Embracing the Challenge

Although Elite League is a fun and challenging experience for all involved, no matter the position, it is a particularly exciting event for the small handful of goaltenders who are chosen to compete in the league every fall.

The netminders who are chosen to each roster have to be exceptional in their on-ice skills but also in their work ethic, mindset and mentality. It’s no easy task to compete against some of the top athletes in the state in the showcase style, ‘run and gun’ kind of play that can be found at Elite League. Goaltenders have to make lots of showstopping saves night in and night out and have to keep their cool when things might not go their way. Despite all of the ups and downs of learning to play with and against the top skaters in the state, Elite League goalies continue to embrace the opportunity to challenge themselves.

“My experience in Elite League has been great so far, it has made me challenge myself to new levels of competitiveness,” said goaltender Joseph Klose, who is competing in Elite League for the first time this year as a junior. Klose plays high school hockey at New Prague and is on Team The Base this fall. One of his victories this season came against the highly-rated Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep team. “This league has been a great way for me to put my name out there, coming from a small town. The league has pushed me to be a better goalie and an overall better person and the environment has been very uplifting and positive.”

“Playing in the Elite League has been a great challenge as the pace is fast and the players are all really skilled, so there’s a lot of offense and I’m seeing tons of shots every game,” says Team TDS Transportation goalie Bryce Francisco, who is also competing in Elite League for the first time this fall prior to his senior season at Hermantown. “It’s really helping me improve my game and to get ready for the upcoming high school season.”

“My experience in Elite League has been great so far because it allows me to have connections with kids (from) all over (the state of Minnesota). It takes you out of your comfort zone while challenging you with the best competition in the state,” says Team APX goaltender Grayson Hanggi, who is tied for the most wins in net so far this fall. Hanggi is a senior at Hill-Murray this year and is in his second season at Elite League. “Everyone has a goal to play past high school, which pushes you to be better each time you step on the ice, allowing you to have the best visibility to scouts that you can ask for.”

If you haven’t been out to a game yet in New Hope, there is still plenty of time to get in on all of the action. View a full schedule of the games here. 

Elite League Mission:

Hockey Development

The High School Elite League is a proven path to critical exposure.  Colleges, Junior leagues, and professional scouts attend every one of our games.  Players can expect to receive feedback from colleges, Junior Leagues, and professional scouts regarding their own progress. 

Personal Development

The league also provides something that is less tangible than achievement, but, we believe, equally critical. The player gets to experience high school, just like everybody his age. There is merit in these regular high school activities to balance out the dedication, determination, and sometimes even stressful pressures of hockey at this Elite level of hockey.