it’s clear that high school hockey is more than just a game in Minnesota – it’s a way of life.
🗣 Did you catch any of these incredible games? Have a special hockey moment that still sends shivers down your spine? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below! ⬇️
