Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1543763
MHJ // What is your favorite memory growing up playing hockey in Minnesota? Roberts // My team took 5th place in State when I was 12. The experience was so fun and I have the best memories from the State Tournament. MHJ // What do you remember about your experience playing in the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament? Do you have a favorite State Tournament moment, either on or off the ice? Roberts // Yes, I remember the experience but couldn't pinpoint a particular moment that stood out to me. I do remember the feeling of knowing that our team made it and feeling so proud and excited about getting the chance to play in the most sought after tournament in all of youth hockey. MHJ // What did it mean to represent your community while competing at the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament? Roberts // It meant so much to me. I remember being a kid and this being the most important thing going on in my life (which sounds so funny to think about now). As someone who came from an organization that wasn't always top ranked, representing my community felt like the biggest honor that I did not take lightly. MHJ // How did playing high school hockey for your hometown with friends you grew up with shape your love for the game? Roberts // Playing the game I loved with many of the people I grew up with was an awesome end to my time playing hockey in Minnesota. Despite not having the best record, I have so many fond memories of my time playing high school hockey, because of teammates and coaches. MHJ // How did Minnesota hockey shape your style of play and prepare you for the next level? Roberts // The accessibility of rinks and statewide love for the game created so many opportunities for me to get better. Minnesota hockey prides itself on creating skilled, confident players that have the ability to adapt to different styles of play and ultimately succeed at many levels of the game. Being from Minnesota awarded me countless opportunities to develop as a player, which helped me to succeed at all levels. It also created so many lifelong relationships that have grown beyond hockey.. MHJ // Who were your biggest hockey influences growing up in Minnesota? Roberts // Winny Brodt-Brown, my 12U coach Frank Mork, coach Randy Koeppel, Alex Ovechkin, P.K. Subban. MHJ // Is there a lesson or piece of advice from a Minnesota coach that has stayed with you throughout your hockey career? Roberts // "There are only two things in life you can control: Attitude and effort." Frank Mork, my 12U coach used to say this all the time when preparing our team for important games. He truly cared about the character we had as players over our talents and I believe that is ultimately what made our season so successful. 15 MARCH 2 0 2 6 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M Favorite Minnesota rink to play in? "Braemar Arena. It was very historic and I played tons of fun tournaments there!" Roberts has a "wicked shot," according to Penn State head coach Jeff Kampersal.