Blizzard Rolls into Brookings for 2012-13 Season

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) - When the Brookings Blizzard drop the puck at Larson Ice Center this season, junior hockey teams from the Dakotas will make up two-thirds of the North American Hockey League's central division.

Blizzard ownership relocated their club to Brookings after nine seasons in Alexandria, Minn., creating additional in-state and cross-border rivalries with the Aberdeen Wings, the Bismarck Bobcats and the Minot Minotauros.

The 16- to 20-year-olds who compete in U.S. junior hockey leagues can maintain their college eligibility as they work to earn scholarships. NAHL players earned more than 190 college commitments last season.

More than two dozen players will be arriving in Brookings for training camp around Labor Day, and the Blizzard are still searching for about 10 more host families to "billet" players for this season.