Top 100 List
Minnesota's Top 100 Players
| Rank | Name | School | Grad. | Pos. | Born | Status | St. Titles | Mr. Hockey | College | Olym. | NHL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Mayasich | Eveleth | 1951 | F | 5/22/33 | Retired | 1948, 49, 50, 51 | NA | Minnesota (1951-55) | 1956, 1960 | - |
| 2 | Neal Broten | Roseau | 1978 | F | 11/29/59 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1978-81) | 1980 | 1,099 gms; four teams; 80-97 |
| 3 | Phil Housley | South St. Paul | 1982 | D | 3/9/64 | Retired | - | NA | - | 2002 | 1,495 gms; eight teams; 82-03 |
| 4 | Tim Sheehy | International Falls | 1966 | F | 9/3/48 | Retired | 1964, 65, 66 | NA | Boston College (1967-70) | 1972 | 27 gms; DET, HAR; 77-80 |
| 5 | Henry Boucha | Warroad | 1969 | D | 6/1/51 | Retired | - | NA | - | 1972 | 247 gms; four teams; 71-77 |
| 6 | Mike Antonovich | Greenway | 1969 | F | 10/18/51 | Retired | 1967, 68 | NA | Minnesota (1969-72) | - | 87 gms; three teams; 75-84 |
| 7 | Willard Ikola | Eveleth | 1950 | G | 7/28/32 | Retired | 1948, 49, 50 | NA | Michigan (1951-54) | 1956 | - |
| 8 | Mike Crowley | Bloomington Jefferson | 1994 | D | 7/4/75 | Retired | 1992, 93, 94 | 1994 | Minnesota (1994-97) | - | 67 gms; ANA; 97-01 |
| 9 | Dave Spehar | Duluth East | 1996 | F | 11/7/77 | Retired | 1995 | 1996 | Minnesota (1996-00) | - | - |
| 10 | John Matchefts | Eveleth | 1949 | F | 6/18/31 | Retired | 1948, 49 | NA | Michigan (1950-53) | 1956 | - |
| 11 | Kyle Rau | Eden Prairie | 2011 | F | 10/24/92 | Active | 2009, 11 | 2011 | Minnesota (2011- present) | - | - |
| 12 | Aaron Broten | Roseau | 1979 | F | 11/14/60 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1979-81) | - | 748 gms; six teams; 80-92 |
| 13 | Craig Norwich | Edina East | 1974 | D | 12/15/55 | Retired | 1974 | NA | Wisconsin (1974-77) | - | 104 gms; three teams; 79-81 |
| 14 | John Pohl | Red Wing | 1998 | F | 6/29/79 | Retired | 1997 (Class 1A) | 1998 | Minnesota (1998-02) | - | 115 gms; StL, TOR; 03-08 |
| 15 | Gary Sargent | Bemidji | 1972 | D | 2/8/54 | Retired | - | NA | Bemidji State (1972-73) | - | 402 gms; LAK, MIN; 75-83 |
| 16 | Bob Krieger | Edina | 1970 | F | 10/5/52 | Retired | 1969 | NA | Denver (1970-74) | - | - |
| 17 | George Pelawa | Bemidji | 1986 | F | 2/14/68 | Deceased | - | 1986 | - | - | - |
| 18 | Bill Nyrop | Edina | 1970 | D | 7/23/52 | Deceased | 1969 | NA | Notre Dame (1970-74) | - | 207 gms; MON, MIN; 75-82 |
| 19 | Tom Chorske | Minneapolis Southwest | 1985 | F | 9/18/66 | Retired | - | 1985 | Minnesota (1985-89) | - | 596 gms; seven teams; 89-00 |
| 20 | Steve "Pokey" Trachsel | Duluth Cathedral | 1969 | D | 4/16/51 | Retired | 1966, 67, 68, 69 (Catholic) | NA | Minnesota-Duluth (1969-73) | - | - |
| 21 | Scott Bloom | Burnsville | 1986 | F | 2/6/68 | Retired | 1985, 86 | 1986 finalist | Minnesota (1986-90) | - | - |
| 22 | Phil Hoene | Duluth Cathedral | 1967 | F | 3/15/49 | Retired | 1965, 66, 67 (Catholic) | NA | Minnesota-Duluth (1968-71) | - | 37 gms; LAK; 72-75 |
| 23 | Corey Millen | Cloquet | 1982 | F | 4/29/64 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1982-87) | 1984, 1988 | 335 gms; five teams; 89-97 |
| 24 | Reed Larson | Minneapolis Roosevelt | 1974 | D | 7/30/56 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1974-77) | - | 904 gms; six teams; 76-90 |
