Mason West (in jersey No. 9) at the 6A Prep Bowl State Championship at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Edina Hornets won against the Moorhead Spuds on November 21. It was Edina’s first football state championship since the 1970s. Photo: Izzie Clausman
From neighborhood rinks to Friday night lights, Mason West is ready to play.
For many young athletes, there’s likely a time they played draft day while growing up, imagining what it would be like to hear their name called to play at a professional level. Mason West of Edina had that dream come true last summer after being drafted 29th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 National Hockey League entry draft.
The 18-year-old described the moment as surreal. “It was a dream come true,” Mason says. “There’s times I still can’t believe it.” Mason is quite an athlete both on the ice rink and on the football field. In addition to playing with the Fargo Force, a team with the United States Hockey League (USHL), he is also quarterback for the Edina High School football team.
Mason West is a formidable hockey and football player. The athlete was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks. Photos: Edina Public Schools
As someone who enjoys living in the moment, Mason says he enjoyed a final run on the turf as the football team’s quarterback before fully committing to hockey and his future with the Fargo Force, then college at Michigan State University. What makes Mason’s story stand out isn’t just that he’s a two-sport athlete, it’s that he excels at both. And it’s not just his athleticism that is so remarkable, it’s his ability to balance the demands of both sports while staying grounded in things that matter most: faith, family, friends and fun.
“I’m going to be completely honest; I just like to have fun,” Mason says. “I love playing both sports. I feel like I could play another. I just go out there, practice or play and then go home and hang out with my friends.”
Decision Day is when students sign their commitment letters to play on college teams. Mason West is flanked by his parents as he signs on to play for Michigan State University.
Something Special
Mike West, Mason’s father, knew his son might have a special gift very early on. “Mason was the type of kid who loved to be involved in anything athletic,” Mike says. “Whether it was inside or outside, he always had a ball in his hand. He didn’t love to sit down very much.”
Mike speaks highly of his son—as any proud father would—and says he noticed Mason also had the ability to anticipate parts of a game or plays differently than a lot of kids. “As time went on and he grew, that kept getting more pronounced,” he says. “It was clear he had a gift.”
And Mike isn’t biased. Jason Potts, Edina High School’s varsity football coach, has coached Mason throughout his football career and also pinpointed the teenager’s talent. “He sees passing lanes in hockey like he sees passing lanes in football,” Potts says. “He’s really successful at seeing the field and delivering passes with timing and accuracy. He thrives when the game is on the line.”
Mason says being competitive is part of the reason he loves and appreciates both sports. “Being from Edina and the reputation our school has for doing well in sports helps foster that competitiveness, and I’ve been super blessed to be part of winning teams,” he says.
Strong Support
And while Mason is a force to be reckoned with on the field or ice, his roots remain humble and supportive. Mike says he and his wife, Julie, have always taught Mason and his two older siblings, Mitchell and Maddie, the importance of supporting one another. “It was important to us that all the kids were there to support their siblings,” Mike says. “That just fostered a sense of rooting for others.”
Mike says his son recognizes he has a platform and makes it a priority to give back to young athletes and fans. “He takes moments to talk to kids or give an autograph,” he says. “What I love is that he’s willing to give the time to do that.”
Beyond the demands of playing sports, Mason also prioritizes staying disciplined and grounded and has his support system to fall back on when he’s feeling overwhelmed. “My family and friends are always there for me,” Mason says. “I know I can go to them if I just need to talk or just need to hang out and take a minute to relax.”
Mike agrees and praises his son for his work ethic. “It’s not always perfect,” Mike says. “But he’s become very disciplined. He takes time to be a kid, too, and works on his friendships.”
Coach’s Corner
Jason Potts, Edina High School’s varsity football coach, during the 6A Prep Bowl state championship game. Photos: Izzie Clausman
Aside from family and friends, Potts says Mason is also a good teammate, saying he is a once-in-a-lifetime player to coach. “He is a verbal leader in the huddle as a quarterback, and he is a leader in everything by example, on the field, off the field and in the community,” Potts says. “He has a huge impact on our team and several generations to come.”
Mason’s ability to balance football and hockey at such a high level comes from being so dedicated to his training. “If it’s football season, he still skates regularly. If it’s hockey season, he still throws the football to keep his arm in shape. He has a great plan with his nutrition, sleep and working out,” Potts says. In addition to Mason’s physical growth, Potts says he has also watched Mason mature emotionally and commends him for his ability to be in the spotlight and take on the pressure to perform at a high level.
When asked to describe Mason in one word, Potts chose competitor.
“His competitive edge drives everything he does,” he says. “When things get tough, Mason runs towards it. He loves to compete, and because of that, it makes it so much fun to coach him.”
Meaningful Mentor
As Mason’s journey unfolds, he has also connected with Anders Lee, an Edina alum and current New York Islanders left wing. “I couldn’t believe it at first when he texted me,” Mason recalls of the initial connection with the professional hockey player who, like Mason, also played football and had to choose between the two sports. “Having him to talk to has really helped.”
As a father, Mike says he is extremely grateful for Lee’s mentorship. “It’s one thing for Mason to talk to his parents, his friends or his coach, but none of us have gone through the pressures he’s facing,” Mike says. “Anders could relate.”
Lee offered guidance and perspective during pivotal decision points in Mason’s journey, especially when it came to choosing to pursue hockey or football. “He was there to be a voice of reason,” Mike says. “That says a lot about Anders and the type of person he is.”
Mason agrees. “We were able to talk unfiltered. I was able to be real with him … and we both wore No. 9,” he says. “That’s pretty cool too.”
The Next Play
Mason’s goal for the football season was to win a state championship. The team won on November 21, defeating Moorhead 42–35 at U.S. Bank Stadium. “I don’t set individual goals. I believe in team success,” he says, adding he hopes to create a legacy at Edina that encourages young athletes. “I hope kids look up to me and work hard.”
Mason West powers downfield as Abou Diabate of the Moorhead Spuds moves to intercept.
Mike says he and Julie continue to be impressed by their son and are hopeful Mason continues to stay humble while working toward his dreams. “The thing people don’t see is the amount of work that goes behind all of this,” Mike says. “What we’ve come to appreciate about him is he loves the work and the process.”
And above all, Mike says he’s grateful to everyone in Mason’s corner.
“We love this community,” he says. “It’s been an incredible part of Mason’s journey.” Mason agrees. “There’s something special about being a Hornet,” he says. “I’m extremely proud of where I came from and am looking forward to eventually playing for the [Chicago] Blackhawks.”
