By Tim Kolehmainen
Breakdown Sports USA

Patrick Moore has never been one to back down from a challenge. Not even when he appears as overmatched as a snake at an arm-wrestling convention.

Moore’s high school coach at Grand Rapids, Bruce LaRoque, recalled one of his first varsity games as a sophomore center – when the diminutive Moore was matched up against powerful and physical Zach Budish of Edina. Moore didn’t back down an inch, something that set him apart right away. “It was quite a task playing first line center as a sophomore,” said LaRoque. “He was forced into a role and we don’t always like to put a sophomore in that situation. But the bottom line is that we had to.”

“He had good quickness, speed and great skills,” continued LaRoque. “I had no doubt he could make the jump.”

Moore certainly did, playing a key role on the Thunderhawks in all three of his varsity seasons. After scoring nine goals (and 27 points) as a sophomore, Moore was named team MVP both his junior and senior campaigns. He racked up 19 goals and 40 points as a junior, then followed that up with an All-State honorable mention senior season in which he had 20 goals and 64 points. Size never was an issue for Moore, who is generously listed at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds.

“I’m not the biggest guy out there so my vision and knowledge for the game gets me in positions to get some points and help my team,” said Moore, whose 131 career points are high on the Thunderhawks’ all-time scoring charts. He was also a veteran leader on a team that required it.

“I thought I led by example in practice by working hard and in games by being disciplined,” said Moore. “Off the ice I was pretty outspoken but I had a lot of help from the other seniors who all had leadership qualities.”

Yet perhaps Moore’s most lasting legacy to the Thunderhawks’ program was his dedication, as he returned for his senior season rather than pursue other opportunities. Moore knew he had unfinished business and wasn’t about to leave his longtime friends and teammates.

“I could have come to Bismarck (of the NAHL) at some point last year but I thought our team was very talented and had a shot at state,” said Moore. “I didn’t want to let my buddies down who I’ve played with my whole life – and there is nothing like playing in front of your family and friends every night.”

Moore doesn’t regret the choice, even though the Thunderhawks suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 overtime loss to Duluth East in the Section 7AA final – ending his high school career a game shy of the state tournament. Grand Rapids had led the game 1-0 until East’s Meirs Moore scored with just 1:30 left. The ‘Hounds Trevor Olson ended it just 26 seconds into overtime.

“Even though we lost, I would have to say the section final against Duluth East was my best memory (of my time at Grand Rapids),” said Moore.

Moore described the atmosphere at Grand Rapids as an “unreal” experience.

“Playing in front of a packed arena every home game in high school is pretty special,” he said. “The student section was always great and when the pep band made it to games it really sent shivers down my spine.”

After a full high school experience, Moore is acquitting himself well this winter with the Central Division-leading Bismarck Bobcats, who were willing to wait a year to get the well-rounded Moore in their lineup. In 39 games, he has 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points, placing him fifth in scoring on the team just behind Roseau’s Shane Omdahl. Moore and Omdahl are just two of six Minnesotans on the roster, including Adam Knochenmus (Roseau), Nick Turbitt (Spring Lake Park), Charlie Aus (Centennial) and Rory Vesel (Rochester Lourdes).

“They know where I’m coming from and can relate to a lot of what I’ve been through in my hockey career,” said Moore of his teammates.

Moore hopes to follow in the footsteps of his former Thunderhawks’ teammate, Sam Rendle, who also played at Bismarck and eventually picked up a Division I scholarship from Bemidji State.

So far, so good.

“I knew he had what it took, it was just getting a chance to show it,” said LaRoque. “You have to prove yourself even when you make a team. You have to be consistent and play hard night-in and night-out – and that’s Patrick Moore.”