| 25 | Bob Young | Hill | 1971 | D | 3/1/53 | Retired | 1970 (Indep.) | NA | Denver (1971-75) | - | - |
| 26 | Brad Shelstad | Minneapolis Southwest | 1970 | G | 9/14/52 | Retired | 1970 | NA | Minnesota (1970-74) | - | - |
| 27 | Mike Ramsey | Minneapolis Roosevelt | 1978 | D | 12/3/60 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1978-79) | 1980 | 1,070 gms; three teams; 80-97 |
| 28 | Matt Cullen | Moorhead | 1995 | F | 11/2/76 | Active | - | 1995 finalist | St. Cloud State (1995-97) | - | 966 gms; five teams; 98- present |
| 29 | Bill Baker | Grand Rapids | 1975 | D | 11/29/56 | Retired | 1975 | NA | Minnesota (1975-79) | 1980 | 143 gms; four teams; 80-83 |
| 30 | Paul Martin | Elk River | 2000 | D | 3/5/81 | Active | - | 2000 | Minnesota (2000-03) | 2006 | 487 gms; NJ, PIT; 03- present |
| 31 | Wally Grant | Eveleth | 1945 | F | 12/8/27 | Retired | 1945 | NA | Michigan (1945-46, 47-50) | - | - |
| 32 | Brian Bonin | White Bear Lake | 1992 | F | 11/28/73 | Retired | - | 1992 | Minnesota (1992-96) | - | 12 gms; PIT, MIN; 98-00 |
| 33 | Larry Olimb | Warroad | 1988 | D | 8/11/69 | Retired | - | 1988 | Minnesota (1988-92) | - | - |
| 34 | Dave Langevin | Hill-Murray | 1972 | D | 5/15/54 | Retired | 1970, 72 (Indep.) | NA | Minnesota-Duluth (1972-76) | - | 513 gms; three teams; 79-87 |
| 35 | Joe Bianchi | Bloomington Jefferson | 1994 | F | 8/17/75 | Retired | 1992, 93, 94 | 1994 finalist | Wisconsin (1994-98) | - | - |
| 36 | Peter Fichuk | International Falls | 1965 | F | 4/8/47 | Retired | 1964, 65 | NA | Minnesota (1966-69) | - | - |
| 37 | Jon Casey | Grand Rapids | 1980 | G | 8/29/62 | Retired | 1980 | NA | North Dakota (1980-84) | 425 gms; three teams; 83-87 | |
| 38 | Doug Woog | South St. Paul | 1962 | F | 1/26/44 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1963-66) | - | - |
| 39 | Darby Hendrickson | Richfield | 1991 | F | 8/28/72 | Retired | - | 1991 | Minnesota (1991-93) | 1994 | 518 gms; five teams; 94-04 |
| 40 | Paul Ranheim | Edina | 1984 | F | 1/25/66 | Retired | 1984 | NA | Wisconsin (1984-88) | - | 1,013 gms; five teams; 88-03 |
| 41 | Steve Christoff | Richfield | 1976 | F | 1/23/58 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1976-79) | 1980 | 248 gms; three teams; 79-84 |
| 42 | T.J. Oshie | Warroad | 2005 | F | 12/23/86 | Active | 2003, 2005 (Class 1A) | 2005 finalist | North Dakota (2005-08) | - | 184 gms; StL; 08- present |
| 43 | Scott Lecy | Rochester John Marshall | 1977 | F | 4/8/59 | Retired | 1977 | NA | Wisconsin (1977-81) | - | - |
| 44 | Scott Bjugstad | Irondale | 1979 | F | 6/2/61 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1979-83) | 1984 | 317 gms; three teams; 83-92 |
| 45 | Mike "Lefty" Curran | International Falls | 1962 | G | 4/14/1944 | Retired | 1962 | NA | North Dakota (1965-68) | 1972 | - |
| 46 | Joe Micheletti | Hibbing | 1973 | F | 10/24/54 | Retired | 1973 | NA | Minnesota (1973-77) | - | 158 gms; StL, COL; 79-82 |
| 47 | Rob McClanahan | Mounds View | 1976 | F | 1/9/58 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1976-79) | 1980 | 224 gms; three teams; 80-84 |
| 48 | Nick Leddy | Eden Prairie | 2009 | D | 3/20/91 | Active | 2009 | 2009 | Minnesota (2009-10) | - | 46 gms; CHI; 10- present |
| 49 | Tom Pederson | Bloomington Jefferson | 1988 | D | 1/14/70 | Retired | - | 1988 finalist | Minnesota (1988-91) | - | 240 gms; SJ, TOR; 92-97 |
