High school hockey participation in Minnesota has seen a decline, with the number of boys dropping by 13% and girls by 12%. This has led to the consolidation of teams, with traditional rivals forming co-ops in order to field a team. For example, Apple Valley and Burnsville, as well as Armstrong and Cooper, have joined forces to ensure they can compete in the sport.
The city of Minneapolis has also seen seven public high schools feeding into a single boys hockey team, with St. Paul now following suit. Kennedy High School, once a powerhouse in the 90s, has had to drop its hockey program due to lack of players. This trend has left many former players and coaches surprised and disappointed at the changes happening in the hockey community.
Chris Sikich, a former player and coach in the Apple Valley boys program, recently coached the girls team as a result of the co-op with Burnsville. Despite the challenges faced by many schools in maintaining their hockey teams, those involved remain dedicated to the sport and determined to continue playing at a high level. The future of high school hockey in Minnesota may be evolving, but its spirit and passion remain strong.
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