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23 pay-to-play systems dominate, Minnesota remains unique in its approach. "Some advisors and entrepreneurs want to sell 'elite' options," said Benilde-St. Margaret's head coach Ken Pauly, who was on the steps with MacMillan that day. "But just because you label something doesn't make it reality. HP allows Minnesota to bring its best togeth- er while still preserving the most success- ful development model in the country. High school hockey has been central to our culture and offers an experience that is truly unique. The HP program ensures kids don't have to leave their communities to get noticed." Pauly emphasized that while other states have shifted to an overly privatized model, Minnesota's system benefits every player. "The overly privatized model in other states has benefited only a few elite players at the expense of the greater good," said Pauly. "Minnesota has found a way to develop play- ers while keeping them within the communi- ty structure that serves everyone." That's why communities from Hallock to La Crescent can produce high-end players, not just Edina and Lakeville. "The HP programs help every player, but it especially helps those that come from smaller programs who might not have the strength of schedule or come from smaller communities," said Hendrickson. "It really helps the community-based model stand even stronger because it proves kids don't have to leave their hometowns. No matter what team you're on or where you're from, you can try out and make it based on your own skills, character and work ethic." MORE ICE TIME, MORE DEVELOPMENT With HP shouldering high school season, Minnesotans play just as much as those in other top programs around North America: HP's Strength of Schedule • 26 high school games • 3 HP Festival games • 3 Final 54 games • Fall Elite League • HP Tier 1 16's This schedule aligns with the Division I college model in terms of games and prac- tice-to-game ratio (3:1). A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE For 30 years, Minnesota Hockey's CCM High Performance program has complemented the state's development model—elevating talent, providing exposure, and preserving the com- munity-based system that makes Minnesota the No. 1 producer of hockey players in the U.S. Minnesota has distanced itself from other states in player production, and the HP pro- gram has been a major driver of that success. "Most kids want to sleep in their own bed while they pursue their dreams," said Pauly. "The fact that so many Minnesota kids play college hockey using the HP programs, which are fueled by the youth hockey and high school coaches, proves that you can still get to where you need to go by staying home." M A R C H 2 0 2 5 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M Photo / Gophers Athletics Minnesota Hockey Myths vs. Facts MYTH: HP programs pick players based on politics. FACT: HP was founded on a true tryout process. MYTH: Only metro-area players or those from powerhouse programs make the teams. FACT: Every district/section is represented, leveling the playing field for small- town players. MYTH: Minnesota players don't play enough compared to other states. FACT: HP was designed to bring up the practice and game count in spring and fall, mirroring a junior and college schedule and practice-to-game ratio. MYTH: If you make the team once, you'll make it every year. FACT: If an HP player makes it one year they are not guaranteed to make it the next; and vice versa. MYTH: You can buy a spot. FACT: HP players must earn it through tryouts or representation on previous national program teams or camps. MYTH: You need to leave Minnesota to get noticed. FACT: You DO NOT need to leave Minnesota! HP was built to provide development and exposure—scouts and coaches know where to find top talent in Minnesota. If you're good enough in Minnesota, they will find you! Dodge County alum Brody Lamb used the High Performance programs to develop his game, get exposure, and meet his future coaching staff from the University of Minnesota. BRODY LAMB, BYRON