| 50 | Dave Christian | Warroad | 1977 | F | 5/12/59 | Retired | - | NA | North Dakota (1977-79) | 1980 | 1,009 gms; five teams; 80-94 |
| 51 | Jay North | Bloomington Jefferson | 1980 | F | 6/26/62 | Retired | - | NA | Harvard (1980-84) | - | - |
| 52 | Paul Johnson | Breck | 1953 | F | 5/18/36 | Retired | - | NA | - | 1960, 1964 | - |
| 53 | Pete Waselovich | International Falls | 1973 | G | 11/15/54 | Retired | 1972 | NA | North Dakota (1973-77) | - | - |
| 54 | Tom Kurvers | Bloomington Jefferson | 1980 | D | 9/14/62 | Retired | - | NA | UM-Duluth (1980-84) | - | 659 gms; seven teams; 84-95 |
| 55 | Mark Osiecki | Burnsville | 1986 | D | 7/23/68 | Retired | 1985, 86 | - | Wisconsin (1997-90) | - | 93 gms; four teams; 91-93 |
| 56 | Mark Pavelich | Eveleth | 1976 | F | 2/28/58 | Retired | - | NA | UM-Duluth (1976-79) | 1980 | 355 gms; three teams; 81-92 |
| 57 | Mark Parrish | Bloomington Jefferson | 1995 | F | 2/2/77 | Active | 1994 | 1995 finalist | St. Cloud State (1995-97) | 2006 | 722 gms; seven teams; 98- present |
| 58 | Bryan "Butsy" Erickson | Roseau | 1978 | F | 3/7/60 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1979-83) | - | 351 gms; four teams; 83-94 |
| 59 | Roger Christian | Warroad | 1956 | F | 12/1/35 | Deceased | - | NA | - | 1960, 1964 | - |
| 60 | Bill Christian | Warroad | 1956 | F | 1/28/38 | Retired | - | NA | - | 1960, 1964 | - |
| 61 | Trent Klatt | Osseo | 1989 | F | 1/30/72 | Retired | - | 1989 | Minnesota (1989-92) | - | 782 gms; five teams; 91-04 |
| 62 | Erik Rasmussen | St. Louis Park | 1995 | F/D | 3/28/77 | Retired | - | 1995 | Minnesota (1995-97) | - | 545 gms; three teams; 97-07 |
| 63 | Robb Stauber | Duluth Denfeld | 1986 | G | 11/25/67 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1986-89) | - | 62 gms; LAK, BUF; 89-95 |
| 64 | Joe Dziedzic | Minneapolis Edison | 1990 | F | 12/18/71 | Retired | - | 1990 | Minnesota (1990-94) | - | 130 gms; PIT, PHX; 95-99 |
| 65 | Ryan McDonagh | Cretin- Derham Hall | 2007 | D | 6/13/89 | Active | 2006 | 2007 | Wisconsin (2007-10) | - | 40 gms; NYR; 10- present |
| 66 | Craig Johnson | Hill-Murray | 1990 | F | 3/18/72 | Retired | - | 1990 finalist | Minnesota (1990-93) | 1994 | 557 gms; five teams; 94-04 |
| 67 | Matt Hendricks | Blaine | 2000 | F | 6/17/81 | Active | 2000 | 2000 finalist | St. Cloud State (2000-04) | - | 137 gms; COL, WSH; 08- present |
| 68 | Wally Chapman | Edina | 1982 | F | 7/6/64 | Retired | 1982 | NA | Minnesota (1982-86) | - | - |
| 69 | Bob Paradise | Cretin | 1962 | D | 4/22/44 | Retired | - | NA | Saint Mary's (1962-66) | 1968 | 368 gms; four teams; 71-79 |
| 70 | Ben Hanowski | Little Falls | 2009 | F | 10/18/90 | Active | - | 2009 finalist | St. Cloud State (2009- present) | - | - |
| 71 | Damian Rhodes | Richfield | 1987 | G | 5/28/69 | Retired | - | NA | Michigan Tech (1987-90) | - | 309 gms; three teams; 90-02 |
| 72 | Eric Strobel | Rochester Mayo | 1976 | F | 6/5/58 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1976-79) | 1980 | - |
| 73 | Dick Dougherty | International Falls | 1950 | F | 8/5/32 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1951-54) | 1956 | - |
| 74 | Gino Guyer | Greenway | 2002 | F | 10/14/83 | Active | - | 2002 | Minnesota (2002-06) | - | - |
