Wild Prospect Avery Peterson Named Minnesota’s “Mr. Hockey”

Newly drafted Minnesota high school hockey player faces the media after being drafted by his hometown Minnesota Wild in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Mandatory Credit: Minnesota Wild PR

The Minnesota Wild added two intriguing young forwards via undrafted free agent signings last week. This week, one of the team’s most recent draft picks, Avery Peterson, was named “Mr. Hockey”, as the most outstanding senior high school boy’s hockey player in the entire state of Minnesota.

Per the Wild’s website:

"Wild prospect Avery Peterson joins the ranks of many talented players before him as he was named this year’s Mr. Hockey.The Minnesota Minute Men announced today that the Grand Rapids High School player is the recipient of the 30th Annual Mr. Hockey Award, given to the outstanding senior boy’s high school hockey player in the state of Minnesota. Hunter Shepard from Grand Rapids High School received The Frank Brimsek Award, in recognition of Minnesota’s top senior goaltender. This marks the first time that the Mr. Hockey and The Frank Brimsek Award winners are from the same high school. Peterson was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round (167th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.Derrick Brown (Luverne High School) and Mike Taylor (Eagan High School) received The John Mariucci Award, given to the Class A and Class AA, respectively, high school coaches of the year. Terry Skrypek (Hill-Murray High School) received The Cliff Thompson Award, presented to the “Old Timer Coach” of the year.The Mr. Hockey Award, given each year to the outstanding senior hockey player in the state of Minnesota, is selected by a panel of judges, including National Hockey League scouts, USHL Scouts, Division I coaches, Division III coaches, and selected media members from around the state. Other finalists for this year’s award were: Philip Beaulieu (Duluth East), Tyler Cline (Blaine), Spencer Naas (Benilde St. Margaret’s), Tyler Nanne (Edina), Mitch Slattery (Hill-Murray), Steven Spinner (Eden Prairie), Luc Snuggerud (Eden Prairie), Nick Wolff (Eagan) and Zach Yon (Roseau)."

Already a big customer for his age at 6’3″ 200-pounds, Peterson dominated the high school ranks this season. In 25 games this year, Peterson would score 35 goals and 30 assists for 65 points and a plus-2 rating. Peterson was also key on special teams, scoring nine power play goals and 21 power play points in addition to four shorthanded goals. In 18 games with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers this season, the big pivot scored six goals and nine assists for 15 points and a plus-6 rating.

Peterson is committed to join the University of Nebraska-Omaha starting next season. A full college career, a season or two in the minors, and Peterson could have a legitimate shot at playing in front of friends and family once again–this time, in a red, white and green sweater at the Xcel Energy Center.