Cooking, laundry and simply balancing school with hockey are just some of the adjustments that come with the junior lifestyle. That’s along with living with a billet family, as the 18-year-old goaltender finds himself in his first full USHL season with the Omaha Lancers.

The jump to the USHL is an adjustment for every player. However, Hendrickson has handled that adjustment with flying colors so far.

“You’re a little timid the first few weeks because you’re living with a new family and you don’t know the customs around the house, and the hockey is an adjustment in itself. But I feel like I’ve really settled in,” Hendrickson said. “I know we haven’t had the most amount of success yet, but each week I think we’re building and the culture is great. And we’ve got a really good group here.

“I’d say the biggest thing has been the trust and dedication we have in each other. The boys give their all for me when I’m in net, and I know I have to leave everything out there for them. So, it’s just been really fun.”

It’s been an interesting fall for the reigning Frank Brimsek Award winner, as the Lancers made a coaching change just four games into the season. Omaha (5-9-2) currently sits seventh in the eight-team Western Conference and has scored the USHL’s fourth-fewest goals (36).

Finding his footing
Hendrickson’s season got off to a shaky start, too, as he allowed six goals on 26 shots in his first start at the USHL Fall Classic on Sept. 19.

However, the UConn commit has excelled from there and is currently 3-3-2 with a .916 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average. Two of those three wins were also shutouts, as Hendrickson has made 228 of a possible 249 saves this season.

“I’ve just really tried to keep things simple,” he said. “Honestly, I didn’t know much about the organization or junior hockey in general until last year, but Omaha has been nothing but good to me.

“I was grateful enough to get some games and get some experience here last year, too, and I was able to pull away with a few wins. And I think that was a huge step towards getting acclimated to the league and having success this year. It’s a fast league and there are a lot of growing pains, but you have to grow up quick. I think as a team we’ve done a good job of holding each other to a high standard.”

Kam Hendrickson started playing hockey as a 6-year-old kid and rotated playing goalie with his teammates. Hendrickson said he truly committed to playing goalie full time around age 10. “Most kids probably don’t want to play goalie and get hit by pucks, but I enjoyed the thrill of it and I guess I had the natural talent for it,” he said. (Photo courtesy of Kam Hendrickson)

If you talk to anybody around the Lancers organization, the first thing that stands out is Hendrickson’s competitive nature. The 6-foot, 171-pound goaltender is a good skater and pairs that with quick hands and a good IQ at the position.

He’s also continued to make timely saves and give his team a chance every night – something Hendrickson said he prides himself on.

“I believe the person makes the player and every single day he brings the intensity and the willingness to make everyone around him better,” said Omaha coach Colten St. Clair. “He’s just a competitor and he understands what he needs to do to be successful. And whether we’re in the offensive zone and the other team gets a breakaway or we’re trapped in our end, he knows he has to make a save.

“No matter how dangerous the chance is, he knows he has to make a save, and that’s his mindset. He has a one-shot mindset, and he finds a way to keep us in every game, and I think that’s the best compliment you can give a goalie.”

Added Sean Bloomfield, Hendrickson’s coach at Chanhassen High School: “Kam’s a competitor, that’s the best word to describe him, and he’s just clutch back there. It didn’t matter if it was practice or in the state championship in front of 20,000 fans, he competes for every single puck, and he’s a vocal leader. And every game he makes a few saves that you look at the other coaches and shake your head in shock. You’re just thankful to have him back there.”

Playing for Chanhassen was a ‘blessing’
Hendrickson joined Chanhassen before the 2022-23 season after spending his freshman and sophomore years at Holy Family. Hendrickson won 40 games over his two seasons and helped the Storm reach the Class 2A state championship game last March, ultimately falling to Edina.

Kam Hendrickson went 23-6-0 for Chanhassen last season with a .951 save percentage and 1.01 goals-against average. “He won the Brimsek Award as the best goalie in the state, and he truly was. His numbers speak for themselves, and when the lights were at their brightest, he was at his best. That’s what you want out of a goalie, and he’s someone that hopes to play the game for a long time.” (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Hendrickson said the move to Chanhassen was “one of the biggest blessings” of his life, and his game continued to improve at the school.

