Aaron Ness

Minnesota Gophers hockey player Aaron Ness to Bob Sansevere: 'I'm not too picky'
by Bob Sansevere, Pioneer Press, January 25, 2009

Absolutely. We're good enough to win a national title. We've got the right amount of everything. We've got talent. We've got older guys. We've got the younger guys. We've got hard-working kids. We have a really good mix, and hopefully we can play well at the right times.

To be honest with you, I haven't even thought about leaving Minnesota early. I'm just taking it one day at a time and one year at a time. When I feel like I'm ready to make that step, and the Islanders — if that's the team — feel like I'm ready to make that step, we'll go ahead and do it. (The New York Islanders drafted Ness in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft.) As of now, it's just a one-year (at a time) thing and day by day, and I'll just have fun and just try to get better.

Favorite cartoon as a kid? I didn't really watch a lot of cartoons. It was a lot of "SportsCenter." I was a big Nickelodeon guy when I was little. I'd watch all that stuff.

If I had a time machine, I'd go back to the beginning of hockey to see how everything was made and how they started all of it. And I'd want to see who the studs were back then.

If I had any superpower, I'd fly, for sure. That would be pretty cool.

When I was in high school (in Roseau, Minn.), I played hockey and golf. I played football until the eighth grade, but it was too much of a risk. It wasn't just about getting hurt. It took too much time and training away from hockey. I was a quarterback in the seventh grade and a running back in the eighth grade. I did all right. I had quite a few touchdowns. I played golf in seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th grades. After that, it was all hockey.

Our golf course probably wasn't as tough as some of them down here (in the Twin Cities). I probably had a three or four handicap. I played all the time in the summer.

It was always the NHL. As a kid, that's what I wanted to be: an NHL player.

The biggest influences in my life were my parents. My dad played at the University of North Dakota, so he was always a big influence on me. He taught me the little things all the way up and coached me when I was younger. My mom was always there for me, whether it was giving me a ride to the rink or saying, "Good game" afterward. She always was very supportive.

My dad played, so I always tried to follow in his footsteps. He blew out his knee in college, so he doesn't really skate much now. Every once in a while, he'll come out on the ice and coast around, but he doesn't really get into it anymore.

I used to pick on my younger sister a lot, just little pranks and jokes. I usually got away with it. She's 15, three years younger than me.

I hate losing. It's just part of being a competitor. I don't know anyone at this level who doesn't hate losing. When we lose, I like to try to learn from it. You sit down and see what you could have done better and, maybe as a team, see what we could do better.

If you ever see me, don't be afraid to say "Hi." I'm a pretty down-to-earth kid and fun to be around.

I have no jokes. I'm brutal at telling jokes. I love hearing them.

I love comedy movies. I love to laugh.

Favorite movie? I'm into the Bourne movies, like "Bourne Identity" and "Bourne Ultimatum." I love those. I absolutely love those. I've watched them quite a few times.

I like "Wedding Crashers." I haven't seen a lot of comedies lately. The movie I saw recently was "Gran Torino." Unreal. I loved that one.

Matt Damon is my favorite actor.

Actress? There are so many. Who's the girl from "Friends?" I love her. Jennifer Aniston.

I don't have a girlfriend right now. I'm playing the single card. We don't get too much time. It kind of gets tough to date, but don't be afraid to look me up. You can throw that in there. I'm not too picky. I like a girl who can laugh. Obviously, looks help, too.

When my hockey career is over, I want people to say I was a hard-working kid. I think a lot of guys can have skill and bring it to the next level. But hard working is one of my qualities, and I've always tried to put it at the top of my list. I feel if you're working hard, even if you don't have the highest skill in the world, you still can be fairly successful.

I don't have any regrets. I've made some good decisions and stayed away from some stuff I should. And I've tried to get better every day. That's kind of one of my mottos.

I'd want my last meal to be chicken parmesan. I love that stuff. Any pasta I love, too. I love the pregame pasta meals we get. If it was my last meal, I'd wash it down with a Coke. I'm a big Coke guy, but I don't drink it a lot because of hockey. Every once in a while, I'll grab one.

I'd want my friends to describe me as a nice kid who's easy to talk to and fun to be around.

If my dorm was on fire, I'd get out my iPod for sure. Probably my phone, too. And Schrades. I'd make sure (teammate and roommate) Jordan (Schroeder) is out.

