Where NHLers come from: The Hockey States: Minnesota, Michigan and Massachusetts

by James Mirtle on Dec 9, 2008 9:15 AM CST Comment 45 comments

Mstate-map_medium

The 'M' states are apparently where hockey grows in the U.S., although there are some new challengers I'll get to in posts coming up.

Twenty years ago, the top three producers of NHL talent were Massachusetts at 3.6% of the league, Minnesota at 3% and Michigan at 2.9%. These days, the only thing that has changed in terms of overall numbers is a measurable falloff in the Boston area.

But the U.S. production of NHLers has also diversified. In 1988, the three "hockey states" made up 65 per cent of all American NHLers. Twenty years later, they were down to just 45 percent.

Here's a look at how things have changed over time:

Themstates_medium

The heyday of these three states in the NHL was in the early and mid-'90s, back when American hockey was thought to really be on the rise and the U.S. even won that World Cup thing that's been mothballed lately.

Look at the roster of that 1996 team: Guerin, Amonte, Tkachuk, Young, Carey, McEachern from Massachusetts, Modano, Rolston, Weight and the Hatchers from Michigan, Housley and Otto from Minnesota. That was the core, one that was complemented by players from all sorts of then-wacky states everywhere else.

Going forward, we're going to see more and more U.S. states represented internationally, but Minnesota and Michigan continue to lead the way. There are 28 Minnesotans who have played at least a game this season, a group that's led by the likes of Zach Parise, Peter Mueller, Paul Martin, Jamie Langenbrunner, Matt Cullen, Keith Ballard and David Backes. Michigan has 24 NHLers born in the state playing this season, led by Brian Rolston, Brian Rafalski, Mike Modano, Doug Weight, Ryan Miller, David Legwand, Ryan Kesler, Jeff Finger, David Booth and Vezina candidate Tim Thomas.

Boston and environs is down to just 18 representatives, and they're lead by a decidedly old guard group that includes Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk and Bill Guerin. Younger players making an impact include Ryan Whitney, Keith Yandle, Tom Poti and Rick DiPietro.

Hockey at the grassroots level has been on the decline in Massachusetts for years, and we're seeing the results of that now. Fewer players from the state are taking part in NHL scouting combines or representing the U.S. at the world junior tournament, and youth all-star teams from the area are being outplayed by neighbouring states.

Massachusetts has even been passed by another nearby state in producing NHLers, with several others on the rise as its numbers fall.

At this rate, it won't be one of the hockey states for long.

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New York?

Buffalo: Pat Kane, Patrick Kaleta
Rochester: Ryan Callahan, Brian Gionta, Rory Fitzpatrick
Ithaca/Syracuse/Oswego/Central NY: Tim Connolly, Erik Cole, Dustin Brown, Craig Conroy

That’s just off the top of my head. And the majority of those just started their careers and, if they’re not already, are NHL household names.

by Afino on Dec 9, 2008 9:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Habs

The Habs have 3 New York born players, all from the NYC/Long Island area in Christopher Higgins, Mike Komisarek, and Francis Bouillon (who is a dual citizen born in NYC).

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And we’re coming after ’em when they hit the FA market!

Lighthouse Hockey: a New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Dec 9, 2008 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s funny to hear this sentiment from the other side… usually it’s Habs fans targeting any player born in Quebec on other teams… and the Habs (shockingly) not getting said player. :)

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SURELY they would prefer to return home to play on Long Island. :)

I jest, of course, but the sentiment has come up — particularly with the difficulty the Isles have had getting free agents to return phone calls. The thinking is that with a proper rebuild, an essentially new building, and a little help from the native NHLers (who might be more apt to buy into things), things will look good again.

Lighthouse Hockey: a New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Dec 9, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Komisarek already left to go west once.

by J. Michael Neal on Dec 9, 2008 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Schneider- NYC

by Fauxrumors on Dec 9, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But I thought he moved to Minnesota at a young age. Also, Chris Drury was born in Connecticut pretty much in the NY metro, does he count?

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey

by jobe on Dec 9, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t forget the Hockey Jesus, Rob Schremp.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2008 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, no spoiling the surprise…

by James Mirtle on Dec 9, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, James!

by Afino on Dec 9, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t forget Lee Stempniak.

I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!

by Scotty Hockey on Dec 9, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's simple, really...

“Hockey at the grassroots level has been on the decline in Massachusetts for years, and we’re seeing the results of that now. Fewer players from the state are taking part in NHL scouting combines or representing the U.S. at the world junior tournament, and youth all-star teams from the area are being outplayed by neighbouring states.”

The kids aren’t exposed like they used to be. This is the result of thousands of hours of Electrified Cage Fighting, Xtreme Texas Hold-em, and Coed Naked Trophy Buck.

The Litter Box: Your SBNation Florida Panthers Blogging Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Dec 9, 2008 9:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well, that and the Bruins haven’t done much lately; they haven’t made it past the second round since 1992.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2008 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The map

Is there actually a ferry service over Lake Michigan at that spot? Seems like an odd place for one…

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 10:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not as dumb as one from Rochester to Toronto……

by Afino on Dec 9, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As dumb?