“I’d say the biggest growth we saw was with his consistency,” Bloomfield said. “Not that he was necessarily inconsistent his first year with us, but he dealt with an injury and he just continued to work on his craft, and he’s got a really good mental side of his game too.

“He’s never been a kid that gets down on himself and loses confidence, but I actually think it makes him better. He takes it personal every time he gets scored on and he locks in from there, and he’s a tough kid to beat. I think he’s someone that has a lot of fun out there, too, and that’s what makes him so fun to coach. We’re happy to see him having the success he is because he’s earned it.”

Hendrickson’s high school experience has paid dividends this season too.

“It’s helped me a lot, especially considering we played in a lot of big games and with the talent and work ethic we had at Chan every day,” Hendrickson said. “You don’t get that many games in high school so you have to compete and make the most of it, and you have to be at your best – which is really important (in the USHL).

“You don’t see too many Minnesota high school goalies coming straight to the USHL – I know there’s been a few recently, but I feel like before people kind of looked over Minnesota kids, too. So, I just want to prove a point that Minnesota high school goalies can produce and play at this level.”

As the calendar churns through November, Hendrickson is enjoying life in the USHL, but he knows there’s a lot of season left.

He was one of six active USHL goalies to land on Central Scouting’s Preliminary Watch List late last month and hopes to hear his name called during the 2025 NHL Draft.

Kam Hendrickson has shared the Omaha crease with New Jersey draft pick Mikhail Yegorov this season and the two hope to back-stop the Lancers back to the playoffs. “They have such a great relationship but with Kam specifically, he’s earned his opportunity to play big minutes, and he’s such a great human being,” said Omaha coach Colten St. Clair. “He’s had a good start and we want him to stay in the moment and keep that competitive drive, and we know Kam’s going to do exactly that.” (Photo courtesy of Omaha Lancers)

Hendrickson was also named to the U.S. Junior Select Team earlier this week and will represent his country next month at the World Junior A Challenge.

As he looks ahead at the rest of this season though, his mindset goes back to a message one of his coaches instilled in him at a young age — one shot, one period, one game at a time.

“I just want to help my team the best I can,” Hendrickson said. “One of my goals this year is to be the best goalie in the league but more than anything, I just want to win. I want to be the best I can be every night, and I know there’s still a lot I can work on and get better at, but you can’t get caught up in everything. You can’t get too high or too low.

“At the end of the day, it’s the same game. You’ve just got to keep it simple and have fun each day.”

The post Kam Klutch appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

The right-shot forward split last season between Edina High School – where he helped the Hornets win the Class 2A state title – and the USHL’s Omaha Lancers. He had six points (1-5–6) over 20 USHL games and expected to return to Omaha this fall.

However, those plans changed with that July phone call, as Cowan was dealt to the Madison Capitols.

“I remember I was out running sprints and my music stopped playing, and I saw I was getting a call from (Omaha general manager David Wilkie),” Cowan recently told Minnesota Hockey Magazine. “At first, I thought he was maybe just checking in after main camp or seeing how the summer was going, but we got talking, and he told me I was traded to Madison.

“I was completely shocked and, honestly, I had no idea it was coming. But I got a call from (Madison GM/head coach Andy Brandt) that night, and he said they were really excited to add me, and I’m really happy it worked out the way it did. It’s a fun group of guys, and there are a lot of Minnesota kids here too, so it’s been a good fit and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.”

Cowan has not only fit in with his new club, but he’s hit the ground running.

He scored in his Madison debut against Omaha on Sept. 19 and added two more goals the next day, leaving the USHL Fall Classic with a team-leading three goals. Cowan missed Madison’s next two games with a nagging upper-body injury and missed the Oct. 5 game at Tri-City, too, but he added an assist the day before on Oct. 4 as the Capitols earned a 3-2 road win against Tri-City.

