Pick up nearly any issue of Let’s Play Hockey and you’ll see various lists of Minnesotans in different levels of hockey. 

Upon compiling those lists, it became incredibly clear the sheer volume of hockey players that Minnesota produces on an annual basis to numerous hockey leagues is staggering. 

Without taking into account the thousands upon thousands of youth, high school and recreational hockey players that exist throughout the state, Minnesota develops an amazing number of elite hockey players. 

From our calculations, there are 2,154 Minnesotans currently playing hockey at the pro, college and junior  level in North America and Europe. 

The Minnesota Wild got it right – this state really is the State of Hockey. The impact that Minnesota has on hockey throughout the nation is mind-boggling. One look at the numbers proves it.

For the current hockey season, 47 Minnesotans have earned a roster spot in the National Hockey League, while 37 have suited up in the American Hockey League. Another 42 have played in one of the other minor hockey leagues in North America, while 65 Minnesotans have taken to the ice in one of the numerous professional hockey leagues in Europe and Asia. Certainly not to be overlooked are the 52 women currently playing professional hockey in North America or Europe, bringing the total number of Minnesota natives playing pro hockey to 243.

College hockey leagues have seen 1,411 men and women from Minnesota suit up for their respective school, including 359 in NCAA Division I, 551 in NCAA Division III and 491 in ACHA college club hockey. The numerous junior hockey leagues in the U.S. and Canada boast 500 Minnesota natives on their rosters. 

And the numbers will only continue to grow. At last summer’s NHL Entry Draft, 17 Minnesotans were selected by various NHL teams, including six picks in the first three rounds. The NHL Central Scouting Service’s current rankings for the 2018 Entry Draft list 21 more Minnesota natives who have a decent shot at hearing their name called next June. 

This season alone, 218 players that call Minnesota home have made commitments to a Division I hockey program. That total will surely increase as the season progresses, and does not take into account the incredible number of Minnesotans that end up playing hockey at a Division III school.

On top of all of that, colleges and universities in the North Star State produce a substantial number of non-Minnesotan pro hockey players. This season, nearly 100 former Minnesota collegiate players have played pro hockey, including nine in the NHL.

Finally, a good number of Minnesotans have won major pro and college hockey awards. At the top of the list are the 32 Minnesotans who have their name inscribed on the Stanley Cup (43 times). In the college ranks, nine Minnesota men have won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, one goalie has captured the Mike Richter Award and one Minnesota woman received the Patty Kazmaier Award.

Sure, Canada will continue to be the major supplier of players to North America’s various hockey leagues, but Minnesota’s contribution to the sport has been immense. Not only is Minnesota the State of Hockey, it’s also the State of Hockey Players. 

Check out the list of Minnesotans in hockey in the link above and let us know if we missed anybody by e-mailing  editor@letsplayhockey.com.