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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 23 Jake soaked in every ounce of hockey he could, learning from some of the Gopher greats including current teammate, Phil Kessel. Mike remembers Jake watching every game wide- eyed, studying players and movements to emu- late on his own youth team. "He loved learning the game as much as he does playing it," said Mike, who had a brief professional hockey career himself. "I think that's what really struck me. He had a natu- ral ability, there's no doubt, but I think what really made him a special player was his will- ingness to educate himself on the game. To learn from other players and to bring that to his own game. You don't see that too often." Like father like son, Mike was equally as taken aback to see the quick success for his youngest. "We were just hoping he'd get to play maybe five or 10 games in the pros to start," said Mike. "It's been a dream come true for all of us. I'm just so proud." FROM STATE TO STANLEY Jake said the successes at the youth level weren't exactly fruitful, but his team put in the effort every year. They were rewarded in 2010 when his Bantam squad won the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament. A replica Woodbury jersey was presented to Jake at HealthEast Sports Complex on his day with the Stanley Cup in June. "I wouldn't be here without this rink and growing up here," he said, holding up the royal blue sweater. "I spent so many hours from Mites to Bantams here. It's a special place." Jake's prowess took him down the road to Hill-Murray High School where helped the Pioneers to a Minnesota High School State Hockey Tournament. He spent three seasons at the University of Nebraska Omaha, lead- ing the Mavericks to their first Frozen Four appearance in program history. Through ups and downs—and certainly for Jake more ups than downs—he reminds players that the path to the pros is different for every- one, but each level important in its own right. "You work your entire career for a chance in the pros," he said. "I don't think there was a time that it ever felt easy. In the AHL you learn what a grind professional hockey really can be. I never took any of it for granted. Every step of the way is an important one." PITTSBURGH PRESSURE Jake knows heading into the 2017-18 season there is a target on the Pens' back. Back-to- back Cup victories will do that to a team. He admits he feels some pressure to uphold the standard he set in his unprecedented break- out season, too. "I definitely had a good year, our entire team did, but you've got to move past it," said Jake. "For me in particular, I know I've really got to work hard because I know it's going to be even tougher next year. So I've been working hard, skating a lot, and I'm looking forward to getting into the season and seeing where we can go." Wherever he ends up going, his name will forever be etched onto the Cup. It's a feeling that might never sink in, but something that will never leave him either. "I don't think the awe-factor ever goes away," he said with a grin. "It truly is remarkable. I'm just so grateful to be a part of it." I wouldn't be here without this rink and growing up here. I spent so many hours from Mites to Bantams here, so I wanted to give back to the community. " " QUICK HITS Favorite reality TV show? It's not really a reality TV show, but I'd say Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel. He did an NHL thing in the Finals and I was on it, so it was pretty funny. Favorite animal? Dog—any breed. If you weren't a hockey player what would you want to be? A golfer. Best singer in the locker room? Nick Bonino. We'll have to find a new singer this year [Bonino is now with the Predators]. He has a good voice and he likes being the funny guy in the locker room so he was a big-time singer. Favorite food: Steak, medium, on the grill. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla with chocolate syrup in a dish. Ryan Guentzel's tweet goes viral.