Me and Schrades keep it pretty relaxed and pretty fun.

Growing up, I always listened to AC/DC. Still do. My dad introduced me to AC/DC when I was just a little guy, and I've loved them ever since.

I have about 1,500 songs in my iPod. I'm kind of a rock guy. I like to rap a little bit, too. I'm not a country guy. Not a fan. I'm not into it. Too slow.

I try, but I'm not the best singer in the world. If Simon Cowell heard me sing, he'd say, "See you later."

I read "Holes" when I was a kid. That's the one I remember of the best books I've read.

We used to have to do this accelerated reader program in high school. I just grabbed all the NHL books on the wall and read those.

I'm not big into video games. Schrades and I play "Halo" once in a while.

If I got an NHL signing bonus, I think I'd save most of it. I'd try to throw it in a bank as soon as possible and get some interest on it. I'm not a spender, really. If I had to buy something, I might as well get a nice car right away.

I watched "Prison Break" for the longest time. I was into that for a couple of seasons. And I watched "The O.C."

You know, I like how my life is right now. I'm having a lot of fun. I'm happy. I can't think of anything I'd want to change.

Every day put yourself in a situation where you can work to be over and above everyone else. Always strive to push yourself as far as you can every day. Our coaches stress that every day. That's the best advice I've gotten.

Worst advice? I try to block the worst advice out.

If I could trade places for a day with anyone, it would be Tiger Woods. I'm a huge fan. I love Tiger. He's unreal. I'm a big golf fan, so I always watch him.

I want my epitaph to say, "Here lies Aaron Ness, a great person who was family-oriented and liked to have fun."

Hoeffel and Ness Collect WCHA Weekly Awards
gophersports.com, January 20, 2009

Coming off a weekend sweep over St. Cloud State, Minnesota’s Mike Hoeffel and Aaron Ness were both honored with Western Collegiate Hockey Association weekly awards.

Hoeffel was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week, while Ness earned Rookie of the Week honors.

Hoeffel, a North Oaks native, totaled three goals and one assist in the weekend series. He scored 64 seconds into Friday’s 5-1 victory and later added an assist. In Saturday’s 8-6 win, he scored two goals, including the game-winner in the third period. Hoeffel attempted nine shots for the weekend and was plus-three. The performance came just two weeks after he represented the United States at the under-20 world junior hockey championships in Ottawa, Canada.

Ness, a Roseau native, finished with four assists in the series, including a season-high three assists in Saturday’s win. The league’s Defensive Player of the Week two weeks ago, Ness helped spark the Gophers’ national-best penalty killing unit that held St. Cloud State to 2-for-15 on the power play.

The Gophers are off this weekend and return to action on Jan. 30-31 with a home-and-home series against Minnesota State.

Ness Earns WCHA Player of the Week Award
gophersports.com, January 6, 2009

After earning the Most Valuable Player award from the recent Dodge Holiday Classic, Minnesota freshman defenseman Aaron Ness has been named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Defensive Player of the Week.

Ness, a Roseau, Minn. native, scored his first career goal with 8:28 left in the third period of the championship game against Northeastern on Saturday to force overtime where Minnesota prevailed 3-2. Ness nearly had his first goal earlier in the game, but settled for an assist when his long shot deflected off the skate of Tony Lucia for a first-period score.

Ness also had an assist in the Gophers’ 6-2 win over Brown on Friday and keyed a solid Minnesota defensive effort. Ness and the Gophers limited the Bears to one shot in each of the first two periods and just 15 shots for the game. He became just the second defenseman to earn tournament MVP honors in the 18-year history of the Dodge Holiday Classic, joining former Gopher Alex Goligoski from 2006-07.

For the season, Ness has one goal and eight assists for nine points while playing in all 18 games. The Gophers are currently 10-3-5 overall and ranked third in the country entering this weekend’s series at North Dakota.

Gophers Bio

HIGH SCHOOL:
Played three seasons at Roseau High School, leading the Rams to the 2006-07 Class AA state championship and a fourth place finish in 2007-08 • named Minnesota Mr. Hockey for the 2007-08 season • led team to a 29-2 record each of the past two seasons and an 82-10 record during his three-year career • totaled 38-44--72 with 16 power play goals in 31 games to lead the team in scoring and earn team MVP honors his senior year  • compiled a plus-67 rating as a senior and plus-52 mark as a junior • head coaches were Scott Oliver and Andy Lundbohm • joined the U.S. national under-18 team for the world championships in Russia following his high school season and totaled six assists in nine games to help the team to a bronze medal • participated in the U.S. national junior evaluation camp in August 2008 • selected 40th overall in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders.

