When you skate out onto the ice for the first time on a Friday night in front of a packed house, and you hear the band playing the fight song, it's the best feeling in the world.

Justin Abdelkader

I had a fantastic college hockey experience at Minnesota State and thanks to my coaches and support staff, I learned the value of hard work, teamwork and life skills.

David Backes

I've learned good lessons in life and met a lot of great people along the way. It's the reason I wanted to go to college.

Jack Eichel

It gave me the opportunity to get better every single day.

Johnny Gaudreau

When players step in from college hockey to the NHL they are physically ready and mentally mature.

Jeff Blashill

It was hands down the best decision I ever made.

Zach Werenski

I think my mom is still happier that I’m a Harvard graduate than I’m playing in the NHL, to be honest.

Alex Killorn

It was obviously the best step I could have taken to get to the next level.

Jonathan Toews

I owe it to my coaches who took a chance on me and gave me a scholarship so that I could have this opportunity in the NHL and to get a degree.

Colton Parayko