When Edina High School’s Mason West was selected with the No. 29 overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 NHL Draft, it was a dream come true for the 6-foot-6, 218-pound forward.

Having played for the Hornets the last three seasons and compiling 114 points (51 goals, 63 assists) in 91 total games, West has seen plenty of time on the ice to help prepare him for the moment of being drafted.

“It was a dream come true and, yeah, I was the one getting drafted but it was more than that,” West said. “So many people helped get me here. My family, friends, and the whole Edina community has supported me a ton. I’m super blessed to be in this position.

“I’ve had a ton of people reach out. Makes me realize how many people are supporting me not just my family but people around the community and close friends. I’m super blessed to be able to play these sports but most importantly blessed to have a good support system around me.

Having already led Edina to a MSHSL state championship in high school hockey, West is now focused on another goal: leading the Hornets to a state championship in football.

Edina enters the 2025 season ranked No. 5 in the Rivals High School Football Composite Rankings for the state of Minnesota, and the expectation is for Hornets is to make a run at the MSHSL AAAAAA state championship this fall.

“Yes, for sure I wanna win. I have yet to win a football state championship and that was a goal of mine and having the opportunity to achieve that goal would be very special,” West said. “It would be another dream of mine especially because I have played with all these guys since I was super young. It was be super special to win something with these guys. It’s hard to say it would be over getting drafted but it would definitely be super cool.”

Having an experienced signal caller like West, who is committed to play hockey for Michigan State, certainly helps the Hornets’ cause on the gridiron. Over the last two seasons as Edina’s starting quarterback, West led the Hornets to 18 victories and completed a total of 362 of 525 passes for 5,217 yards and 65 touchdowns.

“I think I do a good job of staying in the moment and focus on what I can do everyday to get better,” West added. “My parents really helped me get a good agenda routine that helped me sort everything out. As of performing, I work just as hard in practice so I can be ready for those game moments and I think I do a good job of staying calm under pressure.”

Edina opens up its 2025 high school football regular season schedule on the road against Hopkins on Aug. 28.