Growing up in Minnesota, Drew Helleson knew from the start of his hockey career that the NCAA was where he was destined to play. While some may call it “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” many more may know it as the “State of Hockey.” Minnesota has always been a mecca for the sport and it’s validated by staking the claim of having the most NHL players of any state.
While most National Hockey League prospects will take the Canadian Major Junior route, playing in top-tier NHL path-paving leagues like the QMJHL, OHL or WHL, there’s a growing conglomerate of college-goers who are forging a new path from Division I to the pros.