Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1531040
BUILDING A FOUNDATION Many fans are aware of Shakopee's recent successes at the high school level, but they may not know the growth taking place at the younger youth levels, or what goes on behind the scenes to make it all possible. By all accounts, the 2023-24 season was one of the most suc- cessful in the history of Shakopee youth hockey. In addition to the high school team's accomplishments, Shakopee's Junior Gold "Red" team was a State participant. Bantam A was District 6 champion. 10UA was District 6 Silver Division Champ. The Peewee A, 10U B2, Squirt A and Squirt C "Red" teams were runners-up in District 6. Overall, the SYHA program scored 15 first-place tournament finishes and five more second-place finishes. Johnson also highlight- ed Shakopee's 12U and 10U girls programs and its Squirt C team's successful seasons and the overall growth of their talent pool at the youngest levels. Further demonstrating its growth, Shakopee is field- ing a Bantam AA team this year. There are a variety of reasons for the program's steady ascension: a tight-knit and passionate community, dedicated volunteers, additional skating coaches for the younger levels, the two-sheet Shakopee Ice Arena built in 2016, free "Rookie Mites," Try Hockey for Free programs and more. "I think the secret sauce to our success is the kids themselves," said Johnson, who estimates that SYHA has 485 players currently registered, with Mite, "Rookie Mite" and Bantam numbers up from previous years. "The kids we have in our association, they love hockey, and they show up and they're competitive. Of course, you don't have kids like that without great parents and families. They're all really dedicated and care about the success of this program and that translates to the kids. They're all so happy to be on the ice." Johnson senses the positive energy around Shakopee hockey. "Our kids and their parents want the program to be successful, so there's a focus on being professional on the ice, showing up with class and trying to do all the right things to keep the momentum moving forward," Johnson said. "Of course, our mission is to develop young hockey players into great adults. And we're also excited to be able to compete with a number of large, storied programs that have lots of support. To be in that conversation with the class of the field is a lot of fun." "I just hope we can set a good example and show them that you don't have to stop playing hockey. You have the opportunity to pursue it further, and I hope they do." Sabers captain and University of North Dakota recruit Cooper Simpson is a top Mr. Hockey contender My senior year at Shakopee: It's important for me to play my senior year in Shakopee because this is my last chance to play with this group of guys and represent the community. We want to hang a banner and leave a lasting legacy. The added benefits of staying home: The benefits of playing my senior year are definitely the relationships I have made with my friends, going to the football games, all the school events and just making my senior year a special thing. My tape job, stick flex, and curve: Heel to toe, 77 flex and P28 curve. My game in five words or less: Smart playmaker, pure goal scorer. Go-to warmup song: "Take Care" by Drake. COOPER'S QUICK HITS M H J ON L I N E . C O M | J A N / F E B 2 0 2 5 26 S H A K O P E E H O C K E Y Photos / Zach Siegert/ZW Photography I THINK THE SECRET SAUCE TO OUR SUCCESS IS THE KIDS. THEY LOVE HOCKEY, AND THEY SHOW UP AND THEY'RE COMPETITIVE. " – Chris Johnson, Shakopee Youth Hockey Association President