The newly formed St. Paul boys high school hockey team is a unique collaboration uniting players from five different schools. Under the leadership of coach Pat Ryan, the team has focused on building camaraderie and skill development since its inception. The initiative aims to strengthen the program after years of challenges faced by individual schools, particularly in maintaining competitive rosters.
In early summer, Ryan made a decisive move by eliminating the distinct helmet stickers representing the Highland Park Scots and Johnson Governors from the players’ gear. Instead, the team adopted a unified look with new stickers on order, symbolizing the intent to merge identities into one cohesive unit. “I thought it might be a little hard to get the two teams to come together, but I knew it would be good for the program to have more depth,” said Charlie Rust, a sophomore from Highland Park.
Despite a rocky start to the season with a 1-6 record, the players have been committed to fostering unity. The concept of Johnson and Highland Park athletes playing as teammates would have seemed unlikely during Johnson’s last appearance in the state tournament in 1995. The Highland Park program had been discontinued earlier, and shifting demographics had severely affected Johnson’s player base.
The team composition reflects this change, with 12 Central High students, six from Highland Park, and three from Johnson, along with players from Humboldt and Como Park. Pat Auran, Highland Park’s athletic director, noted that previous attempts to consolidate these teams were unsuccessful due to the risk of cuts to players. However, after realizing that Johnson would struggle to field a team for the upcoming season, the decision to merge became more feasible.
Throughout the summer, the team engaged in workouts that helped build relationships both on and off the ice. Players participated in dryland sprints and skating drills, all contributing to a growing sense of respect and teamwork. Emory Batt, a goaltender from Central, expressed initial apprehension but acknowledged that the summer training sessions were crucial for team bonding. “That summer work brought us together,” he shared. “The Johnson guys bring grit to our game. We get some of that physicality that it sucks to play against.”
The players’ dedication to the new team framework is evident. Senior forward Ian Wallace likened the merging of the teams to “two correct puzzle pieces fitting together.” Despite only seeing each other during practices and games, the players have developed strong connections in a short period. Batt noted that their unique situation, where they rely on each other during the season, has fostered closeness.
Recently, St. Paul faced the Minneapolis co-op team, which has been established since 2010. The match showcased the challenges of the new squad, ending with a 6-2 loss. The team struggled with injuries and player commitments that limited their roster. Ryan emphasized the importance of balancing competitive aspirations with the players’ broader commitments, including academic pursuits. “Some schools have hockey players and we have kids who play hockey,” he stated, highlighting the diverse experiences of his players.
Ryan, who has a long history in hockey coaching, is focused on gradual improvement. His coaching style reflects a balance between discipline and understanding. “He’s not afraid to skate you,” Batt remarked, noting that Ryan maintains a high standard while still being reasonable in his approach.
Auran also sees promise in the co-op’s future and is excited about the team’s potential. He highlighted the improvements made to the program’s facilities, including newly refinished locker rooms and dedicated shooting areas, which serve to enhance player development. “The youth programs that feed us, the St. Paul Capitals, Edgcumbe, and Langford Park, have good numbers coming up,” Auran noted.
As the season progresses, the St. Paul hockey team continues to work toward both competitive success and team cohesion. Batt, who transferred to Central to join the co-op, emphasized the importance of representing St. Paul. “It doesn’t really matter who’s in the stands watching. What matters is this team and the logo on the front of our jerseys,” he said, reflecting the spirit of unity that the new co-op embodies.