PERSONAL:
Undecided on a major • accelerated his high school academics to graduate in three years • hobbies include spending time on the lake • most memorable sports thrill was winning the state high school hockey championship • son of Jay and Kristi Ness • father, Jay, played at North Dakota from 1982-85 • born May 18, 1990.

	Isles Select D Aaron Ness 40th Overall
	June 20, 2008:  D Aaron Ness Born: May 18, 1990, Roseau, Minn. 2007-08: Roseau (USHS) Shoots: Left ISS:  24th overall From THN: There was a time when a defenseman such as Aaron Ness wouldn't have gotten a second look from NHL scouts, forget about consideration as a second round pick.

But 5-foot-10 defensemen aren't as out of fashion in the NHL as they once were and Ness's skill package is too overwhelming to ignore. Some say he's the most naturally gifted prospect in Minnesota.

Still, some scouts are wary of the player who will go to the University of Minnesota next season.

"He's really good, but he's tiny and you can't change that," one scout said. "Taking this guy with a high pick is a risky thing to do."

Scouts have likened Ness to Kris Russell of Columbus and Keith Ballard of Phoenix. Among his talents, Ness is an excellent skater, which prevents him from getting caught up ice when taking chances.

"He's really smart and poised with the puck," another scout said.

CSS:

ISS:

"Ness is an intelligent, instinctive offensive defenseman who has quick hands, tremendous speed and great on-ice vision. He is a fierce competitor who has the ability to make those around him better. His skating combines quick feet with smooth strides, great acceleration and can get up to speed very quickly. Ness also possesses the ability to make plays at high speeds – a quality that isn't commonly seen in high school defensemen. Ness utilizes his speed and quickness quite well on both sides of the puck."

Miscellaneous

- He helped lead Roseau to a perfect 25-0 regular season record in 2007-08 and to a Section 8AA championship before finishing fourth at the state tournament.

- His 72 points (28-44-72) in 31 games led all defensemen and placed him 10th overall for Minnesota high school hockey scoring.

- Became the first Roseau player to win the Mr. Hockey award in 2008 (given annually to the top Minnesota high school hockey player) and after his selection Roseau declared March 17-21 "Aaron Ness Week" – Roseau is a town of just 2,800.

- Participated in the 2008 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament with Team USA.

- Will play for the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2008.

- He will graduate high school a year early in order to attend the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2008 – In his junior year of high school he took eight classes at school and an additional three online at home.

- His father, also a defenseman, played hockey at the University of North Dakota and was a Chicago seventh round selection in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.

- He patterns his game after Anaheim's Scott Niedermayer because he is an offensive defenseman and he wears number 10 because it is the same number that his dad wore.

Ness Quotes

On his style of play: I’m an offensive defenseman. I try to jump up into the play and be the fourth forward. I always try to stick to what I'm good at. Use my head and my quick feet and hands to overcome bigger players. 

On getting his start in hockey: It started at Roseau. We always have open hockey and plenty of ice time. My dad brought me out for the first time. I was probably four years old and I've been skating ever since. 

On his dad being drafted and his influence: He's been a huge part of my career. He's gone through it all. So I know he gives me little hints and tidbits here and there of what's going to happen and what's to come. It works out great for me to have somebody who has been there. It's pretty cool. 

On winning the ‘Mr. Hockey’ Award: It was really special. To be the first from Roseau to win that award in a hockey community like that is pretty cool. You look at the guys who won it in the past, and there are a heck of a lot of good hockey players there. So to be named that was pretty special. After I won we had ‘Aaron Ness Week’ for a week in Roseau. That was pretty cool, too. To be a part of that was really different and really special at the same time.

On being compared to Phil Housley: It's pretty flattering to hear that. I don't know if that's quite true yet. But to even hear that name close to mine is pretty cool. 

On the upcoming draft: It would be pretty cool to go first round and all that. But my thoughts on it, depending on where I go, if I go second round or third round, it doesn't really matter to me. It's what you do after the draft and what you continue to do. Nothing's going to be given to you the rest of your career. You've got to keep going anywhere.