| 75 | Jim Amidon | International Falls | 1963 | F | 2/18/45 | Retired | 1962 | NA | Colorado College (1964-67) | - | - |
| 76 | Karl Goehring | Apple Valley | 1996 | G | 8/23/78 | Retired | 1996 | NA | North Dakota (1997-01) | - | - |
| 77 | Rube Bjorkman | Roseau | 1947 | F | 2/27/29 | Retired | 1946 | NA | Minnesota (1948-51) | 1948, 1952 | - |
| 78 | Tony Bianchi | Bloomington Jefferson | 1989 | F | 12/15/70 | Retired | 1989 | - | Minnesota (1991-94) | - | - |
| 79 | Oscar Mahle | International Falls | 1957 | F | 8/22/39 | Deceased | 1957 | NA | Minnesota (1959-61) | - | - |
| 80 | Mike Randolph | Duluth Cathedral | 1970 | F | 11/5/51 | Retired | 1967, 68, 69 (Catholic) | NA | - | - | - |
| 81 | Aaron Ness | Roseau | 2008 | D | 5/18/90 | Active | 2007 | 2008 | Minnesota (2008-11) | - | - |
| 82 | Doug Palazzari | Eveleth | 1970 | F | 11/3/52 | Retired | - | NA | Colorado College (1970-74) | - | 108 gms; StL; 74-79 |
| 83 | Nick Checco | Bloomington Jefferson | 1993 | F | 11/18/74 | Retired | 1992, 93 | 1993 | Minnesota (1993-97) | - | - |
| 84 | John Rothstein | Grand Rapids | 1975 | F | 10/28/56 | Retired | 1975 | NA | UM-Duluth (1975-79) | - | - |
| 85 | Gary Wood | International Falls | 1965 | D | 9/28/46 | Deceased | 1964, 65 | NA | - | - | - |
| 86 | Al Hangsleben | Warroad | 1971 | D | 2/22/53 | Retired | - | NA | North Dakota (1971-74) | - | 185 gms; three teams; 79-82 |
| 87 | Doug Peltier | St. Paul Johnson | 1968 | F | 6/29/50 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1969-72) | - | - |
| 88 | Mike Lauen | Edina East | 1979 | F | 2/6/61 | Retired | 1978, 79 | NA | Michigan Tech (1979-83) | - | 4 gms; WIN; 83-84 |
| 89 | Max Oshie | Warroad | 1948 | F | 6/10/28 | Deceased | - | NA | - | - | - |
| 90 | Tom Gorowsky | Centennial | 2004 | F | 4/8/86 | Retired | 2004 | 2004 | Wisconsin (2005-09) | - | - |
| 91 | Jack McCartan | St. Paul Marshall | 1953 | G | 8/5/35 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1955-58) | 1960 | 12 gms; NYR; 59-61 |
| 92 | Doug Zmolek | Roch. John Marshall | 1989 | D | 11/3/70 | Retired | - | 1989 finalist | Minnesota (1989-92) | - | 467 gms; four teams; 92-00 |
| 93 | Pete LoPresti | Eveleth | 1972 | G | 5/23/54 | Retired | - | NA | Denver (1972-74) | - | 175 gms; MIN, EDM; 74-81 |
| 94 | Terry Abram | South St. Paul | 1965 | D | 2/14/47 | Retired | - | NA | North Dakota (1966-69) | - | - |
| 95 | Bill "Buzz" Schneider | Babbitt | 1972 | F/D | 9/14/54 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1972-75) | 1976, 1980 | - |
| 96 | David Backes | Spring Lake Park | 2002 | F | 5/1/84 | Active | - | 2002 finalist | Minnesota State (2003-06) | 2010 | 364 gms; StL; 06-11 |
| 97 | Don Ross | Roseau | 1960 | F | 10/11/42 | Retired | 1958, 59 | NA | North Dakota (1961-65) | 1964, 1968 | - |
| 98 | Mike Polich | Hibbing | 1971 | F | 12/19/52 | Retired | - | NA | Minnesota (1971-75) | - | 226 gms; MON, MIN; 76-81 |
| 99 | Chris Locker | Duluth East | 1996 | F | 10/14/77 | Retired | 1995 | - | UW-River Falls (1999-2000) | - | - |
| 100 | Herb Brooks | St. Paul Johnson | 1955 | F | 8/5/37 | Deceased | 1955 | NA | Minnesota (1955-59) | 1964, 1968 | - |
Comments
Loren Nelson ·
Have no fear, you aren't missing anything. Each day at noon we release another player, working our way up to No. 1. List won't be complete until late November.
