A look at some of the players who come from families of top-tier Minnesota hockey names and left high school early to advance their careers:
Paul Bittner, F, Crookston: Left after freshman season in 2011-12 for the Western Hockey League. Father, John, was Crookston's coach and a member of Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association
Jake Guentzel, F, Hill-Murray: Left after junior season for the USHL and is a freshman at Nebraska Omaha. Father, Mike, is a Gophers assistant coach.
Teemu Kivihalme, D, Burnsville: Left in 2013-14 for the USHL. Father, Janne, is Burnsville's coach.
Vinni Lettieri, F, Minnetonka: Left in 2012-13 for the USHL. Grandfather is Lou Nanne.
Mario Lucia, F, Wayzata: Left in 2010-11 for Penticton of the BCHL. Father, Don, is Gophers coach.
Tony Lucia, F, Wayzata: Left in 2007-08 for the USHL. Father, Don, is Gophers coach.
Louie Nanne, F, Edina: Left in 2012-13 for Penticton. Grandfather is Lou Nanne.
