The senior lit the lamp 49 times and racked up 83 points over his 31 games, and Simpson was named a Mr. Hockey Finalist for his efforts. His 49 goals were the most in the state, and Simpson helped the Sabers win 24 total games – including their first section championship in Class 2A.

While his jersey and surroundings have changed, the production hasn’t, as Simpson has made an immediate impact with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm.

Simpson has scored in three straight games, five of his past six and for a team that’s hoping to make a deep playoff run, the left-shot forward has been a welcomed addition.

“I’ve just been super excited to do what I can and help make our team better,” he said. “I knew some of the guys from my time here last year, which helped, but everyone has been super nice and super helpful, and I’m just really excited to be here.”

The North Dakota commit played 31 games for the Storm last season, which bookended his high school season.

Simpson had just three points (1-2-3) over his first 12 USHL games but returned in March and finished strong. He potted six goals and added four helpers over his final 17, along with two assists in the playoffs.

Cooper Simpson was the 67th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings. The Minnesota native started skating around age 2 or 3 and began playing hockey as a 5-year-old in Shakopee. “The guys love him and his opponents hate playing against him,” said Shakopee coach Calvin Simon. “He’s irritating, he scores goals and he’s so smart offensively, and he’s got a little bit of Matthew Tkachuk to his game. He’s still got some more maturing to do, but he’s already grown a lot and the sky’s the limit for him.” (MHM Photo / Christine Wisch)

That experience gave Simpson an idea of what all the USHL entails, and combined with another year of high school hockey, it’s paying dividends now.

“You can tell he’s way more mature and he just knows what to expect, and you can tell he’s playing with more confidence because of it. But I also think it’s a testament to some of the hard times he went through last year,” said Tri-City coach Marco Trevino. “Even from the start of last season to when we got him back after his high school season, he was a much better overall player. He was much stronger and his growth and development were evident.

“Then you look at this season, he was a leader for Shakopee and he’s someone that his teammates respect. That leadership has definitely shown through here, and when you combine that with the type of player he is, we’re definitely excited.”

Immediate impact
Trevino took over for the Storm in early December and was an assistant last season. Tri-City started this season with Mark Abalan behind the bench, who was fired after 24 games.

Despite spending last spring with the Storm, Simpson opted to stay in Minnesota this past fall and prepare for his high school season. However, getting him back for the stretch run was one of Trevino’s top priorities.

Cooper Simpson is averaging 0.86 points per game, which ranks third on Tri-City’s roster. The 18-year-old forward continues to impress with his offensive instincts. “Coop had a great high school season and he developed so much at Shakopee, and that’s been great for his career. But we’re really happy to reap the benefits here down the stretch,” said Tri-City coach Marco Trevino. “We know he wants to be here, we know he wants the puck on his stick and we know he wants to win.” (Photo courtesy of the Tri-City Storm)

Simpson’s return came at a good time too, especially for a team that’s scuffled offensively. Tri-City (28-28-3-1) has since clinched a playoff spot and, individually, Simpson has points in six of his first seven games.

“We feel he’s a weapon and he’s added an instant scoring threat to our lineup, which has been much needed,” Trevino said. “It’s almost like we added a bonus player after the deadline, and Cooper is just such a gifted player.

“He can hunt pucks, he can knock guys off the puck, he plays with speed, and he’s a very competitive kid. So he’s someone we’ve been able to insert in our top six and adding him to the lineup has helped some of our depth scoring too. We’ve wanted to put him in a position to be comfortable and have success, and his confidence level is through the roof right now.”

Tourney success leads to playoff push
Tri-City enters the final week of the regular season with 60 points, two behind Fargo for fifth in the USHL’s Western Conference. The Storm will open the playoffs on the road next Monday at either Waterloo or Sioux City.

After winning their first-round series against Sioux Falls last spring, there’s a desire to go even further this time around. Especially for returning players like Simpson.

However, a playoff run would be a cherry on top of what’s already been a tremendous winter for Simpson.

The Sabers finished the regular season with a 19-5-1 record, won their section final and advanced to the state tournament for the second time in program history (Class 1A in 2005). Shakopee fell in the state quarterfinals to St. Thomas Academy at Xcel Energy Center but beat Andover and Lakeville South in the consolation bracket.

Cooper Simpson, shown here playing on Hockey Day Minnesota, grew up a Wild and Penguins fan, and he’s idolized Sidney Crosby. Simpson labeled himself as a “dynamic offensive player,” but he’s also tried to focus on his overall game this season. “I can make a play out of nothing, I can shoot to score and I can make a pass anywhere, but I can play defense and shut guys down too,” he said. (MHM Photo / Christine Wisch)

Results aside, it was a tremendous year for Shakopee, which also hosted Hockey Day Minnesota and was featured on Dream State.

