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These days, the road to the next level in the game of hockey is just as complicated as hockey itself. Camps, all-star games, select teams, national tournaments- each one designed to give college coaches from around the nation a glimpse of some of the best pucksters the state, or the nation, have to offer.

It’s a long and tiring road. However, it’s also a road that several players are willing to travel because most of the time, the destination far outweighs the bumps experienced along the way. Take Chisago Lakes junior Lexy Parenteau for example. The defenseman just recently finished up a trip to Colorado where she took part in the USA U-19 National Tournament in Centennial Colorado. Playing for the Wisconsin Wild, Parenteau showcased her talents in front of an estimated 32 college coaches- mostly from Division One programs. Schools represented included some of the top programs in the nation such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Harvard and Minnesota-Duluth. The list goes on and on.

“I really consider myself lucky,” said Parenteau, who has a long hockey tradition in her family. Her father and two of her uncles all played for the Gophers. “Not too many girls get to experience both high school hockey and playing USA hockey, not to mention going to the state tourney and also getting to play in Colorado at the National Tourney.”

“Both are two totally different experiences. In high school, I have my team that I’ve grown up with- they’re like family, and going to the state tourney was the most rewarding experience in my life. But in USA hockey, playing as a pre and post player for the Wild, it’s a privilege. This team has given me so much.”

It’s Parenteau’s third season with the Wild and her first playing for the U19 team. She is a pre/post player, meaning she plays with the team before and after her high school season.

In order to play for the team, one must be invited. Parenteau was asked to compete three years ago and she jumped at the chance. She’s the only player from Minnesota on the team.

The Wild advanced to the National Tournament by winning state and regions. At regions against Team Illinois in a best two-out-of-three series, all three games went into overtime.

But the journey has not come without its complications- nothing good ever does. This year, Parenteau was also asked to try out for the USA National team in Lake Placid, New York. In short, in terms of honors, the invitation was the Patty Kazmaier (Award given out to the best women's college hockey player in the nation. Equivalent to the Hobey Baker award) of all invitations. However, doing so meant not playing with the Wild at the National Tournament, so the senior-to-be made a veteran like decision. She passed, electing instead to stick with the Wild. To her, it was a no-brainer.

“This hockey was intense and fast,” mentioned Parenteau, who was named North Suburban all-conference this past season. “The competition was incredible. Even though the Wild didn’t do the greatest at the National Tourney, being a part of it was priceless.”

The hard work and sacrifices it takes to play at the national level also was a no-brainer for Parenteau and her family, who to date have received dozens of letters from Division One schools. So far, things have gone just as expected. Okay, even better than expected.

“She’s playing with girls who are amazing,” mentioned Shellie Parenteau, Lexy’s mother. “The Wisconsin Wild have a goal of placing every girl who plays for them in college, either Division One or Division Three. Last year, they did that. One of her teammates is going to Yale. She’s definitely in a whole new setting. She’s playing with girls she’ll play with and against in college hopefully.”

“Not to dis Chisago Lakes or anything but Chisago Lakes doesn’t get any exposure and it’s not fair,” added Parenteau. “Take Nicole Grossmann (Parenteau’s teammate at Chisago Lakes) for example. She is a Division One player, and she didn’t get the chances she should’ve had. She is a great player. At the National Tournament, 32 coaches were there.

“Overall, hockey is my life and that’s why I really don’t know how to stop. I just keep playing it year-round,” continued Parenteau. “Playing in the National Tournament is a great memory and an experience I will never forget. I just wish more girls could be as lucky as me.”

Parenteau’s trip to Nationals is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to events this summer. In addition to off-ice training, Parenteau will take part in a hockey camp in Chicago that will feature several Division One coaches. Also, she’ll play for the Minnesota Elite team at the Minnesota Meltdown, take part in tournaments as a member of the Minnesota Lightning, and this fall, Parenteau will re-join the Wild for 10 games as they try and qualify for the National Tournament in 2006.

Is that all?

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