Bobby Cowan scored three goals in his first two games wearing a Madison Capitols sweater in the USHL. (Photo courtesy of USHL)

Cowan was a ‘no-brainer’ choice for Madison
The St. Thomas commit flashed that offensive potential over the past two seasons, racking up 83 points (41-42–83) over 60 high school games with Edina. So when the Capitols had the opportunity to acquire Cowan, it was a “no-brainer.”

“The biggest thing we were intrigued by was his ability to score,” Brandt said. “He got the opportunity to play in the league last year in Omaha at the beginning and the end, and that’s big too.

“He was coming off a high school season where he had a lot of success, and then you come into a league that’s extremely competitive and teams are fighting for playoff spots, too, so that gives you really good experience and an idea of what to expect at our level. I think that helped Bobby prepare for this season and get off to the start he has.”

Brandt said the trade came together quickly but was a win-win for both clubs, especially with Madison needing to replace its top seven goal scorers – who combined for 141 of Madison’s 218 tallies last season.

Madison’s staff believed Cowan could “help fill that void” and be a threat whenever he’s on the ice.

So far, the 18-year-old forward has done exactly that.

“His work ethic has been tremendous and I’ve been extremely impressed with how Bobby approaches every day,” Brandt said. “To be completely honest, I didn’t know a ton about him coming into this season. I knew he was a kid that some labeled a little bit of a late-bloomer, but he’s gotten better every single year.

“I think we’re already seeing he can be a high-end skill player in our league and he works extremely hard on the ice, in the gym, and he’s helped from a leadership standpoint too.”

Madison teammate Mason Moe also faced Cowan as an opponent, when Moe played for Eden Prairie.

“He’s always been a guy that’s not fun to play against,” Moe said, of Cowan. “He’s super skilled, super crafty and he works hard, and he’s done that for us (in Madison) too. He just makes a lot of plays and he’s a really good teammate, too, so it’s been a lot of fun playing together so far.”

Bobby Cowan scored three goals and two assists for the championship-winning Edina Hornets in the 2024 MSHSL Boys’ State Hockey Tournament. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Cowan finds his confidence
In addition to that work ethic, the other key to Cowan’s early success has been simple: Confidence.

“I really haven’t had a ton of confidence in the past, so that’s been a big thing for me this year,” Cowan said. “Playing at Edina was a great experience, but I didn’t play varsity until my junior year and, honestly, I didn’t even have that much confidence going into my (junior season).

“All my teammates and the kids I’d compare myself to were on varsity the year before so I was behind them and didn’t know how much I’d be able to even play coming in. But when I look back, it was more of a mental thing and it pushed me to get better.”

Cowan said he initially contemplated staying in Omaha last season but ultimately decided he’d likely regret not playing with his childhood friends and making one last run at a state title – a decision that paid off.

However, the USHL experience he gained last season shouldn’t go unnoticed either. Especially down the stretch, as Cowan played 11 games after his high school season and got an idea of what it takes to be successful in the league. He recorded five of his six USHL points in that stretch too, including his first career goal in Omaha’s season finale.

Cowan said the first few games have felt easier as a result this season and he felt “a lot more ready” coming in – which has been reflected in his play. He also came into this season wanting to make a good impression on his new coaches and make the most of his opportunities.

Mission accomplished so far.

“Bobby put in the work all summer and throughout camp, and you could tell he was hungry coming in here,” Brandt said. “So to see him perform the way he has, it should give him a ton of self-confidence, and I think he’s a player that’s ready to break out.

“It all goes back to watching how hard he worked over the past three weeks though. While we were excited to see Bobby get rewarded, we also weren’t surprised, because he was ready for Pittsburgh. He’s done a great job so far and he’s going to be a big part of our group, and we’re hoping he can build on it throughout the year.”

The post Confident Cowan appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

DeLaSalle Grad Makes Indelible Mark on Minneapolis Hockey Scene

As we celebrate Hockey Day Minnesota Minneapolis 2020 this week, it’s easy to identify many of the key players from the golden age of hockey in Minneapolis.  Dr Harry Brown stands out as one of the most influential supporters and innovators of hockey from the late 1950’s into the 1970’s.  He fits nicely into the circle of notables like Walter Bush, Bob Johnson, Denny May, Dave Peterson and others that touched so many lives.

MHCA Induction, 2012

The following excerpts of Dr Brown’s remarkable life in and around hockey are from Vintage Minnesota Hockey and the Minneapolis Hockey Hall of Fame.  They focus on his induction into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Minneapolis Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.  Full article links are provided below.

I asked Joe Brown, one of his sons, to comment what he thought Harry’s Minneapolis hockey legacy is. 

He provided this insight.  “Harry always wanted the Minnesota & American Hockey players to excel at all levels whether it was Amateur, High School, Juniors or Professional.  At the time when Herb Brooks was scouting for the Pittsburgh Penguins he would always say, ‘Harry was ahead of his time’, in reference to many of Harry’s ideas about high school and junior hockey.  Herb would go into the different USHL Rinks throughout the country and see how well the teams would draw, giving the American  player the stepping stones to play at the next level.  Harry played a big part in making that happen.  Harry’s love for the game and love for his family was felt by all.”

From Vintage Minnesota Hockey and MHCA Induction / Kyle Oen

If one were to make a listing of the most influential people in Minnesota hockey history, then Doctor Harry Brown’s name would need to be in a prominent position. Harry was an important force in Minneapolis high school hockey from 1955-1967. Mr. Brown was the head coach at North high school and Patrick Henry high school during those years.  

Harry Brown, back row, second from left, coaching Patrick Henry’s 1965 State Tourney Team

All elite level hockey players owe a debt of gratitude to “Doc Brown”.  He worked tirelessly to expand and improve development opportunities for the high school player both during their careers and after their high school playing days were completed.

The first fall development leagues were founded and run by Harry Brown.  He also was the driving force in establishing junior hockey in Minnesota so that post-graduates would have a further opportunity to develop.

After his years with Minneapolis hockey, Harry went on to serve as the Boston Bruins Head Scout for both the United States and Canada from 1967-1975.

Harry Brown took incredible pride in the eleven children he and his wife raised together.  During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree, completed a Ph.D, and authored two books on hockey instruction.  

It is because of visionaries such as Harry Brown, that Minnesota’s hockey tradition is one of the best in all of amateur sports across the U.S.

For the full article and more pictures, just click on this link =>> HERE.

From Minneapolis Hockey Hall of Fame / Staff Writer

TEACHER, AUTHOR, COACH, SCOUT, FOUNDER

Harry Brown – 1941

Harry Brown grew up in the apartment above Brown’s Grocery Store on 32nd and Girard Ave So. In his free time, when he wasn’t delivering groceries for the family business, Brown was playing sports, including skating and playing hockey at Minneapolis Arena and Lake of the Isles all winter long. After graduating from De La Salle High in 1941 he brought his hockey skills to the University of Minnesota, skating for the freshman squad in 1941-42.  Brown then served his country in WWII in the US Naval Coast Guard.  Brown returned from the service and completed his education at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1949. 

Brown then began a 35-year teaching career in Minneapolis where he also was able to coach varsity hockey at Henry, Vocational, North and Roosevelt high schools. 

Brown was also a pioneer in the Minnesota high school hockey system and was instrumental in bringing (& winning) a lawsuit against the MSHSL which would allow high school hockey players to practice, develop and compete in the off season.  

Brown’s hockey acumen was, however, recognized far beyond high school coaching.  From 1967 to 1975 Brown was a Scout for the Boston Bruins.

During these very busy years, Harry raised 11 children in Minneapolis with his wife Mary.  All 11 children graduated from Roosevelt high school.  He also earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota in 1970.   Harry then decided to share his hockey knowledge by publishing two instructional hockey books – “Ice Hockey Skating, How To Develop Power And Agility In Skating” and a “Goaltenders Guide”.

