From Warroad to Winona, high school hockey is part of the fabric of Minnesota. But several years ago, the sport was threatened by the growing appeal of junior hockey in the United States. Some of Minnesota’s best players were leaving their hometown high schools, foregoing their remaining high school eligibility, to seek better competition and increased exposure in junior leagues.
The Upper Midwest High School Elite League was founded to give those players another way to find top-flight competition and exposure without leaving their homes, or missing all of the great experiences that high school hockey provides.
The concept was simple: Find a way to give these players the competition and exposure they needed, without disrupting the high school experience. “We wanted to keep these kids at home, and needed to give them a reason to commit to staying with their hometown teams,” said John Russo, one of the league founders and current Commissioner of the Elite League. “At the same time, we didn’t want to do anything to reduce opportunities for kids who want to play football or another fall sport.”
Those goals were met by scheduling Elite League games on Saturdays and Sundays, spread over seven fall weekends, leaving athletes free for traditional fall sports. A rigorous tryout and selection process ensured that the league’s competition level would be high. And word quickly spread among the scouting and coaching communities that the Elite League was a terrific place to watch a number of prospects at one time.
The Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association (MHCA) recognizes the importance of keeping players in school, and the contribution the Elite League makes towards meeting that goal. In 2007, the MHCA launched an ad campaign with the theme “Nothing Compares,” encouraging Minnesota hockey players to stay in school. “High school hockey is such a terrific experience, and we want as many kids as possible to have the opportunity,” said Ken Pauly, coach at Benilde-St. Margaret’s and one of the catalysts behind the MHCA’s promotional efforts. “The Elite League has been a terrific alternative for players who want to play at a high level, perform in front of scouts and still create those special high school hockey memories with their buddies.”
After a 21-game regular season and league tournament, 40 players from the Elite League are selected for one of two Minnesota teams that compete in the Bauer National Invitational Tournament. Nearly 100 professional scouts and Division 1 college coaches will watch, along with parents, fans and many others who enjoy the special place high school hockey holds in Minnesota.
The High School Elite Hockey Development Program and the Upper Midwest High School Hockey Elite League operates from September through mid-November and is intended primarily as a high-level supplement to the High School season. The program is a non-profit, 501(c)3 venture. The league features five teams from Minnesota, one North Dakota/Minnesota combo team and Wisconsin's top prep team. Shattuck's top team and other top Midget AAA teams also participate in some of the league's action.
High School Elite Hockey has a dedicated staff of paid and volunteer individuals who administrate, promote, scout and coach on behalf of the program.
