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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: John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images /

Kentucky – Paul McAvoy

Much like Kansas, Kentucky hasn’t produced an NHL player. However, they have Lexington native Paul McAvoy, who is currently playing in the BCHL and will play for Colgate University in 2017-18. It might seem irrelevant, but it’s a huge step forward for a state slowly beginning to embrace the sport of hockey.

McAvoy moved to Ohio as a teenager to support his hockey career. He played for several junior teams, including the Cleveland Barons (U-16 and U-18) and the Queen City Steam of the NA3HL. After a brief stint with the EHL’s Connecticut Oilers, McAvoy joined the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL. He currently plays for them. As of Nov. 24, he has 55 points in 71 games. McAvoy will play for Colgate during the 2017-18 season, making him the first hockey player from Kentucky to play for a major university.

Kentucky is certainly growing to love hockey. The Kentucky Wildcats have a ACHA team that is working to join the NCAA. Several players from Lexington have played at smaller universities, but McAvoy will be the first to play Division I hockey. Participation on the ice is up all over the state, so who knows? We might see an NHL player from Kentucky. And it might just be McAvoy.

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