Ness Selected in Second Round of NHL Draft by New York Islanders
gophersports.com, June 21, 2008

Aaron Ness, last season’s Minnesota state high school Player of the Year and an incoming recruit at the University of Minnesota, was selected in the second round of the National Hockey League draft by the New York Islanders.

Ness, a 5-10, 170-pound defenseman who attended Roseau High School, was the 40th overall pick in the draft and the 10th player taken in the second round. It marks the 34th time in the past 35 years that a current or incoming Minnesota player has been drafted with 2001 being the only exception.

Ness will be among 17 NHL draftees on the 2008-09 Gopher roster. He joins 11 veteran players who were previously drafted and five incoming players who were taken in the 2007 draft. Ness will be one of six players on the 2008-09 team who were taken in the first two rounds, joining first-round picks David Fischer and Patrick White and second-round choices Ryan Stoa, Mike Hoeffel and Nico Sacchetti.

The Islanders also selected Minnesota’s Kyle Okposo with the seventh overall pick in the 2006 draft. Okposo played one and a half seasons with the Gophers and signed with the Islanders in December 2007. He made his pro debut three months later, appearing in the team’s final nine games. Ness is the fourth player with Gopher ties to be chosen by the New York franchise, joining Okposo, Todd Okerlund, who was an eighth-round choice in 1982, and Paul Joswiak, who was a ninth-round pick in 1978.

Ness totaled 28 goals and 44 assists for 72 points in 31 games this past season at Roseau. During his three-year career, he compiled 44 goals and 100 assists for 144 career points in 92 games played. Ness’ teams were a combined 82-10 over the past three years and made three state tournament appearances, including a state championship in 2007. He was a junior this past season, but accelerated his academics to enroll at the University of Minnesota. Following the season, Ness joined the U.S. under-18 national team and played in two games. He also played with the team in Kazan, Russia at the under-18 world championships.

Ness could make history
Brad Elliott Schlossman , Grand Forks Herald (June 18, 2008)

Scott Oliver says he’s never seen this kind of interest in a Roseau High School hockey player.

That’s because, perhaps, not even Neal Broten, Aaron Broten or Butsy Erickson attracted this much attention from NHL scouts.

Aaron Ness, who already made Roseau history by becoming the school’s first Mr. Hockey winner, could break some more ground for the tradition-rich program this weekend. 

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound defenseman could become the first Roseau player to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft, which runs Friday and Saturday in Ottawa.

Ness and his father, Jay, a seventh-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1982, will be in Canada’s capital for the festivities. They are leaving today and Aaron will do a couple of final interviews with NHL teams before the draft.

Then, the Nesses and others in hockey-crazed Roseau will cross their fingers and hope to see history.

“The community is very much aware of what Aaron is accomplishing,” said Oliver, the head high school coach in Roseau. “He’s been on a watch ever since squirt hockey.”

The NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau ranks Ness as the No. 27 North American skater for the draft. International Scouting Services projects Ness to go No. 29 overall to the Atlanta Thrashers.

If he is selected during the first 30 picks, not only would he make Roseau history, but Ness would become only the fifth player from Minnesota’s Section 8 to be drafted in the top round. The others are Bemidji’s George Pelawa (1986), Baudette’s Keith Ballard (2002), Moorhead’s Brian Lee (2005) and Warroad’s T.J. Oshie (2005).

“That’s very surprising,” Ness said. “I thought there would have been more. It would be pretty cool to throw another name in there. We’ll go up there, cross our fingers and see what happens.

“But whether I go in the first round or in the fourth round, it’s just step one.”

Doing their homework

During the past few months, Oliver has been grilled by nearly every NHL team about Ness’ work ethic and character. Teams have done interviews over the phone with him, as well as online surveys.

“They really do their homework . . .,” Oliver said. “They’ve already evaluated all of these guys’ skill levels. They want to make sure these guys are going to play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.

“Certainly, Aaron is of extremely high character. He’s not someone who is going to take shortcuts. He’s a great teammate and he’s put a lot of time into playing the game of hockey.”

Ness attended the NHL Combine a couple of weeks ago in Toronto and had interviews with all but a couple of teams. Most questions revolved around his size.

How can a 5-foot-10, 170-pound defenseman make it in the NHL?

“I don’t see that holding him back,” Oliver said. “He’s not going to be a prototypical NHL defenseman. I think with the rules changes and the way the game is going, Aaron is probably going to open the door for a lot of other hockey players with his height, size and skill.”