Gopherfan ·
I would agree. You always wonder what could have been.
Marct19 ·
Keep adding Jefferson players.. their are plenty more of them who rank in the Top 50... Like 10 more..
1fortheages ·
Amazing the talent that one state has produced. We just keep turning out the most talent.
Gary92 ·
Don't forget about the "87" greenway raiders , they averaged 7 goals a game over the course of that season thanks to guys like Kenny gernander (NY Rangers ) kriss miller( UMD and Mr hockey) goalie Jeff stolp (LA kings) Craig Miscovich( Harvard) and a hand full of others.please check them out.
Donny ·
I nominate Tim Sheehy of International Falls. 3 State Titles, Won 59 straight games. Unstoppable and fun to watch as he turned on the afterburners and left the others behind. One of very few players in the 60's that played as a freshman.
Greenway 7 ·
It will be a total injustice if Kris Miller from Greenway is not number 1 on this list.
Steve A ·
Kris Miller is great player but ranked above Neil Broten? No way.
Terrydactyls ·
Tim Sheehy got a hat trick against me in just over a minute. Too bad it wasn't a natural hat trick.
Jim ·
I am willing to bet my HOUSE and all 5,000 shares of my APPLE stock that Neal Broten comes in at #1
Jeff ·
you were close...I'll take a hand shake instead of the stock.
Jim ·
Jeff, lets bet. Do you have Pay pal? I know it will be Neal Broten. No state titles but what a phenom in High School. Also will likely receive maximum 5 points for post HS career, Stanley Cup with Jersey, Finals with North Stars
Todd ·
How about Chad Erickson helped make Larry Olimb look good when he got caught deep in the offensive zone.
tom ·
clearly it is phil housely number 2 alltime american leading scorer in the nhl but it will probably be neal broten because he is better known in minnesota.good choice also both should be in the hockey hall of fame if it wasnt for the canadain and eastern bias.
Jim ·
Totally forgot about Housely. He sure could outdo Broten. I dont know much about Mayasich
Jim ·
I agree with tcrowser. it would be nice to recognize George Pelawa here. These are people I think will be listed before its over: There are 4 more 1980 US Olympians remaining (Neal Broten, John Harrington, Steve Janaszak, and Phil Verchota) I dont know much about Harrington and Janaszak's HS days, but Verchota and Neal Broten will be here.
Jim ·
Besides Broten and Verchota, here are my remaining players: Tim Sheehy, Aaron Broten, Housely, Tom Gilbert, Neil Sheehy, Zach Parise, Ben Eaves, Jamie Langenbrunner, Henry Boucha, Todd Okerlund, Paul Broten, John Pohl, Reed Larson,
Paul Holmgren, Johnny Pohl, Jeff Taffe, Jordan Leopold, Timmy Harrer, Corey Millen, Tom Hirsch, Tyler Hirsch, Trent Klatt, Tony Lucia, Blake Wheeler, Gary Sampson, Amidon, Mayasich. There are 29 names with 23 spots, I'll say I'll have 66% accuracy minimum. Does a…
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Jim ·
With Reed Larson and Corey Millen new to this list, Im right on the money. Not bad for a Massachusetts kid.
J Money ·
Jim: Some of those guys are ineligible because they left MSHSL before their 12th grade season. Todd Okerlund has no chance in my book. Tom Hirsch is an interesting pick, but I don't think he makes it as I believe he went to Patrick Henry and they never did anything. Tyler Hirsch and Zach Parise? No dice on Shattuck kids.
You are missing Scott Bloom, John Matchefts, Kyle Rau, Willard Ikola, Mike Antonovich, Tom Chorske, Mike Crowley, and Dave Spehar. All of those 8 will be on for…
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Jim ·
Thanks for your reply. I was in fact unaware of that MSHSL rule. Actually, I'm surprised I did not think of Kyle Okposo, though now understand he's ineligible. I thought Tyler Hirsch was a Roosevelt kid? Speaking of him, do you know how hes doing? I was always saddened by such a talent being negatively impacted by all the pressure.
