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Best hockey player from each state

By Dave Stevenson

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
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: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Idaho – Kevin Kantee

Idaho is in the middle of nowhere and is perhaps best known for being really good at growing potatoes. There’s no shame in that. Likewise, Idaho shouldn’t be ashamed of its hockey heritage. Kevin Kantee, born in Idaho Falls, has put together an impressive career overseas. His family moved to Finland at an early age. It was there Kantee fell in love with hockey and became a draft prospect.

Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2002 NHL Draft, he never spent a game in North America. Kantee is best known for his time with Jokerit of La Liiga. In 303 games, he has 29 points. Never known as a scorer, Kantee is known for being a mobile shutdown defenseman. While he never played in the NHL, he can say what very few can. Kantee got to do what he loved while traveling around the world. He has played in Italy, Austria, and Finland.

Lucas Nukaya-Heady plays for local Boise State University, who has an ACHA Division II team. With no teams around and with a relatively small population, it’s easy to see why hockey has been slow to catch on in Idaho. But things are definitely looking up.

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