Ness and Oliver repeat that the draft is just one step on a long journey that they hope ends in the NHL. Ness, however, is already looking ahead to the next step: enrolling at the University of Minnesota this fall.

“I can’t wait to get down there and get started with the team,” he said. “I want to be an impact guy and lead them to a national championship.”

Six Players to Represent Minnesota at U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp
gophersports.com, June 16, 2008

Three current and three future University of Minnesota hockey players are among 53 players invited to participate in the U.S. National Junior Evaluation camp in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Current Gophers Cade Fairchild, Mike Hoeffel and Patrick White will join incoming recruits Jake Hansen, Aaron Ness and Jordan Schroeder at the camp, which runs from August 1-9. The camp determines the United States’ roster for the under-20 International Ice Hockey Federation world junior championships, which will take place Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Ottawa, Canada.

Fairchild was one of four Gophers who participated in the 2008 world championships in the Czech Republic. Schroeder also played on the under-20 squad while spending the 2007-08 season with the U.S. under-18 national team. Schroeder led all players in the tournament with seven assists as a 17-year old. They are among eight players looking to make the roster for the second straight year.

Fairchild and Ness are both defensemen, while the other four Gopher participants are all forwards.

The camp will feature four days of practices before the teams split into two squads for exhibition games against Sweden and Finland for the last four days.

Minnesota players becoming popular draft possibilities
by Mike Morreale, NHL.com, June 13, 2008

It has been three years since public school hockey in Minnesota was considered a vital building block for more than one professional team at the NHL Entry Draft.

In fact, in 2005 at The Westin in Ottawa, three public high school players from Minnesota were chosen in the first round – Brian Lee of Moorhead High (to Ottawa, ninth overall), T.J. Oshie of Warroad (to St. Louis, 24th overall) and Matt Niskanen of Virginia (to Dallas, 28th overall). But in the last two seasons, just one public school player was tabbed in the first round – David Fischer of Apple Valley (to Montreal, 20th overall) in 2006.

With the 2008 NHL Entry Draft returning to Ottawa on June 20-21, it wouldn't come as a shock to hear the names of two high-profile public-school players from the North Star State taken in the first round at Scotiabank Place.

Minnetonka's Jake Gardiner, ranked No. 23 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and No. 27-ranked Aaron Ness of Roseau are two defensemen who received plenty of attention during the NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto last month.

“High school kids are always risky,” noted one western U.S. high school scout. “But then again, any young player taken in the draft is a risky proposition. The stigma is these teams would rather draft a major-junior or college player than take a chance on a high school kid. But the upside is tremendous when dealing with high school players."

Atlanta Thrashers General Manager Don Waddell likes to know the developmental plan of a high school player.

"I like to know how he sees himself – is he a four-year student or is he hoping to play one more year and turn pro," Waddell told NHL.com. "It's rare to get a guy that will say he'd like to stay four years but, honestly, I'm a big believer in having the players stay longer in college unless they are really ready. I think the development, whether it's in juniors or college, helps these kids mature – not only as players, but more importantly as people. This way, when they come out at 21 or 22 years old, they are ready to take that next step."

Ness earned Minnesota's prestigious Mr. Hockey Award as the outstanding senior ice hockey player this past season, beating out Gardiner, No. 36 Cory Fienhage of Eastview High and No. 54 Justin Jokinen of Cloquet.

Ness, the Associated Press State Player of the Year, started on the varsity as a freshman under the tutelage of coach Scott Oliver. As a sophomore, he contributed 13 goals and 38 assists, and led the Rams (29-2) to their seventh Class AA state championship. This past season, he recorded career highs in goals (28), assists (44) and plus-minus (plus-67) to assist Roseau (29-2) to a fourth-place showing in the state tournament. In 88 high school games, Ness had 44 goals, 100 assists and was an astounding plus-133.

Despite his size (5-foot-10, 157 pounds), Oliver feels Ness will become a solid professional.

"His hand speed, stick skills and explosiveness are what set him apart from the other guy," Oliver said. "He won't move that guy in front, but he's going to be able to defend his stick by using his hand strength and smarts. He already has a tremendous work ethic on and off the ice and that's half the battle."

Ness never has considered his stature a detriment.