Why are Shattuck kids who graduate ineligible? Does same apply to schools like Breck and Blake Wheeler.
Must have missed Trent Klatt's appearance. Of that li…
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Jim ·
Do you know which players I listed left before Grade 12?
Im guessing Langenbrunner?
J Money ·
Jim, I didn't see the part about having to play through 12th grade either. It was kind of buried during the nomination period and I didn't start following it either. I'm just assuming it on the Shattuck kids, because nobody in Minnesota considers that high school hockey. They don't compete in the MSHSL. Tyler Hirsch, as I understood it, left Jefferson's youth program to go through Shattuck with Zach Parise. (I don't live in Minnesota, but I was always curious about Tyler's progress as I kn… Read More
J Money ·
Jim, I think Blake Wheeler left Breck to play USHL as a senior. Otherwise he'd be Top 100. Jamie Langenbrunner played Junior hockey in Canada. Peter Mueller went to Ann Arbor, and so did Jordan Leopold. All of these guys would make a list of the Top 100 players turned out by the State of Hockey. Ditto Okposo, who did Shattuck and the USHL.
Jim ·
I knew Langenbrunner played in the OHL, but I though he was a Mr. Hockey" winner prior to that??
J Money ·
Jamie Langenbrunner was not Mr. Hockey. Late '90s winners were Rasmussen, Spehar, Miskovich, Pohl, and Taffe.
Jim S ·
So Toby Peterson from Jefferson played 9th-11th and had also HS credits with a 4.0 is Toby out? I think Tommy Gilbert can also make the list but the remaining numbers are few.
J Money ·
If the "Legends of Hockey" website is accurate, he went from Jefferson ('95-'96) to Colorado College ('96-'97). If he graduated HS early, that makes him more like Nick Bjugstad and Aaron Ness (who made the list). I guess he'd be eligible.
Tom Gilbert played a year for the Chicago Steel. I don't know if it was after 12th grade or in place of it.
Jim ·
Down to the last 21, I'm wondering if Phil Verchota and John Harrington from the US Olympiuc team will appear? Obviously phenomenal talents, but not sure what their HS impact was. I do like the weighted system of the selection process with about 92% of the selections based on HS success. It would seem odd though not to see every MN member of that team here.
Jim ·
J Money, are you positive that Langenbrunner was not a Mr. Hockey, or at least a finalist. I could have sworn I read in an SI article about 10 years ago that he was nominated or something.
as for Tom Gilbert, he graduated from Jefferson, and played USHL post grad
J Money ·
Jim:
Verchota and Harrington cannot be on this list ahead of their Olympic teammates like Christoff, McClanahan, Baker, Pavelich, and Christian. All of them did more before 1980, more during the Olympic run, and more after. Not to take anything against those two or their accomplishment, but that's part of the story. Herb Brooks' team had a handful of grinders (at the Olympic level). Neal Broten hasn't been mentioned yet. Verchota/Harrington aren't going to be in his company on this…
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Jim ·
John Matchefts, Kyle Rau, Willard Ikola, Mike Antonovich, Tom Chorske, Mike Crowley, and Dave Spehar, Tim Sheehy, Phil Housley, Henry Boucha, Johnny Pohl, John Mayasich, George Pelawa, Tim Harrer. Bill Nyrop, Neal Broten, Aaron Broten, Tom Gilbert, Jeff Taffe, Jordan Leopold, Tom Hirsch, Gary Sampson, Amidon. There are 23 names with 19 spots, I'll say I'll have 66% accuracy minimum. Does anyone want to wager a friendly bet on these predictions?
If I win Il give soem credit to J Money
J Money ·
Jim:
Langenbrunner - http://mrhockeyaward.com/
My guess on the order for who is left?
1. John Mayasich
2. Mike Antonovich
3. Aaron Broten
4. Henry Boucha
5. Neal Broten
6. Dave Spehar
7. John Matchefts
8. Phil Housley
9. Kyle Rau
10. Willard Ikola
11. Tim Sheehy
12. Mike Crowley
13-16. Chorske, Pohl, Pelawa, Taffe (good call)
I know I'm missing three and I'm gue…
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Jim ·
J Money, agree regarding Verchota and Harrington. I was not aware of their HS exploits but agree they were the essential grinders on the 80 Olympic Team, although Verchota was a Gopher not an easy task to pull off without huge talent. (just kidding, but if you saw the movie "Miracle", which Im sure you did, maybe Verchota lost points for alegedly being the player checking out the Norwegian coeds in Norway prior to the "Herbies" incident) I had assumed their HS days could not … Read More
Jim ·
Lets all get signed up for Pay Pal. Well have a pool to see whos list of the top 10 comes closest, as well as who selects the #`1 pick. What do you say? Or are you just chicken?