Harry was a powerful advocate for improvements in several hockey programs and organizations.  He worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for hockey players at all levels in Minnesota.

He was an active supporter of the Minneapolis Junior Bruins and St. Paul Vulcans well into the later years of his life.  He received the Team Voyageur Friends of Hockey award in 1996 (presented by Herb Brooks) for his contributions to Junior Hockey. 

In 2012, at the age of 88, Harry was inducted into the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame.  Harry passed away in April of 2014, leaving an impressive mark on the state of Hockey. 

For the full article and more pictures, just click on this link =>> HERE.

The post Dr Harry Brown – Longtime Minneapolis Hockey Advocate appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Journey Thru Juniors

So many hugs.

Everywhere I looked outside of the Super Rink in Blaine, I saw people bracing for hugs and giving hugs. The North American Hockey League (NAHL) Showcase was in town and it was the first time many families were seeing their boys after they sent them off to different cities around the country to pursue a hockey dream.

I was there with a friend whose son had just played. It was great to see his smiling face and get a picture of him hugging her. All the young men were coming outside with their “just showered” hair and dressed nicely in crisp suits. They each scanned the crowd looking for groups of family members beaming with pride. Each young man was slinging a hockey bag over his shoulders.

Made me a little teary.

I miss my boy. His dream has taken him out of the country. Jack is a goaltender for the Winnipeg Blues in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. I still can’t believe it. We knew he wanted to pursue junior hockey but we put down a deposit for college just in case. As the summer progressed, we had to make a decision. It was a dinner with our son that finally sealed it. We had a heart to heart talk and then he said the words that set us on this path, “I will regret it if I don’t give it a shot.” I guess that’s all we had to hear.

So, we made the trek over the border in early September and after several weeks, he was handed the jersey with “Branby” on the back. He is a part of the Winnipeg Blues organization. He is experiencing his favorite sport in a nation that treasures it. Now he begins his journey through juniors.

I am thankful for many things as we watch him chase this dream. Billet families are incredible. We have one of the best. Sweet Alice and her family welcomed Jack with open arms and a wonderful kitchen. When we said goodbye to him on her lawn, I was sad but so happy that he found a place with a family who will support him and be there for him when his parents can only offer advice through a crackly cell phone call.

It’s fun to hear about his life in Canada. They use different words. They approach things in their own way. It’s all a part of the education of playing junior hockey.

Hockey TV is such a gift. It is so nice to see all of the team’s games. It’s still hard for us to not be there in the stands but we watch online even if he is on the bench.

This junior hockey experience is about growth. Growing in your game and growing as a person. This isn’t an easy journey for these guys. It is humbling, challenging and motivating at the same time. When he put on those goaltender pads for the first time as mite, we knew he was hooked.

That love of hockey and of goaltending has directed him to this path. I am excited and nervous for him. In the end, I am so glad he is “giving it a shot.” No regrets. That is the best way to live your life.

Editor’s note: Vineeta has started a Facebook group for other families who have boys in junior hockey. It is called Journey Through Juniors. She invites others to join the group and support each other as our boys go through this incredible experience.

The post Hockey Mom Unplugged appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

EDINA, MINNESOTA – The 2016 NAHL Robertson Cup National Championship Game is set and the top two seeds in the event, the #1 Fairbanks Ice Dogs and #2 Wichita Falls Wildcats, both won their Semi-Final Series on Friday night to set up the one game title match-up on Sunday, May 15^th at 1:00pm at the Braemar Ice Arena in Edina, Minnesota. The Robertson Cup crowns the NAHL’s National Champion.

The NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Game will be broadcast in High-Definition by FASTHockey

Tickets for the final game are available at the door and are $15 for adults. Children ages 8-18 and Groups of 10 or more are $10 and kids 8 and under are free. All seating is general admission.

