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Over the years hockey in Minnesota has been influenced by thought leaders and normally a small group whose opinions or positions weigh heavily on today’s version of the game.

Some past influencers, in my opinion, would include Robert Ridder, Cal Marvin, Stan Hubbard, John Mariucci, John Mayasich, Herb Brooks, Lou Nanne, & Bob Utecht. Whose opinion holds sway these days? Interested in perspectives from pockets around the state, especially as it impacts high school hockey.

Kniven should be on the list..

wolfman wrote:Kniven should be on the list..

Good one wolfy..Sarsland?

Ron Woodey, Bob Sommers and Red Karis.

Harry Brown

• Instrumental in bringing and winning a lawsuit vs. the Minnesota State High School League which allowed Minnesota high school hockey players to practice and play hockey in the off season (1970).

• Involved in creating the Junior A Hockey program in Minnesota.

• Winner of the Maroosh Award (Jan 1990). Inscription reads: Presented by Minnesota North Stars – in memory of John Mariucci – Godfather of Minnesota hockey. Award given in recognition of outstanding service or contributions to hockey by Minnesota elite within the state or elsewhere.

• Published two instructional hockey books: “Ice Hockey Skating – How to Develop Power and Agility in Skating” and “Goaltenders Guide.”

• Inducted into the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame (March 2012).

http://letsplay.pointstreaksites.com/vi ... ews_460494

The Golden Valley Ice Center

mulefarm wrote:The Golden Valley Ice Center

Home of the "Junior Olympic Development League".

Stephens Buick junior team

Jack Blatherwick

Agree with the Bus. One of the first individuals I thought of after reading this post was

Jack Blatherwick

Edina and Wayzata Junior Gold Coaches--they have been influencing potential at risk kids (I say that only because they get kids who have been dealt a big blow and they are at ages where they can go the wrong way) for many years with no skin in the game so to speak. They are doing it for the right reasons. GB

I agree with the Bus as well - first name I thought of for influencing the training side of things was Cardiac Jack. I don't know if his opinion holds the sway of the names in the first post, but he has played an important role.

The first hockey icon that caught my eye at the age of 5 was Goldy spinning his head and sliding down the steps of old Mariucci. He gets my vote!!

Murray Williamson
Olympic hockey coach
Founded Bemidji Hockey Camp
Founded the World Jr. Tourney

Obvious ones

Walter Bush - was instrumental in getting the MN North Stars in the 60's. This was huge in popularizing the game to a broader audience.

Herb Brooks and Doug Woog (their vision of MN only kids at The U was great for the growth of the game in my generation).

Chuck Grillo - he told the NHL that MN kids were as good as Canadian kids.

Bob Utecht - he told the story of hockey in MN to Minnesotans when no one else was.

Tougher ones

Any politician who saw the need for indoor ice in their community
Any high school coach who saw the importance of working with their youth association
Guys like Jack Blatherwick and Larry Hendrickson who took an interest in guys who wanted to get stronger and better.

Is Bob Utecht the guy who started Let’s Play Hockey magazine? If so, then he 100% has to be included. If not, then whoever did deserves that recognition.

gopherpuck516 wrote:Is Bob Utecht the guy who started Let’s Play Hockey magazine? If so, then he 100% has to be included. If not, then whoever did deserves that recognition.

Yes, Bob started Let's Play Hockey. He sold it to Doug Johnson in the 1980's. Doug sold it to former Hill Murray Pioneer, Bryan Zollman in 2016. Bryan played on Hill Murray's 1991 State Championship team.

Larry Ross I-Falls
Lyn Ellingson Grand Rapids

Larry Hendrickson (RIP) and Herb Brooks