Celebrating THE tournament

The Minnesota State High School League is planning a year-by-year countdown of tournament highlights on its website, mshsl.org.

• The boys' countdown begins Dec. 21, starting 75 days before the boys' tournament. The girls' countdown begins Jan. 26, 25 days before the girls' tournament.

• During the tournaments, the Xcel Energy Center scoreboard will show historical highlights and tributes. The top six women and men will be recognized on the ice during their respective tournaments' championship Saturdays. All will wear commemorative jerseys.

• Teams throughout the state are being encourage to use the anniversary to honor their own heritage.