Meet the Athlete: Griffin Krone

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Lily Fandel Thompson

Junior Griffin Krone focuses on the puck. The Orioles took on the Skippers Feb. 9.

Maya Nieves

How long have you been playing hockey?

I’ve been playing since I was three, so around 14 years.

Who got you into hockey?

My best friend and teammate Tony Kruse, shoutout to him. My dad also encouraged me.

What position do you play and what is your favorite part about it?

I play right wing and my favorite part is that I don’t have to skate backwards, I can’t do it very well.

How has the season been going so far?

Pretty solid, it’s been a fun season. Kind of a slow start and a little bit of a rough middle, but as of lately we’ve been playing well. We’ve had a little of a rough spot but overall it’s gone pretty well.

What is a specific accomplishment in hockey this year that you’re proud of?

My goal for the season was 40 points and I hit that on the dot. I’m also proud that we’re probably going to get a home playoff game. I’m really proud of that for our team.

Do you have a pregame ritual?

Yes, I have a lot. First I go get food, it’s either like Chipotle or Noodles. Then I come back to the trainer and norm attack. Then I go to the rink, I shoot pucks then I’ll stickhandle. Then I’ll tape my stick in the stands. Then I’ll roll out, I’ll warm up and  put all my gear on in a certain order. Everything is timed out. Exactly the same time every day, always get to the rink at 4:30. I’m pretty superstitious.

What has your experience been like playing for Park?         

It’s been pretty awesome. I’ve had a lot of fun with these guys. They are a lot of fun to play with and I’ve grown up with them. These are my best friends who I’ve grown up my whole life playing with so it’s pretty fun.

Favorite memory from your hockey career?

The NMA district championship in 2020. Winning that hadn’t been done in a long time in St. Louis Park and that meant a lot to me because we’d come up short and gotten second the previous two years. 

What advice do you have for a new hockey player?

Keep working. Hockey’s the best, it’s so much fun but you have to put in the work and you also need to enjoy it. 

How do you feel your last few years playing for the high school team have helped you progress?

I’m playing against people who are older than me and it helps me get better. I’ve gotten a lot smarter in hockey terms and also hockey is life. It’s a bunch of mistakes and you have to learn from it, so I learned how to deal with that and became a better leader as well.

Are you planning to continue playing hockey after high school?

Yes. I’ll probably go play Jr. hockey for a couple of years and then hopefully college hockey at the Division one level.