It's a whole new world for hockey players when they begin playing junior hockey. They're playing against bigger, tougher competition than in high school, and are away from home.
This week in Blaine, the North American Hockey League has its showcase tournament. About 10 players from the northwest suburbs are in the tournament.
Plymouth natives and Benilde-St. Margaret's graduates Pat Steinhauser and Jake Horton are here with the Aberdeen Wings, along with Hopkins grad Tanner Holmquist. Former Osseo head coach Garrett Strot is an assistant coach for Aberdeen.
The showcase gives the players an opportunity to be seen by college coaches who are attending, and for the Twin Cities natives, gives them a little taste of home, too.
12 Sports
Thursday, September 13, 2012