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But Blake's talent continually progressed as his body caught up. "What he could do with the puck was just above and beyond everyone else," Langenbrunner said. "He just has the ability to make plays that no one else can really see are out there, and he's been able to translate that in the NHL." DECISIONS, DECISIONS Blake learned a lot from coaches growing up, starting with his dad, who's a consultant to the Eden Prairie boys varsity program. Smith was like a second dad to Blake, who spent plenty of time at the Smith household with his buddies, Garrett and Wyatt. Having people who believed in him "no matter how big you are or how good you are at this age" was the biggest thing, Blake said. Blake started his high school career at Shattuck-St. Mary's instead of Smith's Eagles. He enjoyed the experience, but spending breaks at home around his buddies drew Blake back to Eden Prairie hockey. When he returned to Eden Prairie High School for 2019-20, MSHSL rules didn't permit him to play varsity until later in the season. He was the best JV player in the state during that time, Smith said. Although that part was hard and gave Blake some FOMO, he said he'd do it over 100 times out of 100. The Eagles lost the 2020 state title game to Hill-Murray. Blake returned to the USHL in the fall, then faced a decision when the Minnesota high school season was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic: Return to Eden Prairie or stay in Chicago? He opted for home and helped lead the Eagles back to the state title game, this time with a winning result. "That was one of the best days of my life, for sure," Blake said. "To come back and win it, it was the cherry on top to go out playing for Eden Prairie." Langenbrunner said Blake was the reason the Eagles won when they were teammates at Eden Prairie. "I think we all knew how good he was in high school, but I don't know if anyone expected him to be this good," Langenbrunner said. 'THERE'S NO PLACE I'D RATHER GROW UP' Smith has coached a lot of elite players who came through Eden Prairie, including 2013 Stanley Cup champion Nick Leddy and 8th overall pick in 2017, Casey Mittelstadt. But the players who "took it to the next step were the ones that were willing to be coached even though they are already a special player," Smith said. Blake was one of those players, always asking what he could do better and doing the little things beyond coming to the rink and being a good teammate. "He has such high standards for himself," Smith said. "It's incredible. Whether he's golfing or playing ping pong or hockey, he just wants to be the best. And as a coach, how could you not love that?" While Eden Prairie is home, Blake praised Minnesota's community hockey model, with high competition, ample ice time, and a chance for kids to play with their best friends while growing up together. "It's so special," Blake said. "To win with those guys, it meant so much. There's no place I'd rather grow up, and I'll be here every summer I can for the rest of my life, that's for sure." Photo / Getty Images, NCHC O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 | M H J O N L I N E . C O M 25 Jackson Blake proved yet again he is a clutch performer at every level.