Jim S ·
Toby Peterson played 9, 10, 11th grade and graduated early. Colorado had to give Tobys older brother a full ride to get Toby. I think only a few player for Jefferson back then as a 9th grader. He was also a Mr Hockey finalist as a 11th grader. To bad we could not have enjoyed him as a senior. Tommy Gilbert played thru 12th grade. Tough final list but I think your close.
Jim ·
J Money, forgot about Maley and Ben Clymer. Both very legitimate possibilities. My opinion on Nyrop was solely based on the paltry 5 points his post HS career may bring with all the Stanley Cups.
I think this will get real interesting with the final 5 picks. I may wait to issue another monetary challenge until then.
Can you paste the Mr Hockey Link again. It was not working
J Money ·
Steve Janaszak is a great call. He might be one of the guys I'm missing. Just type in the address for Mr. Hockey. That's the website. All the info you want on the finalists by year.
I don't see Maley as a Top 20 guy. Not with people like Scott Bloom and Corey Millen off the board. However, if you took a guy off the 1982 title team I don't know that it's Wally Chapman. And I'm a big Wally Chapman fan. Edina won in 1984 and Ranheim, also a Badger with a long NHL career, made the…
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J Money ·
Okay, I've gone over this a lot and there just have to be more Edina guys. Maybe not just one. It's possible to see two or even three. Why? Check this out: Int'l Falls (8), Jefferson (8), Eveleth (7), Warroad (7), Roseau (5), Duluth Cathedral (3), Hill-Murray (3), Grand Rapids (3), Southwest (2), Roosevelt (2), John Marshall (2), Hibbing (2), Richfield (2), Johnson (2), Burnsville (2). Anyone see a problem here?
Edina has only had three guys. With no "locks" in sight. …
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TT ·
Hey... do a "Search of the Webpage. I count 6 from Edina on the list. I personally think its about two to many.
TM ·
Joe Motzko from Bemidji should be on the list. Mr. Hockey Semi-finalist in 98'. One of the all time leading scorers for St. Cloud State. Played in the NHL for numerous teams including the Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks a few years ago. Currently playing professional hockey in Germany.
R-Dog ·
No way Motzko makes it. Sorry. They are down to top 12 as of today and too many other good players ahead of Joe.
MplsSWfan ·
My top ten prediction: 1. John Mayasich, 2. Neal Broten, 3. Phil Housley, 4. Willard Ikola, 5. Henry Boucha, 6. Aaron Broten, 7. Mike Crowley, 8. Dave Spehar, 9. Johnny Pohl, 10. Bobby Lundeen.. (Okay #10 was a total SW pick, but he was great!) My darkhorse pick for the other five spots remaining is Paul Butters from Roch JM.
J Money ·
Remaining guys are going to be:
1- Mike Antonovich
2- Henry Boucha
3- Aaron Broten
4- Neal Broten
5- Mike Crowley
6- Phil Housley
7- Willard Ikola
8- John Matchefts
9- John Mayasich
10- Johnny Pohl
11- Kyle Rau
12- Tim Sheehy
13- Dave Spehar
There is one more and my guess is Craig Norwich of Edina. I don't see Lundeen. Butters if there's room for another goalie, but Jon Casey was down quite a bit.
Jeff ·
It is so weak that Langenbrunner can't be considered, he could skate circles around Spehar in those epic Cloquet/ Duluth East match-ups.
Nick ·
Oh I agree totally!!! Langy should be in the top 5 in my opinion. and to put Spehar on this list just kills it. I agree with Locker being on it because no way is Spehar on this list with out Locker feeding him the puck at the red line. Anyway Langy has had a great professional career form the NHL to the Olympics. If it wasn't for Jean-Sebastien Giguere he would also have a Con Smythe.
marty ·
Keith "Huffer" Christiansen played for the Falls Broncos in the early 60's think it was. Incredibly talented, exciting and fun to watch. Would he not qualify because he was born across the river from the Falls in Fort Frances. Played with "Slop John" O'Leary. These guys were dynamite. If "Huffer" qualifies I can't see how he could possibly be left out of the top 100.
