For Immediate Release
Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 League announces launch of celebratory hockey seasons
Contact: Tim Leighton tleighton@mshsl.org
ST. PAUL, Minn. --- The Minnesota State High School League announced today the launch of celebratory seasons for the 25th girls hockey state tournament and the 75th boys hockey state tournament.  
The League, along with partners 45TV and Xcel Energy Center, will celebrate the milestone tournaments with a series of tributes, online history and fan engagement that spotlights two of the nation’s premier high school athletic events.  
 “The Minnesota State High School League enjoys a rich and storied tradition of outstanding state tournaments and the excitement of celebrating the 25th and 75th hockey seasons will most certainly add to the excitement,” said Erich Martens, Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School League. “We are thrilled to honor many of the great players, teams and stories that have made these tournaments some of the best in
the nation.”
During the news conference that took place today at the Xcel Energy Center, MSHSL Associate Director Craig Perry, who oversees the two state tournaments, formally announced the launch of the celebratory seasons. Shortly after, Blake coach Shawn Reid, the president of the girls hockey coaches association, unveiled the “25” commemorative logo and jersey for girls. Moments later, Eagan coach Mike Taylor, the vice president of the boys hockey association, displayed the “75” commemorative logo and jersey for boys.  
The 2019 girls hockey state tournament will be held Feb. 20-23 at the Xcel Energy Center. Two weeks later, the boys hockey state tournament will be played from March 6-9. Since 2001, nearly 1.9 million fans have attended the high school hockey state tournaments at the Xcel Energy Center.
“The Xcel Energy Center is excited to celebrate the upcoming milestone state tournaments,” said Jack Larson, vice president and general manager of the Xcel Energy Center. “We all know that in Minnesota, hockey is more than just a game. The history of hockey in the state is exceedingly rich.”
The first boys hockey state tournament was played in 1945 at the St. Paul Auditorium. The first girls hockey state tournament was played in 1995 at Aldrich Arena.
In the weeks leading up to the tournaments, fans and followers of the MSHSL will be transported back in time to relive and revel in each of the state tournaments. During the state tournaments, all-time state tournaments teams will be introduced, and the top six players of all-time for girls and boys hockey will be honored during an on-ice ceremony during the Class AA championship games of their respective tournaments.