Several months prior to Elk River HDM, we met with Elk boys coaches Gordie Roberts, and Bruce Johnson and we FULLY offered to pay for, create and donated both the Boys and Girls Elk River jerseys with one stipulation: Let the players keep their jerseys as a momento from HDM. The light snow that blanketed the hill-side and tree branches along the rink, coupled with a beautiful sunny day made for a Norman Rockwell like appearance both in person, and on TV. Former Elk, BSU Beaver Alum, and Stanley Cup Champion Joel Otto was on-hand for the opening games to drop the ceremonial puck to kick off the most amazing HDM to date. The pit has hosted thousands of hours to former players, and NHL Alumni including Paul Martin, Dan Hinote, Nate Proser and Joel Otto. Previously called Elkhi (Elk-High) Stadium, the pit formation is a glacier formed bowl stadium and in 1920's, the natural slough was formed into a amphitheather, including adding a playing field in the warmer months for football, baseball, track, and ice in the winter. The hero of the day though, would be Elk River native Nate Prosser, he would score the game winning goal against the Stars.įor the 8th annual edition HDM moved back to Twin Cities, and historic Handke stadium/pit located behind Elk River's original High School in Elk River, MN - which is considered the birthplace of Elk River hockey, and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Ryan Suter would also score a goal in the game, which is nearly uncommon enough to be called miraculous. Scoring his first ever NHL goal would be former Gophers hockey forward - Erik Haula. However, we did witness some rather miraculous events in this game. As we’re getting closer to present day, the names are not so miraculous. The Wild would cap off the days actions with a 3-2 victory over the Stars, who made their 3rd appearance on HDM. The outdoor festivities would keep on rolling for the college game this year, as the Gophers welcomed Ohio State to TCF Bank Stadium where the Gophers won 4-2. The girls would once again have their game broadcast later in the day, where Anoka was victorious over Elk River 3-0. The games would start with the boys Cloquet/Esko/Carlton beating Rochester Lourdes 4-1 and followed up with Elk River beating Stillwater by the same score. ![]() Complete with a bonfire and warm drinks, this is one family that found a way to do it right. They had built up a snow wall in their backyard and used a projector to cast the days games to the snow screen. We would also get a look at one very creative families way to watch hockey on Hockey Day Minnesota. Handke Pit in Elk River was like a natural amphitheater. On January 18th, 2014, HDM would make it’s way to the great town of Elk River with the outdoor games being played at the what may go down as one of the most perfect locations to date.
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