Marty
Boom! ·
Alright...First and foremost, you guys are nuts to think anyone but Mayasich being number 1. Top 3 predictions as follows:
1. John Mayasich
2. Henry Boucha
3. Dave Spehar
Remember the bulk of the points are coming from High School, hence the 100 Greatest High School Players.
Jim S ·
So who are the responsible parties for selecting the players scoring numbers? J Money you have done a nice job until this end where you actualy assigned final rankings. Some great players have missed this list. Tough Numbers left.
R-Dog ·
Jim S. - If you look at J Money's list, you will see it is in alphabetical order, not necessarily the final rank. The list is the group of people who will make up the final 13.
Jim S ·
So sorry, I see that now. Does anyone know who the actual selectors are? As for today's pick of Crowley I agree and those teams from 91-97 were something else. In 94 Jefferson had about 8 of those players play in the NHL.
Brett Erdmann (Willmar 82-85) ·
This list makes me sick! Granted there are awesome players on here but what about Brian Nelson (Willmar-1982- 1984)? Steve Orth (St. Cloud Tech 1980-1983)????
There are way too many guys missing that should be up there!
J Money ·
Brett, I remember Orth. I don't remember Nelson. Not to slight guys like that, but there are about 15 guys per decade or 1-2 per year. Neither would make a list of the next hundred either. Without looking at the Top 100 to close, I think it omits Dan Carlson, Dean Talafous, Dave Maley, Tom Hirsch, Ben Clymer, Toby Petersen, Pete Hankinson, Todd Richards, Tim Harrer, and more. Get the point? You could be great in HS, have a ton of success in college, maybe reach the NHL and stick, and STILL… Read More
R-Dog ·
Who in the heck is Brian Nelson? Sorry, but I am not sure if either of these gentlemen would rate in the top 200. You have to look at overall skill, how they stood out and the level of competition.
Make this list into a book please! ·
Is there any chance this list will be made into a coffee table book? I would buy it in a heart beat. This has been such a great compilation of the best of Minnesota High School Hockey. It's been great re-reading about the players and tournaments I experienced, and learning about players and teams that dominated in the early eras.
Loren Nelson ·
We've certainly talked about turning this project into a book. We're just not sure how much support there would be. Good to hear that at least one copy would be sold!
where do I send payment? ·
Even without the mindblowing numbers, I love that somehow after 99 other players there were enough adjectives left to convey to non-Minnesotan hockey enthusiasts how incredible this player was.
The article about Mayasich only reaffirms how outstanding a book would be. Reading each one was like a progression in ascending greatness, and even though nobody will ever agree with a final order, or maybe even a top 5, reading such a thorough and complete account of the history of Minnesota H…
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Jim ·
I second the book idea. This was a well designed point system and selection process. Kudos to that committee as that must have been a tough task. I hope the website stays up at least.
Jim ·
Am I in the ballpark assuming that Neal Broten, Phil Housley, and Tim Sheehy will be part of the next 4 selections?
Jim S ·
The book idea is nice with a plus factor of adding write ups on about 50 other players that just didn't make the top 100. Very nice job on this project, lots of fun following. Thanks
Jim ·
Micheletti was a phenom no doubt. I think like someone said at gthe beginning of this process is that s ate like Minnesota could have about 500 players deserving of the top 100. My guess, is that's why they came up with that 3 criteria point system, possibly a tool to differentiate between players. One example I think of is Brian Bonin. Here was a Mr. Hockey, a Hobey baker Winner, and never appeared in the NHL.
The kid surely had plenty of talent. On that note, I think of how many AHL playe…
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Jim ·
OK guys. Several weeks ago I posted a comment challenging people to a monetary bet regarding the #1 selection.
Is anyone ready to place their money on the table now? Neal Broten was the clear winner before the selection process ever started.
Davo ·
Mayasich was a man among boys at both the state and college level, but also was and is a true gentleman. He dominated the sport like no one else and clearly deserves to be #1. I think a book would be a great idea, so some of the greats do not get forgotten.
R-Dog ·
Sorry, Jordan S. left high school early, so he doesn't qualify. You has to spend your senior year with your high school team. That's why Blake Wheeler didn't make it either. Talk about missing names - Ken Yackel, Ryan Kraft, Pat Micheletti, Jim Jetland, Dean Talafous, Gary Gambucci, Joe Poole - all standouts in their day.
strandra ·
Can't find numbers 1-68. Send a hint: they're hidden behind . . . door #1? Where are they?
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