Best hockey player from each state

Jan 26, 2014; New York City, NY, USA; NHL former player Jeremy Roenick skates with youngsters on a miniature rink before the Stadium Series hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida – Shayne Gostisbehere

Florida has two professional hockey teams, but the state is still far more known for its football prowess than on the ice. However, that might be changing, especially with a new wave of defensemen hitting the NHL. Native Jakob Chychrun was selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Coyotes. Moreover, superstar defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere is from Florida as well.

Gostisbehere, or Ghost Bear as fans call him, has been a sensation for the Philadelphia Flyers. He moved to Connecticut so he could attend South Kent Prep High School. From there, he signed with NCAA hockey powerhouse Union College. At Union, Gostisbehere quickly got attention because of his phenomenal athleticism and natural instincts. The Flyers drafted him in 2012. Unfortunately, his NHL career was a bit delayed because of an ACL injury. Philly initially sent him down to start the 2015-16 hockey season.

However, injuries forced them to call Gostisbehere up. From there, all he did in his rookie season was dazzle. Gostisbehere even set the rookie point streak record for a defenseman. He finished second in the Calder Trophy voting behind Artemi Panarin.

Gostisbehere’s future is extremely bright, just like Florida’s future in hockey is.

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