The August 9 issue of Let’s Play Hockey is now being delivered to nearly all hockey shops and ice arenas throughout the Upper Midwest. The 80-page issue features the first article in a three-part series on high school hockey in Minnesota. The first installment looks at the legacy of John Mariucci and Herb Brooks, and the search for a new champion of Minnesota hockey.

… Similarly, Brooks canvassed the state, speaking at banquets, signing autographs at various events, meeting with youth hockey associations, recognizing grassroots efforts by presenting the Voyageurs Award and co-hosting the Let’s Play Hockey TV show. In fact, his fatal accident occurred on Brooks’ return trip from a U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame fundraiser in Giants Ridge.

… Without a champion of hockey in Minnesota, will AAA hockey overtake this state’s community-based system? Will junior and major junior teams up their pursuit of Minnesotans? Will high school hockey and the state tournament become afterthoughts?

Since the death of Brooks, a champion of Minnesota hockey has not truly emerged. Who is going to carry on the legacy created by John Mariucci and continued by Herb Brooks?

The September 7 issue of Let’s Play Hockey will take a look at the hot-button topic of players leaving high school early for junior leagues. The article will tell the stories of players that stayed with their high school teams and those that left early.

Pick up a free copy of Let’s Play Hockey at your local hockey shop or ice arena.