“I’d say this was probably the most special team Shakopee’s ever had and the most special season I’ve ever been a part of,” said Simpson, who was both the Sabers’ leading scorer and captain. “Obviously, we wish we could’ve gone a little further and won (a state title), but it was just a special season and we had a lot of accomplishments as a group.”

Added Shakopee coach Calvin Simon: “It’s been really special seeing everything manifest for him this season. He prioritized his hometown, he prioritized playing with his childhood buddies and putting our program on the map, and he rose to the occasion over and over again. He’s what I’d call a trailblazer for a program, and he was such a good leader and brought so much to our team beyond being a pure goal scorer.

“So, to see him have success in high school and now continue to have success in the USHL, it’s great seeing a kid like him get rewarded. But honestly, I’m not surprised, and I believe he’ll continue that in the NCAA and beyond. He’s just a special kid, a special player and a great teammate, and he’s had an incredible season.”

At the same time, Simpson hopes his season is far from complete, and he returned to Kearney with the goal to win.

“Our No. 1 goal right now is to win the Clark Cup,” Simpson said. “I think the experience we gained here last year has helped a lot, and we’ve been in this environment before. But we believe in the group we have and our goal is to go on a run here.”

The post Scorin’ Simpson appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Matthew Davis writes about the Shakopee boys’ hockey team.

This story was originally published in the MHM February 2025 HDM Shakopee Recap.

The post Shakopee Boys: On The Map appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

But the locations and settings for those rinks have varied over the years. From frozen ponds to parks, to the Handke Pit in Elk River, to the tarmac at Holman Field/St. Paul’s downtown airport. Backdrops are sometimes snowy but usually scenic, with lift bridges (Duluth or Stillwater) or the Minneapolis skyline serving as the picturesque setting for the annual event.

This year’s Hockey Day Minnesota in Shakopee – the 19th annual event – offers something new again. Valleyfair is the host, marking the first time Hockey Day Minnesota is located on private property, not to mention the first amusement park as well.

Valleyfair is the host site for Shakopee’s Hockey Day Minnesota this week. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

“This is the first time in our almost-50-year history that we will have rides operating in the dead of winter,” said Melissa Ferlaak, regional public relations manager for Valleyfair.

Valleyfair, which opened in 1976 in Shakopee, is home to more than 75 rides and attractions. Of course, it’s open seasonally and is usually shut down for the winter.

When Shakopee was selected as the Hockey Day Minnesota host city, Valleyfair quickly became part of the conversation. “Hey, nothing says Shakopee like Valleyfair’s skyline,” the Hockey Day Minnesota Shakopee committee said, according to Ferlaak.

“Just imagine the camera covering some hockey games, an outdoor rink, and they pan up and there’s roster coasters,” said Erik Radtke, Hockey Day Minnesota Board vice-chair and PR/coms chair.

However, the larger rides like roller coasters won’t be operating during the festivities. What’s considered “flat rides,” ones that stay on the ground, were deemed by Valleyfair officials as the best options.

In addition to plenty of hockey games played on outdoor ice for four days from Jan. 22-25 this week, Hockey Day Minnesota attendees will get a chance ride five rides: Antique Autos, Carousel, Flying Eagles, Scrambler and the Tilter. The Flying Eagles is the only exception of a ride going up into the air. These rides are all in an area closest to the parking lot, where the main ice rink is located for Hockey Day Minnesota.

The carousel is one of five rides set to be up and running during Hockey Day Minnesota. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

“That’s certainly something that Hockey Day goers will experience that has never necessarily been a part of it before,” Radtke said.

Valleyfair and its maintenance team determined which rides could potentially operate. Roller coasters, for example, wouldn’t be a safe option in the winter. Plus Ferlaak added: “Not that you would also want to go 70 mph face-first into 10-degree cold.”

The rides are all scheduled to be up and running, and crews are mindful of safely running them in the cold temperatures.

“I think the cold is the biggest factor,” Ferlaak said. “We’re going to have heaters out there on the mechanisms and everything to make sure that they stay in good condition. We also don’t want to wreck the rides, because they haven’t run in the cold before.”

With safety in mind – for both riders and the rides themselves – it’s been so far, so good. The maintenance teams hadn’t encountered any issues with the rides being ready as of early January.

Hockey Day Minnesota merchandise will be available for sale at Valleyfair. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Anybody who purchases a ticket to Hockey Day Minnesota can also ride the rides. There will also be some three-on-three youth hockey games played in the Valleyfair amphitheater. Some of the Valleyfair shops will also be open selling special merchandise for the event.

As part of the hockey schedule, Shakopee boys’ and girls’ varsity teams will play in the event. The Shakopee girls’ team faces Brainerd/Little Falls on Thursday evening. Coach Jaime Grossman is also the revenue committee chair on the Hockey Day board.

“I think for us, we feel we’re in a community that’s growing from a hockey standpoint,” Grossman said. “So, to be in the spotlight of hockey for a week is truly, we think it’s going to be great for our game long-term.”

Specialty food and drinks for HDM
Valleyfair’s food and beverage team also has some unique items planned for the menu for Hockey Day Minnesota attendees. For food, choose from traditional concession staples like hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken tenders, plus mini donuts, Bavarian pretzels and nachos. They’ll also have breakfast items available on Saturday. Food truck options include Blue Loon Concessions, Red Rocket Pizza, Rusty Kettle/Booya and Delia’s.

For those looking for something beyond the traditional fare, there will be chili, poutine with fresh cheese curds, loaded pulled pork mac & cheese, bundt cakes, Hockey Day brownies, specialty popcorn and smores kits available for purchase for those looking to roast marshmallows over the open fire pits on site.

The amphitheater at Valleyfair has a sheet of ice set up for youth hockey games throughout the Hockey Day Minnesota festivities. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

To wash down it all down, coffee, hot chocolate and Coca Cola beverages will be available for purchase. But Valleyfair will also offer a variety of adult beverages on site. Gray Duck drink options include vodka, Bomba Juice Seltzer and Duck Duck Lager. Lake Hour Cocktails available include watermelon cucumber and peach jasmine. For specialty cocktails, try sipping on a U of M Ginger Cranberry Sour or BSU Green Apple Kiwi Margarita. Golden Road Mango, Shakopee Brewhall and Coors beverages will also be available. For the morning crowd, check out the bloody mary bar or sip on a mimosa.

Overall, Valleyfair is excited to play a part in celebrating Hockey Day Minnesota.

“We’re so excited for people to come out and experience the park in a different way, and get a chance to ride these rides for the first time in 50 years in the winter time,” Ferlaak said. “It’s just one for the memory books.”

Check out the free digital copy of the 2025 Hockey Day Minnesota program.

The post Hockey Day Minnesota Preview appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Menke taking young Hawks under her wing

North Dakota senior and Shakopee native Amy Menke has had a trying season. On the one hand, she was named an alternate captain for her senior season and she’s continued to be an offensive leader. She is ushering in the team’s next generation in a year where the Fighting Hawks are fielding six freshmen forwards.

On the other hand, her production has lagged in her final season. She’s putting up 0.70 points per game after a junior year in which she posted 1.14 per game. Meanwhile, the Fighting Hawks, once lodged at the bottom of top-10 polls, have fallen off the national polls and had to go to overtime of game three against Ohio State in the opening round of the WCHA playoffs.

From the outside, it might be easy to misunderstand the season. North Dakota has had some struggles, but the box score doesn’t tell the whole story for Menke.

“It’s hard to get frustrated when you know you’re still playing as hard as you can,” she said following a game at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. “I guess it’s a little frustrating when the bounces don’t go your way. I think we’re still having fun. If anything, we’re still growing as a team.”

(Photo courtesy of Russ Hons)

Menke rides the line between not taking things too seriously and having an understanding of what is actually important. She’s able to see the forest for the trees even just moments after a loss, and this kind of levelheadedness is disarming. “I know even if I can just help out the younger players for the upcoming years, it’s still a victory for us,” she said only minutes removed from a loss to a team she calls their biggest rival. That’s also a team she was intimately familiar with growing up. “I’m not going to lie,” she said, “I’ve been to a few Gopher games as a kid.”

She is undoubtedly helping the younger generation. She’s frequently skated on a line with a pair of freshmen that includes Emma Nuutinen and the team’s leading scorer Ryleigh Houston. “I knew a lot of the pressure would be on us upperclassmen for the offense of the team because you know a lot [of freshmen] take until Christmas to really get in the groove of college hockey,” Menke said.

Her calm even surfaces while talking about her senior season, where the second half of the year can serve as an informal farewell tour to four years of college hockey.  “I know here [at Ridder], hopefully, we’re coming back for the playoffs. But it’s weird every time you play one of your friends. You’re like, ‘Well, that might be the last time I play them.’ It’s fun and it’s sad, but it’s kind of cool at the same time.”

With a berth in the Final Face-Off assured, the conference’s top four teams will be competing and being the bottom ranked of those four teams doesn’t faze Menke. “We know no team wants to take us in the playoffs,” she said. “No one wants to battle us because we fight hard and we compete hard. Teams don’t like to play us, I know.”

Their hopes for a NCAA berth go through the WCHA championship and at least two of the top five teams in the nation. Yet, they’re undoubtedly a team capable of surprising. It’s always a possibility with leadership like Menke, Canadian national team defenseman Halli Krzyzaniak, Gracen Hirschy, senior goaltender Lexie Shaw, and other upperclassmen who are leading the way this year and laying the groundwork for the program’s future success.

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