Wisconsin Recruit Grant Besse Claims Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award

The vote was one for formality purposes only. At the 29th annual Mr. Hockey Awards Banquet hosted in St. Paul Sunday afternoon, Wisconsin recruit Grant Besse was named the 2013 Minnesota Mr. Hockey award winner.

The Mr. Hockey Award is given to the outstanding senior high school boys hockey player in the state of Minnesota and is selected by a panel of National Hockey League Scouts, Collegiate Division I coaches and selected media members from around the state.

Past Wisconsin Badgers to win the award include Tom Gorowsky (2004) and Ryan McDonagh (2007).

A right-winger for Benilde-St. Margaret's high school, Besse is one of the most decorated high school players in recent memory. The Wisconsin recruit was well known going into his junior season, but reached rock-star status after his performance in the Minnesota state hockey tournament last spring.

In the AA title game against rival Hill Murray High School, Besse scored all five of his teams goals -- including three short-handed -- in a 5-1 victory to clinch the title for Benilde.

In 28 games as a senior, Besse notched 48 goals and 28 assists for 76 points. For his career, the Red Knight's forward amassed 163 goals and 109 assists for 272 points in 113 career games.

Besse has signed a national letter of intent to play for Wisconsin, and is expected to join the Badgers in Madison next fall.

2012-13 Mr. Hockey Finalists:

Grant Besse--F--Benilde-St. Margaret's (Committed to Wisconsin)
Jake Bischoff--D--Grand Rapids (Committed to Minnesota)
Zach Glienke--F--Eagan (Committed to Maine)
Jake Jackson--F--Tartan (Committed to Michigan Tech)
Adam Johnson--F--Hibbing (Committed to Minnesota-Duluth)
Dan Labosky--F--Benilde St. Margaret's (Committed to Colorado College)
Zach Lavalle--F--Hill Murray
Parker Reno--D--Edina (Committed to RPI)
TJ Roo--F--Totino Grace
Tommy Vannelli--D--Minnetonka (Committed to Minnesota)

For more Wisconsin hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter (@AndyJohnsonB5Q)

You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)