A new chapter in St. Paul’s high school hockey began this year as five schools united to form a consolidated boys team. Under the leadership of coach Pat Ryan, the team has embraced a collaborative spirit, shedding old rivalries and aiming for success on the ice.
During the summer workouts, Ryan implemented a significant change by eliminating the distinct helmet stickers that represented the previous teams. Instead, players donned their helmets without adornments until new, unified stickers could be introduced. This decision served as a symbolic gesture of the team’s commitment to unity.
Charlie Rust, a sophomore from Highland Park, reflected on the initial challenges: “We started the summer as two groups apart.” Today, as they take to the ice in their new royal blue and white uniforms, the players are focused on building a cohesive team, despite facing a challenging start with a record of 1-6.
The amalgamation of players from Johnson and Highland Park might have seemed improbable in the past. Johnson last appeared in the state tournament in 1995, while Highland Park’s program folded eight years earlier. Changes in the East Side demographics have influenced participation in hockey, especially among minority and lower-income students who often find the sport’s costs prohibitive.
Currently, the varsity roster comprises twelve students from Central High, six from Highland Park, three from Johnson, and one each from Humboldt and Como Park. The move to consolidate the teams became more logical after last season highlighted Johnson’s struggle to field a complete team.
Over the summer, team members engaged in various activities to foster camaraderie, from sweat-inducing workouts to on-ice drills. Emory Batt, a goaltender from Central, expressed initial apprehension but noted that the summer training significantly strengthened their bonds. “The Johnson guys bring grit to our game,” he said, highlighting the complementary skills of the players.
Despite the ongoing integration process, the team has faced setbacks. Recently, they lost a match to Minneapolis’ co-op team, which has been operational since 2010, with a final score of 6-2. The St. Paul team struggled against a faster opponent, compounded by injuries that sidelined key players, including Batt.
Ryan, who has a wealth of coaching experience, emphasized the importance of balancing competitive aspirations with the broader educational goals of his players. “Some schools have hockey players and we have kids who play hockey,” he stated, recognizing that many team members are also involved in academics and other extracurricular activities.
The commitment to academics extends to the program’s structure, accommodating players’ commitments outside of hockey. Ryan noted, “We have an Eagle Scout and young men who have interviewed at Stanford and Cal Tech.” His approach to coaching resonates with a traditional style reminiscent of Herb Brooks, the legendary coach known for leading the U.S. Olympic team to gold in 1980.
Athletic Director Pat Auran expressed optimism for the co-op’s future, highlighting the importance of community support and the growth of youth hockey programs. With a rebranding effort underway, Auran is enthusiastic about the program’s direction, showcasing improvements in facilities and training resources.
As the St. Paul hockey team continues to evolve, players like Batt, who transferred from Como Park to Central to join the co-op, recognize the significance of representing their city. “We don’t have the most fans, but we’re representing St. Paul, and that’s a big deal,” he remarked, emphasizing that team spirit transcends the number of spectators.
In this new chapter, the St. Paul boys high school hockey team is not only focused on the scoreboard but also on building lasting relationships and a shared identity that extends beyond the rink.
