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Von Tersch's 3-year-old twins are partici- pating in the program. "We did that from the standpoint that we believe it's important. One night a week, we just focus on technique for our kids," said Von Tersch. "We think that will provide dividends for us going forward just having better skaters throughout our club all the way up to the varsity level. Luverne Hockey Club is also starting an internal equipment exchange to help keep costs lower for hockey families. The high school coaches, Derrick Brown and Tony Sandbulte, have been heavily involved in player development at all levels. This year, there are 165 registered youth hockey players in Luverne. "Once families start, they usually stay in it," said Susan Beers, parent and Luverne Hockey Club marketing director. GETTING EXPOSURE Their efforts and success have not gone unnoticed. The Luverne High School boys' hockey team, which qualified for its first-ever state tournament in 2014, was selected to play against St. Paul Johnson on Hockey Day Minnesota this year at Holman Field in St. Paul on Jan. 17. FOX Sports North aired a feature on the hockey town and its beaming culture. "The stands were filled with red," said Von Tersch. Jaxon Nelson is a standout freshman for the boys' team. Jaxon burst onto the scene last year, scoring 32 goals and tallying more than 70 points. His star power, along with fellow scoring sensation Chaz Smedsrud, has helped increase the program's exposure. Chad Nelson, Jaxon's father, coaches the Luverne 12U girls' team, where his daughter plays. The 12U Cardinals would also make the most of the trip, sneaking in a couple games of their own against the St. Paul Johnson/Como 12U girls' team over the weekend. "It wasn't just about the boys," said Chad Nelson. "It was about everybody in general — girls and the boys. It was a nice deal for the community as a whole." CALLING ALL ASSOCIATIONS: COME PLAY IN LUVERNE Nelson coached Jaxon growing up through the youth system. They always made a concerted effort to get the program's name out there by traveling to tournaments all over the state. "We ended up doing a lot of different tournaments just to encourage the growth of Luverne down here because everybody just thinks we're down in this corner and nobody wants to come down here to play us," said Nelson. "We ended up traveling out and branching out a little bit to get this group of kids a start. Now they're somewhat established where in the future here it could be pretty bright." It can be difficult for Luverne to get teams to travel, but this can be a road trip players, parents and coaches can remember forever. Former board president Emily Crabtree spearheaded a million-dollar expansion project last year to the beloved Blue Mound Ice Arena, which included a new dryland training area. It has drawn rave reviews. "We have one of the most beautiful rinks in Southwest Minnesota and even most of those in the metro area," Nelson said of the facility, which first opened in 1991. FIRST ROOTS, NOW RESPECT Luverne hockey got its start thanks to the Optimist Club, a fundraising organization that supports youth activities throughout Rock County. The Optimist Club also played a big hand in the recent arena expansion and offer scholarships for skaters. "We wouldn't exist without their support," said Beers. Luverne hockey has been driven by several key figures, from youth coaches such as Nelson, Paco Erickson and Shane Roberts to founder Dan Smeins, Tim Connell, rink managers Dave and Verlyn Van Batavia and the list goes on. Rock River flows right through the lovely Luverne, which is one of four towns featured in Ken Burns' 2007 documentary "The War." Traditionally known as a basketball powerhouse, Luverne is now seeing a change in identity. Maybe from now on it can be known as a hockey town. "The trend is definitely towards hockey now," said Nelson. "And there's no reason to think that won't continue." "This is something that's good for our kids and something that is fun for families. THE CAMARADERIE and all of that is what got us excited and interested in it." — Pat Von Tersch, President, Luverne Hockey Club MARCH.2015 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM 015 15