By Darren Eliot –
Recently on Fox Sports Detroit we did a segment called “Hockeytown vs. The State of Hockey”, which of course are the monikers that Detroit and Minnesota go by. At this time of year it is interesting to look at the differences between the two hockey-rich regions. Minnesota has long been based on high school hockey and Michigan’s history revolves around travel teams. We have seen our state make great strides at the high school level in terms of competitiveness and quality of play, while folks in Minnesota from time to time look for ways to have a presence in the realm of travel hockey.
Beyond the systemic differences, though, the similarities are what make both Michigan and Minnesota hockey hotbeds. Both have NHL teams, multiple college teams, junior teams and a vast array of youth organizations and programs. The people in both locales follow their local teams with a passion at every level. The enthusiasm for the high school state tournament in Minnesota is truly amazing, as is the passion exhibited for their beloved “U”, which is all you need to say when referring to University of Minnesota hockey.
In Michigan, you have both the Wolverines and Spartans playing B1G hockey with the Golden Gophers, along with no fewer than five other D1 programs throughout. Add in two OHL teams in Saginaw and Plymouth, a USHL team in Muskegon, an AHL team in Grand Rapids and the Detroit Red Wings to top it all off, the state offers more varied options than any other. Yet, both states have exactly 40 players who have played in the NHL this season and USA Hockey participation numbers are around 50,000 statewide for both, as well.
So, who is it, Hockeytown or The State of Hockey? In our debate, we found that Minnesota has sent 237 players to the NHL, while Michigan stands at 136. Inside those totals, though, we wondered who makes up the all-time all-state teams, excluding current players.
Here is our list:
MICHIGAN
Goalie – John Vanbiesbrouck
Winningest netminder in NHL history, with 374 victories spanning a 20-year career. Currently in charge of all hockey operations for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Defense – Mark Howe
Howe is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the son of Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe. Enough said. Currently the head of scouting for the Detroit Red Wings.
Defense – Kevin Hatcher
He and brother Derian both played over 1,000 games in the NHL, with big brother Kevin producing much more offensively. Kevin had 227 goals from the blue line in total, including a 34-goal campaign in 1992-93.
Forward – Mike Modano
The second most prolific goal-scorer in American Hockey history with 561 goals, Modano won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars. Internationally, he won the 1996 World Cup and competed in three Olympics as a member of Team USA, winning silver in 2002.
Forward – Pat LaFontaine
One of the most dynamic skaters of his era, Lafontaine amassed over 1,000 points in 865 games. He played for Team USA in the Olympics in 1984 and 1998, as well as during the 1987 Canada Cup and 1996 World Cup.
Forward – Doug Weight
Sixth all-time in scoring amongst American-born players. Weight won a Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes and played in three Winter Olympic Games as a member of Team USA. He played two years at Lake Superior State University – the only player on our Michigan list to play college hockey.
MINNESOTA
Goalie – Frank Brimsek
Won 252 games in the NHL and two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966. The top Minnesota high school goaltender each season is awarded the trophy that honors Brimsek.
Defense – Phil Housley
Nobody has more assists in American hockey history than Housley’s 894. Played twenty NHL seasons and represented Team USA multiple times as well, winning silver in 2002.
Defense – Mike Ramsey
Played over 1,000 NHL games and represented his country as part of Team USA several times — none more memorable than in 1980 when Team USA won Gold at Lake Placid.
Forward – Neal Broten
Broten was also on that “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980. He scored the clinching goal in the 1979 tournament and won the inaugural Hobey Baker award as college hockey’s top player. Neal was the older brother of Aaron and Paul Broten, both of whom also played in the NHL.
Forward – Jamie Langenbrunner
Played over 1,100 NHL games, winning Two Stanley Cups – one with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and again with the N.J. Devils in 2003. Played for Team USA on multiple occasions, winning silver at the 2010 Olympics.
Forward – Joel Otto
Played over 900 NHL games, amassing over 500 points. He won a Stanley Cup in 1989 with the Calgary Flames. He represented his country five different times.
As with any list, no slight meant to anyone not included. There are a lot worthy candidates from both Hockeytown and The State of Hockey.
More importantly, there are more great players on the way.