Growing up in Minnesota Knute Anderson wasted little time finding his life’s passion. Like many little boys from The Hockey State, Anderson picked up a stick and was immediately hooked. Unlike any of his kinder-peers, Anderson has since forged a prosperous on-ice career as a coach in the burgeoning hockey hot beds of north Texas.
A state-runner up last season, Anderson’s Dragons promptly defeated Jesuit of Dallas in just two games of a best of three series to take home the 2018 State Championship. We caught up with three-time State Championship coach to learn a little more about him and the state of Southlake Carroll Hockey.
Q: Tell us about your hockey background?
A: I grew up in Minnesota and started playing at age 5. I have been a part of Texas High School Hockey as a Head Coach for 16 years. My teams have been awarded three state championships, a state runner-up, two state bronze medals and four city championships.
Q: You were playing at a very early age. How much experience do today’s Southlake Carroll Hockey players need?
A: The average Carroll Hockey player started playing at age 5 and plays all year, every year since that first stride on ice.
Q: That’s impressive. How hard do your players work to maintain their level of competition?
A: During the season, the typical Carroll hockey player gets five hours of on-ice practices and three games a week. Most players have a personal off-ice regimen or work with their travel club team, which consists of weight training, cardio and core strength training.
Q: What has been your proudest moment with Carroll Hockey?
A: How our team came together after the loss of one of our beloved teammates this summer. Everyone was there for each other and like a family we healed together.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about hockey in Texas?
A: I would say there are few now compared to even 10 years ago. However, those who know hockey know that Texas and specifically the DFW area, is producing tremendous hockey players and teams. Our teams are competing very well against traditional hockey markets. Just ask the New York State Champs Ward-Melville! (Southlake defeated them 7-2).
Q: How did it feel to defeat Jesuit of Dallas and finally win the State Championship?
A: Losing in the finals of State last year, the coaches knew we should win State this year. Knowing it, and actually doing it, are two very different things. I credit our team for staying focused all year, and really dominating in the finals.
Q: And your feelings on back-to-back appearances at nationals?
A: The last two seasons at Nationals created memories that will last the players, parents and coaches a lifetime. This season the host was the State of Hockey-Minnesota and they did an amazing job making our players feel like rock stars.
Q: What is the best part about Carroll Hockey?
A: Without question it is our community pride and our families. Team president Mario Carbone, team manager Julie Hirschy, my long-time Co-Coach Scott Adams and all the players and parents make me love being a Dragon Coach.
Q: What is your wish for the future of Carroll Hockey?
A: I feel we will always have a tremendous program because of the quality of our student athletes at Carroll. Our seniors continue to leave the program with a legacy of excellence. Our youngest players will continue to recognize the value of one day getting the third “Green Jersey” which is reserved for those players making our top team!