"I've always been a real gritty guy, so I'll go up against the 6-4 guy if I have to in the corner and love every minute of it," Ness told NHL.com. "With the way the game has changed, I feel my size will only benefit me in the long run."

NESS GETTING ON FAST(ER) TRACK TO NHL 
Mike G. Morreale , NHL.com (April 10, 2008)

After three seasons of hockey at Roseau High School in Minnesota, not only is defenseman Aaron Ness considered a role model by classmates, but also by town mayor Jeff Pelowski. 

"You look at the youth teams and programs in the area and all the kids are aspiring to be little Aaron Nesses," Pelowski told NHL.com. "We have a unique little town (with a population of 2,800), and hockey is just so big. To have a player accomplish what Aaron has done in three years had a huge impact on our entire town."

After becoming the first player from Roseau to earn Minnesota's Mr. Hockey Award, Pelowski officially declared March 17-21 "Aaron Ness Week." And why not? In 88 high school games, Ness had 44 goals, 100 assists and was an astounding plus-133. 

"When Roseau returned from the state tournament (held at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul) and we had our welcome-home celebration, we issued a proclamation for Aaron Ness Week and felt he certainly warranted it because he was the talk of the town," admitted Pelowski, who has held office for 10 years. 

The Mr. Hockey Award, given to the outstanding senior high school hockey player in the state, is selected by a panel of NHL scouts, Division I coaches and selected media throughout Minnesota. Ness beat out nine high-profile performers, including Jake Gardiner of Minnetonka High School and Justin Jokinen of Cloquet, for the honor. According to the Central Scouting Service, the three high school performers are among the top 60 skaters from North America eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, to be held June 20-21 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The left-handed shooting Ness, rated 35th, could go in the second or third round.

Minnetonka head coach Brian Urick thought Ness was a natural.

"He's one of the smartest players I've ever seen and he makes all the right plays," Urick said. "He needs to get a little stronger, but defensively, he has the makeup needed to someday play professionally."

And to think, he's only 17 years old.

"When I received Mr. Hockey, I was shocked, to be honest," Ness said. "There were tons of great players up for the award and it was an honor to be put into the same category. If I'm lucky enough to be drafted in Ottawa, I know I'll be very excited, but that'll be short-lived as I will continue to learn and improve both on and off the ice." 

Coincidentally, this year's Ms. Hockey winner in Minnesota was Ness' girlfriend, senior Sarah Erickson of Bemidji High School. Erickson scored 42 goals to lead Bemidji to a runner-up finish in the Section 8AA tournament. She also captained the U.S. Women's National Under-18 team to a gold medal in the inaugural International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's U18 championships in Calgary this past winter.

Ness, the Associated Press State Player of the Year, started as a freshman under the tutelage of head coach Scott Oliver and proved his ability with 18 assists in 30 games to help lead Roseau to a 24-6 record and a state tournament appearance. As a sophomore, he contributed 13 goals and 38 assists, and led the Rams (29-2) to their seventh Class AA state championship. This past season, he recorded his first hat trick en route to career highs in goals (28), assists (44) and plus-minus rating (plus-67) to assist Roseau (29-2) to a fourth-place showing in the state tournament.

"Winning that state championship last season was the most memorable moment of my high school career," said Ness.

Ness also has carried a 3.8 grade-point average despite an incredible courseload. Since September, he has been taking eight classes per day and three more online in an effort to graduate this spring, skip his senior year and begin playing hockey at the University of Minnesota next season. 

As such, "free time is very limited," said Ness, who is preparing for the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championship in Kazan, Russia (April 13-23). "A regular day for me includes wake up at 7 a.m., attending class until 3:30, going to practice until 5:30, working out for an hour, heading back home to study and do homework and then getting on the ice again from 8 until 10 p.m. Then I finally get some sleep before starting the same routine again the next morning.

"I've always set high goals for myself and I set a goal to get to the highest level of college hockey, the NHL and even the Olympics. But I know with that comes the commitment of making them happen."

"He's one of the smartest players I've ever seen and he makes all the right plays." -- Minnetonka head coach Brian UrickNess' daily grind obviously is for the strong at heart.

"I find it absolutely amazing that he's able to handle that workload," Pelowski said. "I have a daughter who is a senior as Roseau and it's extremely difficult to carry one year's worth of classes. I can't imagine having two years compressed into one. But that's the type of kid he is and one of the reasons we did the proclamation."

Oliver has little doubt Ness will fulfill his academic obligations.

