A Legend Remembered
The hockey world mourned the loss of Scott Bloom this week, as the former Burnsville Braves star was found dead at the age of 58 after suffering a fatal head injury while walking his dog in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Bloom’s name remains etched in Minnesota high school hockey lore, having scored the decisive goals in both the 1985 and 1986 state tournament championship games, moments that helped the Braves capture back‑to‑back titles.
In the 1985 final, he netted the winning goal in a 3‑3 tie against the undefeated Hill‑Murray Pioneers, and a year later he contributed two goals and an assist in the championship victory that sealed a second consecutive crown.
Veteran analyst Lou Nanne once described Bloom as a player with an elite, accurate shot and an intensity that set him apart, noting that his performance in those finals placed him among the all‑time greats of the tournament.
Teammates such as Tom Osiecki, Lance Werness and Kevin Gorg have recalled his relentless toughness, leadership on and off the ice, and the resilience he showed throughout his career.
Beyond hockey, Bloom excelled in football for the same high school, earning respect for his physicality and competitive spirit, traits that defined his approach to every contest.
After a standout amateur career, he was selected in the fifth round by the Calgary Flames and spent four years at the University of Minnesota, where he continued to develop his skills before moving on to professional play.
Friends, family and former rivals alike remember Bloom not only for his athletic achievements but also for the community pride he inspired, a legacy that continues to shape Burnsville’s hockey culture.