A Legendary Career
Scott Bloom, a cornerstone of Minnesota high school hockey, passed away on August 16, 2023, after suffering a fatal head injury while walking his dog in Prior Lake. He was 58 years old, and the news sent shockwaves through the state’s hockey community.
Bloom first entered the state tournament spotlight in 1985, when his decisive goal secured the championship for the Burnsville Braves over the Hill‑Murray Pioneers. The moment cemented his status as a clutch performer.
A year later he repeated the feat, delivering another game‑winning strike in the 1986 final and helping the Braves capture back‑to‑back titles. His ability to rise in pressure‑filled games earned him the nickname ‘the quintessential power forward’ from longtime commentator Lou Nanne.
Teammates and rivals alike remembered his relentless work ethic and physical presence on the ice, qualities that defined his style and inspired a generation of young players.
Bloom’s scoring prowess was evident even at a youth level; he once tallied 110 goals as a squirt player, a record that underscored his natural offensive talent.
The following season, after being drafted in the fifth round by the Calgary Flames in 1986, he pursued four years of collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he continued to develop his game.
The Final Days
The final chapter of his story unfolded on a quiet August evening in Prior Lake, where a tragic accident cut short a life that had become synonymous with Minnesota hockey excellence.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, his legacy lives on through the Scott Bloom Trophy, an award that honors the top scorer in the state tournament, and through the countless stories that continue to circulate in locker rooms and community rinks.