"Aaron wants to play in the NHL, and in order to get there he must play college hockey, so he's determined to get there as quick as possible," Oliver said. "Hockey has always been Aaron's passion and, for the last three seasons, the training and time he put in to become the player he is was second to none. He sees the ice and moves the puck as well as any player I have coached or played against. He reminds me of a young Phil Housley (from St. Paul, Minn.). He can skate, handle the puck and see the ice so well."

Despite his stature (5-foot-10, 170 pounds), Oliver feels Ness eventually will become a solid professional.

"His hand speed, stick skills and explosiveness are what set him apart from the other guy," Oliver said. "He won't move that guy in front, but he's going to be able to defend his stick by using his hand strength and smarts. And let's not forget, he hasn't even filled out yet, so he's going to get bigger and stronger. He already has a tremendous work ethic on and off the ice and that's half the battle."

Ness Signs National Letter of Intent to Play Hockey at Minnesota
gophersports.com, April 9, 2008

Aaron Ness, who was recently named Minnesota’s state high school player of the year, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play hockey at the University of Minnesota.

Ness, a 5-10, 170-pound defenseman who attended Roseau High School, totaled 28 goals and 44 assists for 72 points in 31 games this past season. During his three-year career, he compiled 44 goals and 100 assists for 144 career points in 92 games played. Ness’ teams were a combined 82-10 over the past three years and made three state tournament appearances, including a state championship in 2007.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Aaron join our program,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “He’s a dynamic offensive defenseman who should be able to step right in and be in the mold of some of the great defensemen who have played here in the past.”

Ness becomes the 17th Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award winner to play for the Gophers in the award’s 24-year history. Ness was also named the Associated Press state Player of the Year and first-team all-state. He was a junior this past season, but accelerated his academics to enroll at the University of Minnesota. Following the season, Ness joined the U.S. under-18 national team and played in two games. He is currently with the team in Kazan, Russia preparing for the under-18 world championships.

“Obviously, he is an outstanding student when you can combine two years of school into one,” Lucia said. “We’re also excited to have someone from a great program like Roseau. He comes from an outstanding winning tradition.”

Ness joins eight incoming players who signed with the Gophers during the fall signing period. Minnesota finished 19-17-9 overall during the 2007-08 season and made its eighth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.

Aaron Ness of Roseau wins Mr. Hockey award
by Michael Rand, startribune.com, March 9, 2008

Roseau's Aaron Ness joked that his speech Sunday wouldn't be as good as that of Joe Phillippi because the Hill-Murray goalie found out well in advance that he was the winner of the Frank Brimsek Award as the state's top senior netminder.

While that is technically true, and Ness earns points for modesty, those in the hockey know figured that Ness being named the 2008 Mr. Hockey winner -- a distinction announced Sunday at a banquet at RiverCentre in St. Paul -- was merely a formality.

That's how dominant Ness, a defenseman, was this season. He entered the state tournament with 26 goals and a reputation for being a smooth skater and an unselfish teammate. While it hardly ended the way Ness wanted -- defending champion Roseau came in undefeated as the No. 1 seed in the Class 2A state tournament before losing in both the semifinals and third-place game -- there are bigger and better things awaiting him.

Ness accelerated his academics this year, essentially cramming both his junior and senior years into one grueling year. He has eight classes at school and is also earning 3.5 credits online. The point of the fast pace is being able to join the Gophers in the fall instead of waiting another year.

"I'm ready to move on and take from this season all the fun I had," Ness said. "I can't wait to get to Minnesota to get with the team and start playing."

Roseau coach Scott Oliver spoke in glowing terms of not only Ness' ability but also what he has meant to his hockey-loving community. While some have questioned why Ness would speed up his graduation to leave a year earlier than he had to, Oliver said it's a matter of a player being ready for a new challenge.

"He played three years of varsity hockey and made three trips to state. He turned down the USHL, he turned down Ann Arbor," Oliver said. "Nobody has been more loyal to Roseau than Aaron. He's ready for the next level."

Phillippi received his hardware for winning the Brimsek Award on Sunday, and all 10 finalists for the Mr. Hockey award were honored at the banquet. Phillippi and Ness, per tradition, received Wild jerseys with their names and numbers on the back.

