Trevor Zegras and other locals shine on big stage

Minnesota recently was ranked the third happiest state in the country by WalletHub.

When it comes to hockey, however, it is a very serious place. After all, it is the only of the 50 with the "State of Hockey" moniker, and no one really contests it.

In September, it finally got to host the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, the first in what will be a long season of looks for its participants. Team Langenbrunner defeated Team Leopold, 6-4, in the annual game that showcases top American-born NHL draft prospects. The game was held Sept. 19 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

The teens begin another season full of evaluation as they try to merit consideration for the NHL draft. It’s a situation that could bring some unwanted stress.