Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

mill city can be traced back to the late 1800's when hockey made it's way from Hallock to Minneapolis.  We had the distinct pleasure of assisting FSN Tom Hanneman with a story that was featured as part of the days broadcast about Cleve Bennewitz, how this hockey pioneer can be credited for bringing the game from northern Minnesota to Minneapolis.  Our great friends at Minnesota Hockey Magazine were elated to include a 125 year Minneapolis hockey history timeline we prepared as apart of the official game program of HDM this year as well (Minnesota Hockey Magazine has been the official publication the last x2 years at HDM).

2020 HDM began Thursday evening with two girls games featuring hometown Minneapolis girls dropping the puck against Academy of Holy Angels with home turf Minneapolis winning in dramatic fashion 3-2 in OT, followed by hometown Blake girls vs. Grand Rapids/Greenway.  The following day the slated outdoor games commenced as day made way to night, the week long forecasted weather with accumulating snow finally arrived - that maybe kept some weary worried drivers away for the night - but those that were present were apart of a special womens State of Hockey All-Star game in what some referred to as a snowglobe game, followed by a fun NHL Alumni game where the chirps were aplenty among the former players - including NHL Hockey Hall of Fame member and former Minnesota North Stars centerman Mike Modano.

The 3rd day (a 1st for HDM scheduling with three days of games) marked the actual HDM where the temps were in the single digits, followed by increasing winds and partial sun to clowds for the day saw Warriors of Warroad making their inaugural HDM, and sporting their Class A 1st place record defeated home-town Minneapolis handily 5-1.  Warriors alumni Henry Boucha and 1980 Olympian Dave Christian were in the crowd cheering on their alma mater to the victory, including Henry rooting for his 9th grade grandson, and varsity starter Gabbi Boucha.  The days high school games commenced with home-town Blake Bears, coached by former 1980 Miracle on Ice Rob McClanahan who led his team over Blaine in a close contest 3-2.  The days outdoor games finished with the University of Minnesota Womens team, also making their 1st ever HDM appearance defeated Ohio State Womens Buckeyes 2-1 who were sporting fresh new throwback uniforms adorned with special HDM patches.

Star Tribune Sports Reporter, David LaVaque had written in his column leading up to HDM as quoted by former NHL, and Minneapolis Boys Head Coach - Joe Dziedzic who eloquently stated that can also be said of EVERY HDM: "Hockey Day Minnesota is like having the Stanley Cup for the day, you get to have your party with it, and this is your party.  It's been like a countdown to Christmas, and having your own wedding; there is so much planning, but you have to sit back and enjoy it because before you know it, it's over".

FSN and Hockey Day administration announced the last night that the 15th annual 2021 HDM was awarded to City of Mankato [later moved to 2022 due to COVID-19 pandemic] - marking the 3rd straight year of announcing the following years location at the currently hosted City.

Hockey Day Minnesota Results & Rosters: