Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1423991
HOME ICE: Doug Woog Arena DISTRICT: PRESIDENT: Andy Gross 8 Packers NICKNAME: 178 2020-21 REGISTRATION NUMBERS: M H J O N L I N E . C O M | N O V / D E C 2 0 2 1 16 of STATE HOCKEY South St. Paul State of Hockey Spotlight WHY THEY'RE AWESOME From the moment kids walk into Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul, they're reminded of the strong hockey legacy that exists within their own community. They gaze up at jerseys of former South St. Paul players that adorn the walls of the arena—aspiring to maybe one day see themselves up there next to NHL icons like Phil Housley or successful coaches like Terry Abram. The arena's name itself pays tribute to former South St. Paul hockey legend Doug Woog, who led the Packers to four state tournament appearances between 1959 and 1962. Woog went on to be a star player for the University of Minnesota, and eventually returned to his alma mater for a 14-year stint as head coach. For a program that's been around since 1947, the list of distinguished alumni out of South St. Paul is extensive. And it only continues to grow. "There's a long history," said Andy Gross, President of the South St. Paul Youth Hockey Association. "To this day, there are still families involved in our association that were involved in a lot of that history." Pride runs deep for those families within the blue-collar community. Still today, the youngsters can feel a connection to players and coaches that have passed through the program. "It's definitely a big deal," Gross said. "Especially when you have recent play- ers and kids can turn on the TV and they can watch them. It's really special." Former players have supported and given back to the association. In return, South St. Paul named some of its Mite teams after them. There's the Stalock Photos / Tim Wallace, SSPYHA P R E S E N T E D B Y by Elizabeth Boger