Taking the fast track to stardom
Acceleration is at the forefront for Roseau's Aaron Ness, be it on the ice or in the classroom.
by Dean Spiros, startribune.com, February 8, 2008

ST. CLOUD - Aaron Ness is sure he has them somewhere, the autographs gathered during his grade school years of players on the Roseau High School boys' hockey team.

As best he can remember, none of the players who signed for him went on to fame at the NCAA Division I or professional level, which has no bearing on why he decided to hang on to them.

As for those Roseau kids who have landed Ness' signature the past three years, they one day might appreciate more than the sentimental value attached to it.

Be it via word of mouth, occasional TV exposure, YouTube video or last year's state tournament at Xcel Energy Center, word has traveled from Minnesota's northern border to all points below: Ness, a Gophers recruit, is a rare talent.

"Aaron Ness is the best hockey player in the state,'' Roseau coach Scott Oliver said of his offensive-minded defenseman, who had helped the Rams to a 21-0 record entering Thursday's game against Thief River Falls. "And at the state tournament last year he was the best player at the state tournament. Hands down.''

Ness (5-10, 170 pounds) committed to the Gophers about a week after the Rams won the Class 2A state championship, picking the U over North Dakota and Wisconsin. Since then Gophers fans have anticipated his arrival like tweens awaiting the next Miley Cyrus concert tour.

Ness' quickness and offensive prowess are reminiscent of those of former Gophers center Phil Kessel when translated to the defenseman position. Ness is expected to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft, as Kessel was in 2006.

And, as Kessel did, Ness is accelerating his school work to graduate a year early. No need for a year of seasoning in juniors for Ness; he's ready for major college hockey.

Ness' family moved from St. Cloud to Roseau when he was 5. Because the school year already had begun, his parents decided to wait until the following fall to enroll him in kindergarten. It wasn't until late last summer that Ness decided to combine his junior and senior years and pass on a fourth year of high school hockey.

"I talked it over with my dad, and we agreed it would be beneficial for my career,'' Ness said. "I felt like I was ready to move on and take the next step.''

Ness attends eight classes during the day and 3 1/2 more online in the evening. He basically takes two of everything -- two English classes, two math classes, two science classes -- plus electives.

He attends school from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Then it's off to practice for two hours, followed by two hours of homework. Most nights he's back at the rink after that for some pickup hockey with his friends.

"That's one of the most fun things you can do in hockey, fool around a little bit with your buddies,'' Ness said. "I'm probably on the ice 3 1/2 hours a day.''

"He's a busy kid,'' Jay Ness said of his son's academic workload. "I'm almost as proud of him for the way he's handling this as the hockey. It points to how driven he is.''

Jay Ness, who grew up in Roseau, played defense at North Dakota from 1982 to '85. He was talented enough to be selected in the seventh round of the 1982 NHL draft by Chicago. But a serious knee injury early in his college career cost him a step and a decent shot at a pro career.

Said Jay Ness of his son: "He's 10 times the player I was.''

Aaron was 8, his dad said, when he began to dominate on the ice. Jay was coaching Aaron's Squirt team at the time and decided to move him from forward to defense. He has played along the blue line ever since, and the dominance never has subsided.

Late in Roseau's 4-1 victory at St. Cloud Tech last week, Ness scored a shorthanded goal that drew a gasp from many of those on hand. After ragging the puck in the neutral zone with some nifty stickhandling, Ness finished things off with a dash down right wing, shielding his final defender with his left hand before scoring from in tight.

For Roseau goaltender Mike Lee, it was a sight that has become very familiar.

"What am I supposed to say?" Lee said. "You just stand back there and your jaw just kind of drops.''

Lee, a junior, has made a verbal commitment to play for St. Cloud State, meaning his longtime teammate soon will be rushing the puck toward him rather than away from him.

"I hope he goes pro before I have to try to stop him,'' Lee said.

Ness acknowledges he has long dreamed of playing in the NHL but does not allow himself to look too far ahead or to take anything for granted. His dad's experiences serve as a reminder.

In the meantime, the adulation is nice, Ness said, but the drive remains to continue to get better.

"I'll always have higher expectations for myself,'' Ness said. "I set my goals high and work as hard as I can to achieve them.''

Others have noticed. Roseau was in Cloquet for a game this season when the Pee Wee coach there asked Ness if he would take some time to speak to the kids. Jay Ness said he didn't hear about it until later when one of the parents mentioned how much the kids enjoyed the visit.

A quick thinker or two might even have gotten his autograph.