East Grand Forks Green Wave Hockey
The East Grand Forks Green Wave hockey program has been a staple in Minnesota high school hockey since the 1940s. With a rich history of success, the Green Wave have become one of the most dominant teams in Minnesota high school hockey.
Since the program's inception, the Green Wave have won seven Minnesota State High School Hockey Championships, the most recent being in 2016. They have also played in the state tournament 23 times, placing them in the top 10 for most appearances in state tournament history.
The Early Days
The East Grand Forks Green Wave hockey program was started in the 1940s by a group of hockey enthusiasts in the small town in northwest Minnesota. The program began to gain momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, as the team began to establish itself as a force in Minnesota high school hockey.
During the 1970s, the Green Wave had their first taste of state tournament success, reaching the tournament in 1976 and finishing third. They returned to the state tournament in 1978 and finished second.
The 1990s and the First State Championship
The 1990s were a decade of domination for the East Grand Forks Green Wave hockey program. During this time, the team won three state championships and made six appearances in the state tournament.
The Green Wave won their first state championship in 1995, defeating Henry Sibley High School 5-2. The team was led by future NHL player Matt Cullen, who scored two goals in the championship game.
The New Millennium
The East Grand Forks Green Wave hockey program continued their success into the new millennium. The team won their fourth state championship in 2003, defeating Breck School 4-3 in overtime.
During this time, the Green Wave also set a record for most consecutive appearances in the state tournament, making it to the tournament eight years in a row from 2002-2009.
The 2010s and Beyond
The East Grand Forks Green Wave hockey program continued their success into the 2010s with their fifth state championship in 2014. The team then captured their sixth state championship in 2015 and their seventh in 2016.
The Green Wave have also continued their streak of consecutive appearances in the state tournament, making it to the tournament in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Conclusion
The East Grand Forks Green Wave hockey program has a long history of excellence. With seven state championships, 23 appearances in the state tournament, and numerous NHL players, the Green Wave have become one of the most successful high school hockey programs in Minnesota.
The program has also become a source of pride for the small town of East Grand Forks, as the community rallies around their team every year during the state tournament.
