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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Nevada – Andrew Peterson

Much like Arizona and Florida when they first got NHL teams, hockey hasn’t exactly taken off as a sport in Nevada. However, with the Vegas Golden Knights, perhaps this will see an increase in interest in hockey amongst residents. They have never produced an NHL player, but defenseman Andrew Peterson currently plays overseas.

Born and raised in Sparks, NV, he started his playing career when he played for the Hope Icebreakers in the PIJHL. In 46 games, Peterson put up 15 points. Later, he committed to Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. There, Peterson played Division III NCAA hockey. Over 81 games in four seasons, he put up 18 points with 31 penalty minutes. During his senior season, Peterson served as an alternate captain.

Following his college career, he joined Sollefteå HK of Division I, considered a third tier in Sweden. Through his first 113 games in Sweden, he has eight goals and 43 points with a -70 plus minus rating.

There have been other college players to come from Nevada, but Peterson’s still the only one to play any significant hockey post-college. However, given time, the state should warm up to the sport. It took a while for Arizona to bud, but they are now the proud producers of 2016 first overall pick Auston Matthews.

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