The secret behind Shattuck-St. Mary's NHL hockey dynasty: Rooster's 30-year legacy
Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, Minnesota, has built a reputation far beyond its 1858 origins. Known for its elite hockey programme, the school has produced some of the biggest names in the NHL. Behind the scenes, one man has been a constant presence for over three decades—Steve Erickson, better known as 'Rooster', who runs the skate sharpening shack and manages the sports complex. The school currently has 400 students, but its influence stretches well beyond its campus. Among its famous alumni are actor Marlon Brando and sportscaster Brent Musburger. Yet it's the hockey programme that has truly put Shattuck-St. Mary's on the map, with at least 25 former students reaching the NHL.
Rooster's skate sharpening shack, affectionately called 'Rooster's Coop', is more than just a workshop—it's a museum of hockey history. The walls are lined with memorabilia from past students, many of whom now play professionally. Rooster has sharpened skates for future stars like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Zach Parise, and Jonathan Toews, all of whom attended the school before becoming NHL first-round picks.
Since 1992, Rooster has been a fixture at the sports complex, welcoming visitors and sharing stories. He's watched generations of student-athletes grow into professionals, including recent standouts like Macklin Celebrini, drafted first overall in 2024, and Clayton Keller. Even legendary coach Herb Brooks, who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to gold, once spent time with Rooster at the school.
Many former students return with their own children, keeping the connection alive. For Rooster, the job is about more than sharpening skates—it's about being part of a legacy that shapes the future of hockey. Shattuck-St. Mary's continues to produce top-tier hockey talent, with Rooster's Coop serving as a reminder of its rich history. The school's alumni list reads like a who's who of the NHL, from established stars to rising prospects. For Rooster, every pair of skates he sharpens carries the potential of the next great player.
