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The Herb Brooks award is given to the
Minnesota state hockey tournament player who most strongly represents
the values, characteristics, and traits that defined Herb Brooks. This
prestigious award commemorates the unending influence Herb had on hockey
in Minnesota and throughout the world.
Herb “Herbie” Brooks is a legend. He not only loved hockey, he lived it.
Countless people in the hockey world revered him, and he was a tireless
supporter of the sport. Herb always had a story to tell about his hockey
experiences. While he is most well known for leading the 1980 “Miracle
on Ice” USA Olympic team to the gold medal, the story he enjoyed sharing
most was that of his St. Paul Johnson team, which won the state boys’
hockey tournament in 1955.
“Winning the state
championship, that represented your neighborhood. I would have to say
that it was my biggest thrill ever. It was just the guys in the
neighborhood and that was special.”
That win marked the beginning of many
victories Herb Brooks would achieve throughout his life. Herb’s
integrity, his willingness to take on a challenge, and his dedication
left an everlasting impression on the hockey community. The Herb Brooks
Award, presented by KSTC Channel 45, is supported by the Minnesota State
High School League, the Boys and Girls Hockey Coaches Associations, and
of course, by Herb’s widow, Patti, and his children, Dan and Kelly.
The head coach of each team qualifying for both the State Girls’ Hockey
Tournament and State Boys’ Hockey Tournament can nominate a player for
the Herb Brooks Award. This award is open to all players on the varsity
roster. There will be one recipient in each class for girls and one for
boys.
Player nomination forms can be found on ayour school’s website. The
coach must complete the checklist of qualities associated with Herb
Brooks, and explain why the player deserves the award. The nominee must,
in the opinion of his/her head coach, represent the characteristics,
values and traits Herb Brooks defined. This award is not necessarily
intended for the best player on the team. Instead, it should honor the
player with the most drive and dedication to the team, to the school,
and to the community — and, of course, to hockey.
Characteristics and values nominees should feature:
• A true love for hockey — a real passion
• Commitment and loyalty to school, team, and community
• A willingness to sacrifice for the team
• Integrity
• The courage of his/her convictions
• A goal-oriented approach
• A sharp focus and strong competitive drive
• An excellent work ethic
• A willingness to accept challenges
• Mental toughness
• Strong hockey skills
• Strong leadership qualities
The selection committee comprises current and
former high school hockey coaches and other hockey community members
with connections to Herb. Herb’s son Dan and his daughter, Kelly
Paradise, chair a committee that reviews nominations, observes nominees
in state tournament games, and selects the winners. Committee members
may interview head coaches to discuss the nominee.
Winners are selected during the third period of the third-place game for
each class at each tournament. The winner’s coach will be notified
before each championship game, and the award presentation will take
place at the conclusion of the championship game, prior to the
championship medals and trophies.
Head coaches must submit nominations electronically by 4 p.m. the Monday
of state tournament week.
Nominees must attend the championship awards
ceremony on Saturday. They should dress appropriately, i.e., in a manner
commensurate with a prestigious, televised award ceremony. Game sweaters
or other school-insignia apparel are appropriate. If, for some reason, a
winning player cannot be present to accept the award, it will be
presented to the next-best-qualified player.
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Class A Virginia High School
Casey Myhre
Class A Hutchinson
High School
Fallon Macemon
Class AA Edina High School
Caitie Morris
Class AA Apple Valley
High School
Player: Peter Sikich
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