high schools

JT Brown scored 24 goals last season for Rosemount's boys' hockey team. And when he did so, the tallies came in bunches. Brown recorded four hat tricks for the Irish, including a four-goal effort Feb. 22 in a 5-3 victory over Eastview. His offensive explosion didn't go unnoticed, as earlier this fall Brown participated in the five-team Upper Midwest Elite League hockey development program, which targets the top 115 high school players in Minnesota. Brown chatted with the Star Tribune's Brian Stensaas last week.

Q What have you seen from this team on the ice so far?

A I like what I see so far. There's still work to be done -- we haven't been on the ice too long. But hopefully we go out there and do some good this season.

Q Anything specific you think the team needs to work on?

A Just being prepared; being prepared for every situation that might come up during a game.

Q This is a senior-heavy team. Do you think that will help?

A I do. Having so many seniors will give more for the younger players to look up to and to ask questions. We've been doing these same systems for a while. We do whatever Coach wants out of us. So having so many seniors definitely will help us out.

Q Is it to the point where linemates almost know what's going to happen before it happens?

A The more you play with the same guys, the more you know how to read them. You know where they're going to go, what they're going to do with the puck. It helps a lot with communication.

Q You and a few of your teammates participated in the Elite League this fall. How was that?

A It was a lot of fun. It was a lot of great competition. It was fast-paced and an excellent chance to showcase your hockey skills and to get some ice time.

Q You all weren't on the same team, though. Was it odd to play against your teammates?

A It was. But it was kind of fun, too. You know, seeing if you could beat them one-on-one out there.

Q You did very well, scoring 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists).

A I did all right. It could have better, could have been worse. Either way. But it had to do a lot with other guys setting me up. It wasn't all right there about me.

Q Back to your high school team. Can you give me a scouting report on the Irish?

A A lot of our team is built on speed. And we have smart players who aren't going to go out there and take a lot of stupid penalties or anything along that nature.

Q The Lake Conference looks to be strong once again.