Two of Minnetonka High School’s newest alumni are already making moves on the national athletic stage.
Hagen Burrows ‘24 and Javon Moore ‘24 entered the 2024 National Hockey League (NHL) draft in June and were each selected by professional teams. Both hockey players were drafted on day two, in the fourth round, with Burrows selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Moore selected by the Ottawa Senators.
When asked about the impact Burrows and Moore had on the MHS hockey team as a whole, activities director Ted Schultz shared, “Hagen and Javon were key leaders both on and off the ice at Minnetonka High School. They sharpened a talented hockey team to do great things and the hockey sharpened them to be great leaders.”
Burrows has always had a love and passion for hockey. From the age of two years old, playing in his backyard, to today, he has pursued this passion by rising to meet challenges. “There is a lot of sacrifice you don’t realize you have to make in order to pursue your dreams at this level,” said Burrows. “You have to be okay with making those kinds of sacrifices.”
Moore also pursued his passion for hockey relentlessly as he grew up, working hard to make it to the NHL draft as a part of his dream. “It was an unforgettable feeling to be a part of the draft. It is something I will never forget, and I had no idea who was going to pick me,” said Moore. “I was just waiting patiently to hear my name called by any team.”
Moore and Burrows were the only two Minnesotans in the draft coming directly from their high school program. They join six other MHS boy’s hockey alumni who have been drafted to the NHL.
“Minnetonka High School offers outstanding facilities and highly knowledgeable coaches and support staff that rival any high school in Minnesota and the nation,” said Tom Stretar, a member of the Minnetonka boy’s hockey staff. “The fact that they were drafted by the NHL means that, as a Minnetonka hockey player, you don't have to leave high school athletics to achieve such a prestigious honor.”
Congratulations, Javon and Hagen!