When it existed it was quite popular and valuable. If by dumb you mean the taxes and regulations and governments then yes it was dumb.

by twoeightnine on Dec 9, 2008 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

When it went from Rochester to Cobourg it was HUGE! Back at the turn of the century…

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Dec 9, 2008 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lake MI Ferry

There used to be actually two ferry’s that ran from Ludington to Manitowok; now there’s only the Badger. It’s a large car ferry and, of course, it only runs May through October. If you live in west Michigan and want to go to the western UP it’s about the same travel time as driving, more $$ but less stress.

teri

by tdspringer on Dec 10, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gladwell

Also talked in his new book about how Canadian hockey players who make it to the NHL are typically born in the first three months of the year. ESPN had a good take on this. James, have you ever looked into this?

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=merron/081208&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab6pos2

The population of Pominville keeps rising!

by Blackcapricorn on Dec 9, 2008 10:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is off topic, but I’ll be getting into this in the near future.

by James Mirtle on Dec 9, 2008 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Good Doctor. Its a little tangential but I thought it was sort of related to this “cluster of players” graphs thing you have going on (countries, ages, states, etc.).

Personally, I would like to see a breakdown on where the players’ wives and girlfriends come from so I can book tickets to those locations for further research.

The population of Pominville keeps rising!

by Blackcapricorn on Dec 9, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would guess that a lot of the spike in US players from the mid-80s to the mid-90s was inspired by the Miracle on Ice, guys who would’ve been between 5-15 at the time.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2008 10:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Minnesota

Hockey is more popular than ever here in Minnesota – at all levels. It always mystifies me that other parts of the US don’t share our enthusiasm.

by cdwilson68 on Dec 9, 2008 10:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Because other parts of the country aren't

as cold as Minnesota. It’s that simple.

by jobe on Dec 9, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wisconsin and Pennsylvania aren't that bad now

Wisconsin’s got Phil Kessel, Dave Steckel, and Drew Stafford. Pennsylvania’s got Ryan Malone, RJ Umberger and George Parros, as well as formerly Mike Richter.

Unfortunately here in Maryland, we’re still sitting at one with Jeff Halpern, who also happens to be one of three Jewish players in the NHL.

by jobe on Dec 9, 2008 1:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

In Noember Graeme Townshend visited our youth hockey organization (it was a great way to spend US election day). After the clinics we discussed successful programs. Graeme pointed out that Massachusetts has its own USA Hockey ( www.usahockey.com ) district, and that they have addded games to the degree that there is an inbalance of games to practice ratio, and systems based development. We have all seen the statistics of how much time a puck spends on a player’s stick in this environment. The opposite approach to development is skills based practices. Stations where there are a high number of repitiions. Graeme mentioned Minnesota, partuclarly Roseau, as getting it from a skills perspective. This systems vs. skills battle will continue on for a few years. For the record I beleive in skills, skills, and more skills.

by cubanpuckstopper on Dec 9, 2008 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

And don't forget skills.

Damned important. =)

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2008 8:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t forget another “M” state, James… Maryland, home state of Jeff Halpern!

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 9, 2008 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know that I’m going to graph Halpern’s games played the past few years.

by James Mirtle on Dec 9, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pfft...

Maryland isn’t even the 4th best “M” state currently… that’s Missourah, with 2 NHLers: Cam Jannsen and Landon Wilson. And you guys best watch out for Maine… Greg Moore played 8 games last year!

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As long as we’re beating Mississippi…

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 9, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And Montana, who have never even had a NHLer despite the cold and closeness to Canada. Oh, and now that Kevyn Adams isn’t playing, you’re beating the District, and with no Weinrich anymore, you’re beating Virginia.

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Besting D.C. and VA is something we Marylanders are very much used to.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 9, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Amen to that

VA can suck it.

by jobe on Dec 9, 2008 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alaska

James, any thoughts on the Alaska boom? In the 1900’s, they had 0 NHLers. Since 2000, they’ve had 9. All except for Brian Swanson (Eagle River) list Anchorage as their birthplace, but I wonder if all of them are actually grew up in the city or were just born in a hospital there.

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 2:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Two words: Sarah Palin.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 9, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Classic! The state’s most famous (and only) hockey mom! lol

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m going to get into all of the states that have players born there … just need some time to spread these things out a bit.

by James Mirtle on Dec 9, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s what she said.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 9, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My guesses as to the other states making inroads

Would be California and Texas. I don’t know or think there are too many NHL players from those states, but there are a few prospects and young players coming through those states. With roller hockey and some inroads made in terms of grassroots hockey in the community (IE. more ice hockey rinks, AHL/ECHL teams that receive comparatively good fan support), I think the Gretzky effect really brought a boon to these respective states.

by bkblades on Dec 9, 2008 4:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Not a lot of NHL players have made it yet, but California and Texas natives have been regularly gracing WHL lineups for the past 5-8 years or so, a direct reflection of the Gretzky/Sharks/Ducks generation and the Stars’ exsistence. There’s even been an Arizona player or two.

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Dec 9, 2008 6:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Big Hair

New Jersey might be up there. Just sayin’.

by Larsen on Dec 9, 2008 7:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One more for MI

Nate Gerbe- Oxford, MI

by john ogrodnick on Dec 12, 2008 9:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mass

"Hockey at the grassroots level has been on the decline in Massachusetts for years, and we’re seeing the results of that now. Fewer players from the state are taking part in NHL scouting combines or representing the U.S. at the world junior tournament, and youth all-star teams from the area are being outplayed by neighbouring states."

Is it the Bruins or is it that we have too many options and kids dont learn to adjust they whine and complain and daddy moves him on year after year

by jw112063 on Dec 16, 2008 7:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs