Blackhawks prospect Mason West describes storybook football championship: 'It still doesn't feel real'

Blackhawks Prospect West Reflects on Historic Football Championship Win

Mason West, a prospect for the Blackhawks, has completed his football career with a triumphant championship win. The 29th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft took to the field one last time before making a permanent switch to hockey.

West's team, Edina High School, secured the Minnesota state title with a convincing 42-35 victory over their opponents. West, who had committed to pursue hockey full-time after the season, was visibly overcome with emotion during the ceremony. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he admitted that "it doesn't feel real."

West's decision to return to football was not without controversy among NHL teams, which led to him falling to 29th overall in the draft. Nevertheless, his teammates and coaches rallied behind him, and their faith proved justified.

Throughout the season, Edina High School experienced a remarkable turnaround from an initial 4-4 record. West's efforts were instrumental in guiding the team through an impressive playoff run that culminated in their championship win.

West reflected on the significance of this moment: "That's exactly why I came back [to football]. Winning a title was my goal, and I try to work hard every day to achieve my goals. But it definitely took the whole team to buy in." He also emphasized the importance of not letting others dictate one's path: 'Do what you want to do,' he advised.

With his championship win behind him, West is now poised to embark on a new journey – joining the Fargo Force for the U.S. Hockey League season and eventually making the leap to college hockey at Michigan State.

MASON WEST IS SUCH A COOL KID!!! HE WORKED SO HARD TO WIN THAT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND IT SURE PAYS OFF!!! I FEEL BAD FOR HIM WHEN THE NHL TEAMS THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO PASS ON HIM, BUT HE PROVED THEM WRONG AND NOW HE'S GOING TO BE A STAR IN THE HOCKEY LEAGUE! MY FAVE TEAM IS THE BLACKHAWKS AND I COULDN'T BE MORE PUMPED UP THAT THEY DRAFTED HIM!!! WE'RE GONNA SEE GREAT THINGS FROM MASON WEST IN THE FUTURE, FOR SURE!!!

I'm not surprised Mason West went back to football, I mean, who wouldn't wanna win a championship right? But seriously, it's cool that he got his priorities straight and is now chasing hockey dreams. The 29th pick might've been a surprise for some NHL teams, but Edina High School made it work! Their comeback was insane, and West's contributions were huge. It's awesome that he stuck to what he wanted, even if it meant taking a risk. Now, I'm hyped to see him in the U.S. Hockey League - let's go Fargo Force!

Mmm I'm lovin it when players get to chase their passions! Mason West's story is totally inspiring , from football to hockey, he took a risk & made it pay off . The fact that his teammates supported him all the way means everything . He's got the heart of a champ and I'm sure he'll bring that same energy to the Fargo Force ️! Can't wait to see what's next for this talented prospect !

OMG, can't believe Mason West won that championship ! I mean, I knew he was on fire out there on the field , but seriously, it's so cool to see him achieve his goal after being doubted by some teams in the NHL draft . His dedication and perseverance really paid off, and I love how he kept it real about not letting others dictate his path .

But let's be real, the most important thing here is that Mason West found happiness doing what makes him happy . He played football because he wanted to, not just for some team's benefit . And now, he gets to chase his dream in hockey, and I couldn't be more stoked for him ! The U.S. Hockey League season is gonna be lit , can't wait to see what Mason has in store!

You know, I was watching that game and it was so emotional seeing Mason West hold that trophy . As someone who's been around the block a few times, I gotta say, it's not always easy to follow your heart, but sometimes you gotta listen to that inner voice too. It's like when I retired from my job and thought I was done with sports, but then I started coaching and realized there was still so much more to give .

Mason's decision to come back to football was a risk, but it paid off in the end, and that's what makes his win so sweet . It just goes to show that even when others don't believe in you, your team can be your biggest supporter . And let me tell you, I've seen my fair share of underdogs achieve great things, so Mason's story is definitely one for the books !

idk about this... Mason West is a genius , I mean, who needs NHL or even U.S. Hockey League when you can have the Minnesota state title? his team's turnaround was insane! but, on the other hand, did he really need to come back to football after making that big commitment to hockey? shouldn't he've stuck with it? and what about all those NHL teams who doubted him? did they have a right to question his decision? and now he's off to Michigan State... is this the best path forward for him? I guess only time will tell

I'm soooo happy for Mason West ... I mean, who wouldn't want to have their hockey career put on hold because they wanted to try out a new sport in high school? And now he's gonna be a pro football player... good luck with that . I guess it's awesome that his teammates and coaches stuck by him despite the drama surrounding his decision, but let's not forget, folks, he did get picked 29th overall in the NHL draft... talk about a 'triumphant' return to football .

I gotta say, I'm still salty about that whole draft situation . 29th overall pick? It's a bit rich coming from NHL teams that are always saying "we need a game-changer" . West's decision to come back for football was all about winning a title and proving himself, and he did just that . I mean, who needs the 'rushing to the pros' hype when you've got the thrill of competing in the championship? The fact that his teammates stuck by him is what really matters . And let's be real, West's path wasn't dictated by anyone – he made the choice to play football for one last season and still managed to get picked 29th overall . Maybe it was a blessing in disguise?

he's literally going from winning a state football title to playing in the NHL... how cool is that? i guess it just goes to show you don't need one sport to define yourself, right? as long as he's happy and chasing his dreams, that's all that matters.

The dichotomy between athletic pursuits is fascinating . It's remarkable how Mason West navigated his dual passion for football and hockey, demonstrating resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. The 29th overall pick's draft slide, despite his team's championship win, serves as a poignant reminder that external validation can be circumstantial.

On a personal level, it's intriguing to witness an athlete like West prioritize their goals over external expectations. His candid admission that winning the title "doesn't feel real" underscores the human aspect of athletic triumphs . The emphasis on teamwork and collective effort is also noteworthy, as West astutely recognizes the importance of his teammates in achieving success.

As West transitions to college hockey, it will be intriguing to observe how his football experience informs his approach to ice hockey ️. One thing is certain – his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to one's passions .

I gotta say, that's quite the turnaround story for Mason West! I mean, going from being the 29th pick to winning a state title with Edina High School is just insane . It shows you don't need to be the top prospect to make an impact on the field. And kudos to him for following his heart and not letting others dictate his path - it's all about staying true to yourself, right? . But now that he's leaving football behind, I'm curious to see how he'll adjust to hockey ️. Will he be able to bring that same winning mentality to the ice? Time will tell!

I gotta say, it's crazy how things have changed since my high school days . Remember when football was all about community and having fun? Nowadays, it seems like everyone's so serious about winning championships... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's great that Mason West worked hard to achieve his goal, but sometimes you gotta take a step back and enjoy the ride, ya know? And what's with this whole "falling to 29th overall" thing? Back in my day, we didn't have all these rankings and drafts... we just played for love of the game. It's just another example of how fast-paced life is getting . Anyway, congrats to Mason on his championship win – it's awesome that he got to experience that with his team!

I gotta say, Mason West's football career ended on a high note with that state title win! It's awesome he was able to overcome some doubts from teams about returning for one more year and prove everyone wrong. His dedication & work ethic paid off big time. It's also great to see him stay humble & focused, not letting others dictate his path... like, "Do what you want to do" is a pretty solid life advice . Now, I'm curious how he'll transition from football to hockey - it's not always easy switching sports

omg I'm literally dyin over mason west!!! ️ that championship win was EVERYTHING!!! i mean, i know some ppl were salty about him playin football again but let's be real, he made it work & it paid off in the best way possible! his dedication & work ethic are truly inspirin and i love how humble he is too, adin' that it doesn't feel real is so refreshingly honest can't wait to see him crush it on the ice with the fargo force!

I'm surprised he came back to football in the first place ... I mean, isn't it pretty obvious that hockey is where his future lies? Why did he even bother going back to football for a championship win when everyone knew he was gonna be a star in the NHL? It's just not like any of the teams were gonna pass on him at 29th overall if he didn't go back... .

️ So I'm reading this about Mason West, right? He's some kinda football star who's gonna be a hockey pro now . But what really got me was when he said that his championship win felt like it wasn't even real . I can imagine how crazy and overwhelming that must've been for him. And honestly, I think it's pretty cool that he went back to football after everyone thought he was gonna play hockey full-time . It just shows that he's all about following his heart and working hard to achieve his goals . Anyway, now he's off to join the Fargo Force and make a go of it in college hockey ️

ugh this is wild how did mason west's football career just get left in the dust like that? i mean, yeah he won a state title and all, but what about his hockey aspirations? 29th overall pick in the draft should be a pretty strong indicator of where his heart lies, right? it's interesting to see how some teams are willing to take risks on players who might not be as 'football-ready', but still have the talent to make it big in another sport. anyway, good for him i guess

meh, i'm glad mason west got his title, but gotta ask, what's with all these football championships? don't get me wrong, it's great he won one, but like, isn't the nhl draft kinda a big deal too lol? and yeah, no love for teams being salty about him returning to football

so i'm kinda hyped for mason west but also super sad that he had to choose between football and hockey, you know? it's like, can't he just play both? anyway, his dedication to winning a state title is super impressive, especially considering they were 4-4 at the start of the season. and omg, the fact that he didn't get picked higher in the draft because of this decision is kinda crazy i mean, it's not like it was an easy choice or anything, but still... what a moment for him and his team, tho! they deserve all the glory