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs swept the Aston Rebels, 2-0 in their Semi-Finals Series on Thursday and Friday.  Fairbanks forward Reggie Lutz (Elk River, Minnesota) leads the 2016 NAHL Playoffs with eight goals, including four in the first two Semi-Final games. Forward Todd Burgess (Phoenix, Arizona/RPI), who is on the final NHL Central Scouting list for the NHL Draft, is tied for 2^nd in playoff scoring with 13 points. Ice Dogs goalie Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda, California/Brown University) has a 1.49 goals against average and a 93.9% save percentage in 11 playoff games. The Ice Dogs, who are coached by Trevor Stewart (Elk River, Minnesota), are in their fourth Robertson Cup Championship Game in the last seven years.  They won the Championship in 2011 and 2014. They have seven players from the state if Minnesota.

The Wichita Falls Wildcats swept the Bismarck Bobcats, 2-0 in their Semi-Finals Series on Thursday and Friday. Wichita Falls has a perfect 8-0 record in the 2016 NAHL Playoffs. Wildcats forward Austin Albrecht (Flemington, New Jersey) is 2^nd in the 2016 NAHL Playoffs with six goals and forward Austin Beaulieu (Coral Springs, Florida/Alabama-Huntsville) is 4^th in NAHL playoff scoring wit 12 points. Goaltender Justin Kapelmaster (Coral Springs, Florida/Ferris State) is a perfect 8-0 in the playoffs so far this season with a 1.87 goals against average and a 94.0% save percentage. The Wildcats are coached by the NAHL Coach of the Year, John LaFontaine (Pontiac, Michigan).

For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, including schedule, ticket information, hotels, rental cars and other event information, visit http://nahl.com/robertson-cup/

Scouts: Scout admission for the National Championship Game will be complimentary for all NHL and NCAA scouts. Scout passes include entrance to the scout room, where food and beverages will be provided, along with line charts, statistics and event programs.

The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pools team when it won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976-83.

About the NAHL

The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. So far during the 2015-16 season, more than 190 NAHL players have committed to NCAA schools and in the past two seasons over 450 players have made NCAA commitments. In addition, 11 NAHL players were listed on the 2016 NHL Central Scouting final list and seven players with NAHL ties were selected in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

The post Robertson Cup Title Game set appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Championship weekend just three weeks away

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) 2016 Robertson Cup Championship is just three weeks away and the quest for the cup is already well underway with the first weekend of playoff games in the books. After the divisional semi-finals and finals rounds are completed, the Championship will be played at Braemar Ice Arena in Edina, Minnesota, from May 12-15, 2016.

The Robertson Cup is awarded to the national playoff champion of the NAHL. The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Chuck Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pools Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976-83.

The four NAHL divisional playoff champions will advance to the Robertson Cup Championship, which will be held at the Braemar Ice Arena in Edina, Minnesota. The event will be held in cooperation with the 2016 NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament and the fourth and final NAHL Future Prospects Combine.

For more information on the Robertson Cup, click here

After one weekend, here is a look at how each series stands:

*if necessary

*if necessary

*if necessary

*if necessary

*if necessary

*if necessary

*if necessary

*if necessary

Once the four teams are determined, clubs will be seeded 1-4 based upon their finish in the NAHL regular-season standings. If necessary, the tie-breaking policy adopted in the NAHL Rules and Regulations will be applied to determine the final seeding. The game schedule will be as follows: The #1 Seed will face the #4 seed in a best of three series. The #2 seed will face the #3 seed in a best of three series. The two series winners will advance on to a one-game playoff to determine the Robertson Cup Champion. The event will begin on Thursday, May 12th and conclude no later than Sunday, May 15th.

During the all Robertson Cup playoff games, if the score is tied after three periods of play the following overtime procedure shall take place. Teams shall return to their dressing room and the ice shall be resurfaced. A fifteen-minute intermission shall take place. A twenty-minute, sudden death, overtime period shall be played with five skaters a side. The game shall terminate upon a goal being scored and the Club scoring declared the winner. If no goal is scored, the same procedure as above shall be repeated until a winner has been determined.

The post Robertson Cup Update appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.