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M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 13 COMMUNITY-BASED HOCKEY IN ACTION La Crescent's rise is yet another example of how Minnesota's community-based approach to the sport works. The area features an association made up entirely of volunteers dedicated to providing youth hockey opportunities to La Crescent and surrounding communities and a bustling, local rink (La Crescent Community Arena) that has become a home away from home for area skaters of all ages. " When I started playing my youth hockey here, we had an outdoor rink and a tractor for a Zamboni, and I remember getting dressed in these little outhouses," said Hayes, who now has three children of his own that he gets to watch skate on a regular basis, plus a newborn. "Ever since we built the arena here, there's been a lot of excitement around the game, and it's grown massively." "On game nights, the arena is like a centerpiece for the whole community, and the rink is packed full of kids," Hayes added. "We bring kids into the locker room and have our players talk to them a bit. It gives the kids someone to look up to. It's really what hockey in Minnesota is all about." La Crescent has also provided ample evidence that high-end talent can come from everywhere, not just the perceived hockey factories around large metro areas. Farrell and teammate Noah Gillette have been standouts this year, prov- ing doubters wrong and setting an example for young players around the La Crescent area and in smaller towns throughout Minnesota. "On game nights, the arena is like a centerpiece for the whole community, and the rink is packed full of kids," — Head Coach Eriah Hayes