Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1547516
Christian // I think it's the people. I'm still best friends with Cora Coz and Kylie Huseth. They were part of the High Performance Programs, too. So, it's cool to look back on and just be able to go to these camps or just play in Elk River with your best friends. I would go to the rink every single day, have the best friends in the world and play the game that you love. MHJ // How did Minnesota Hockey's HP Programs help you develop and prepare for the next level? Christian // I think the HP programs helped me surround myself with people who are as good as you if not better. It forces you to play at their speed and play at their level. And I have to give credit to why I am where I am right now, because going through those HP programs—they pushed me to the next level. They help tremendously. Friendly competition and competitive competition to see you get to the next level. MHJ // Did the coaching and feedback help your development? Christian // Yes, Fall Tier I. I got connected with Jeff Kampersal, Head Coach of Penn State because he watched the Green Giants. And that Green Giants team, we beat all the districts, so we were the top team in the end. ... So we went to Boston and that's how Jeff Kampersal saw me and reached out. MHJ // What does it say about Minnesota's community hockey model that 10 Minnesotans were selected in the PWHL Draft? Christian // Wow, it says so much. It's the State of Hockey. It's right there in the name. I feel as if people who grow up here know that it's bigger than yourself. It's a community and you get to know people. There's a lot of great hockey players here, but it also helps having a great atmosphere to help push you to the next level. People want to see the younger generation succeed. I can't speak for other states, but Minnesota has it everywhere because everybody wants everybody to succeed. N O V / D E C 2 0 2 6 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 21 "I got up and I was like, 'oh my gosh, I'm going home.'" 3 33 ROUND: PICK: PENN STATE ELK RIVER, MN COLLEGE: HOME TOWN: Maddy Christian helped lead Penn State to its first-ever Frozen Four appearance last season. Katelyn Roberts Chanhassen Maddy Christian Elk River