Sadie Lundquist has lived the Minnesota hockey story from multiple perspectives.

A former standout player at Minnesota State University, Mankato and professional leagues, she now serves as the Deputy Director of College Hockey Inc., a nonprofit funded by the NHL that provides research, marketing, and educational resources for players and parents navigating the college hockey landscape.

She also played all her youth and college hockey in Minnesota - she’s a proud Lumberjack. She also had the fortune to see a childhood dream come true as she finished her playing career with the Minnesota Whitecaps of the PWHL.

At TCS Live Minnesota, Lundquist explored Minnesota's impact on college hockey, showing why players from the state are statistically positioned for success at every level, from youth hockey to NCAA DI and DIII, and professional hockey in the PWHL, NHL, and beyond.

Data Speaks

Minnesota produces more NCAA college players than any other state:

• Total NCAA players: MN – 1,052 MA – 799 NY – 524 MI – 408 NJ – 288
• Women’s DI: MN – 205 MA – 111 NY – 48 MI – 42
• Goalies Women’s DI: MN – 22 MA – 12 MI – 7 NY – 6

Nearly all Minnesota players played high school hockey, and only 7% move out of their hometown to continue playing, compared to roughly 50% in other states.

“Minnesotans are statistically better positioned than anyone else to succeed in hockey at every level.”

The Minnesota Impact

Four out of five of Lundquist’s siblings played hockey, and that kind of statistic simply isn’t possible in other states. Lundquist highlighted the community-based hockey model that drives this success:

• Make hockey accessible for as many as possible, for as long as possible
• Provide the best environment possible for development
• Celebrate and grow the entire player funnel

She emphasizes that the combination of culture, coaching, community, and consistent participation creates a system where players are built to succeed both on and off the ice.

“We don’t always realize how good we have it.”

Coaches’ Challenge

Look at your program through the Minnesota lens.

Are you creating a culture where players of all levels can thrive, in the best environment, for as long as possible? How can your community celebrate and grow every player in the funnel?

Noteworthy timestamps:

• 0:00 Minnesota impact on me
• 3:25 Impact on community
• 5:10 College Hockey Inc.
• 7:00 Statistical impact
• 8:20 Total NCAA college players
• 9:40 NCAA research 
• 12:55 Minnesota impact summary