Stevenson's Bozek first Minnesota recruit from Illinois

The first rule of the University of Minnesota women's hockey program is to build a wall around its talent-rich state.

Of course, every rule has its exception.

"If there's a better player elsewhere, we'll find them," coach Brad Frost said.

And so next season, Minnesota will have the first recruit in school history from Illinois - Stevenson's Megan Bozek.

Bozek, a defenseman for the U-19 Chicago Mission Club team, was one of the more highly recruited players in the nation. She also seriously considered Wisconsin, Boston College and Harvard.

"We first saw Megan play when she was in ninth grade and we've watched her ever since," Frost said. "The more we got to know her, the more interested we became. She's a great player and she seemed like a perfect fit for the program."

A key factor in Bozek's decision is the way hockey is revered in Minnesota.

"It's a way of life out there for boys and girls," she said. "Everyone plays and goes to watch the games. For our games in Chicago, it's pretty much our parents who come to watch. It will be real exciting to play in front of a lot of fans."

Bozek may have made her college decision recently, but she's always had the goal of playing big-time hockey.

Growing up, she toughened up by playing exclusively against boys until she was in eighth grade.

"That helped me in all aspects of the game," she said. "It got me real prepared for hopefully anything that comes at me."

Bozek joined the Chicago Mission last year and her play was instrumental in the U-19 team winning the national championship. This season, the Chicago Mission was 11-1-1 during a stretch just before the playoffs.

Bozek is a threat to score from just about anywhere.

"She's got the hardest shot I've seen for a U-19 girl," Chicago Mission coach Greg Tam said.

Bozek has a rare combination of strength, size and speed.

"Not a lot of girls are willing to step in front of her," Tam said.

One of Bozek's best hockey experiences came in early January. She was one of 20 players selected to play on the U-18 U.S. Women's National Team at a tournament in Germany.

"I think it hit me when I saw my jersey hanging up in our locker before the first game," she said. "I realized I was not only one of 20 girls, but we were representing the whole country."

The team ended up with a 5-0 record at the international tournament, which included a 3-2 overtime victory over Canada in the finals. Bozek came through with the game-winning assist.

Frost said this might not be the only time Bozek represents her country.

"She has the potential to be a future Olympian," he said.