On the 50th Anniversary of their State Title, Memories Remain Fresh for these Pioneers
Hill-Murray hockey has a rich and storied legacy, churning out three Olympians, nearly a dozen professional hockey players and countless Division I collegiate athletes. The winning tradition started at Hill High School before it merged with Archbishop Murray in 1971. But the modern-day Hill-Murray hockey legacy was launched with the very first team to don a Hill-Murray jersey in 1972. They set the bar high with an Independent State Championship and an overall record of 24-4-0 that year. It’s been 50 years since that state title, but memories of that game and season are still sharp in the minds of team members.
“Joe Nelson scored with :21 seconds left in the third period,” recalls Center Tim Whisler ’72, the team and conference leading scorer that year. That go-ahead goal earned the Pioneers the Independent State Championship in a 3-2 victory over Duluth Cathedral.
“I can remember the day before the tournament, my dad bought me three new KOHO sticks for the Tournament,” says Dave Langevin ’72, a captain defenseman who went on to play in and win four Stanley Cups. “At that time sticks would wear out before they would break. I got the top-of-the-line sticks for the tournament. I was pumped.” And those sticks paid off for Langevin.
“First game against Crookston Cathedral I got three goals. One of my most memorable memories of high school hockey was hearing the announcer say in that game, ‘goal scored by Dave Langevin and assist from Scott Langevin’ my brother. Great and lasting memory.”
Mark Klosner ’75, a freshman defenseman on that championship team, says some of his favorite memories of that season include road trips to games in Northern Minnesota, Sunday afternoon Central Catholic Conference (CCC) games that could get pretty physical, and flooding an outdoor team rink every Thanksgiving weekend even though it was often used to skate them extra after a poor scrimmage.
Prior to 1975, Catholic and private schools were not allowed in the Minnesota State High School League, so they competed in their own preparatory league. However, there is no doubt in any of their minds that they could have competed with and beat the top public schools. In fact, Langevin played on the 1971 Hill High School team, believed by many to be one of the best high school teams in state history. Edina was the top-ranked public school team that year. The two teams played in a scrimmage that Langevin will never forget.
“To our surprise, Braemar Arena was standing room only, TV cameras, scouts, and reporters jammed the arena,” he says. “ This was the real State Championship game. Two number ones battling for bragging rights. It was a great game and Hill won 3-2.”
All three men credit their coach, Andre Beaulieu, and the life lessons he taught them.
“Andre instilled discipline, toughness, and work ethic in us, and I know Coach Lechner does the same. That all leads to being accountable to your coach and teammates, both on and off the ice,” says Klosner. “You have to be able to look each other in the eye at the end of a game or practice and know that you gave your teammates all you had.”
Several members of the 1972 team went on to find future success in hockey. Coach Beaulieu had an extensive coaching career including a stint with the Minnesota North Stars. Langevin, Whisler and teammate Rick Belde were named to the all-tournament team that year, as well as all-conference along with Langevin’s brother Scott, Joe Nelson and co-captain Dick Spannbauer. Langevin, Whisler, Klosner, Nelson, Spannbauer and teammate Steve Janaszak all went on to play in college. And both Langevin and Janaszak made it to the NHL. Langevin has his name etched on the Stanley Cup four times with the New York Islanders. Janaszak was a member of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Olympic hockey team. All helped blaze the trail for future Hill-Murray teams.
“I don’t think at the time we realized how important that tournament win was for us,” says Klosner. ”It did set a high bar, but after that, we understood what this meant not only to us but to the school and community as well.”
Earlier this season, Whisler, Langevin, Klosner and several of their former teammates returned to Aldrich Arena to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of their championship. They toured the new locker room before a game and met with current players, one of which has a very special connection to Whisler.
“I’m so proud to have a grandson on the team. I oftentimes come to tears as I tell people about him making the team,” he says. His grandson, Matthew, is the seventh member of Whisler’s extended family to play Hockey at Hill-Murray. His brother Jeff Whisler was the first former player to coach the team. He led the 1991 team to a State Tournament victory. And he has a 7th grade grandson who hopes to follow the family tradition. The Langevin and Klosner families also have a rich history in the school’s hockey program and a strong connection to the school. All three former players married their Hill-Murray High School sweethearts.
Klosner says despite the years that have passed and the different paths life has taken them on, the players will always hold a special place in each other’s hearts and remain proud Pioneers.
“They are all humble, caring, unassuming men who treat everyone the same. No egos at all,” he says. ”I believe that was instilled by their families, Hill-Murray, and Andre Beaulieu. I think that’s why we are all proud to be part of the Hill-Murray Hockey Community. They still stand for integrity and commitment, just as we did 50 years ago. They make us proud.”
