The Minnesota high school hockey state tournament is not just about the competition on the ice, but also about the spectacle of “hockey hair.” Players from across the state gather at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, not only to battle for championships but also to showcase their unique hairstyles.
The tradition of “hockey hair” dates back to the days of N.H.L. legends with epic mullets like Guy Lafleur and Marty McSorley. In Minnesota, where hockey is a way of life, many high school players take team bonding to a new level by getting their mullets styled before the tournament. Pregame introductions have become a competition to see who can out-mullet their peers, with players proudly displaying their flowing locks on national television.
At this year’s tournament, bleached mullets were a common sight, with players like Kaden Larson from New Ulm earning recognition for his majestic mane. However, there were also some players who decided to stand out by opting for unconventional styles, like Graff Mellin who sported a leopard print hairdo inspired by Dennis Rodman.
For players like Bryer Lang, looking good is just as important as playing well. With the help of his mother, who owns a hair salon, he was able to perfect his permed mullet with highlights and bleach. The players’ dedication to their hair is a reflection of their passion for the sport and the camaraderie that comes with it.
In the end, “hockey hair” is not just a fashion statement, but a symbol of the players’ commitment to their team and the excitement of competing at the state tournament. As Coach Ryan Neuman puts it, these high school kids deserve to have a little fun and express themselves both on and off the ice.
