Louie Nanne was supposed to be a senior at Edina High School this year, but instead he left the country to pursue his hockey dreams. I recently got a chance to catch up with him and get the inside scoop on his life away from home.

Where are you living?

I’m living in Penticton, British Columbia. I live in a house on the side of a mountain the with Brydon’s, who have an 8^th grade boy and 7^th and 5^th girls.

What team are you playing for and how is the season going?

I am playing for the Penticton Vees. The season is going well so far, but there have been a lot of close games.

Why did you decide to leave to play for this team?

The next level teams (UMN & MIN) told me I would benefit most from leaving high school and going to play Jr. A.

Are your teammates in a similar situation as you?

My teammates range from one 16 year old who will go first round in the NHL draft for sure and he’s my roommate, a few 17 and 18 year olds, mostly 19 year olds and each team is allowed four 20 year olds. Most of them are planning on going to college except for the ones who came back from Major Junior where they got paid and no longer have eligibility.

What are your pre-game rituals?

No rituals, I’ve been trying to switch it up and not fall into a routine. But I’ve been having a pregame slushie (or two) before the games along with a chocolate bar!

What do you miss most about Edina?

I miss Edina in general… Me, being one of the biggest home bodies ever to come out of Edina, it was hard to leave. But in the end it was worth it. I miss my family and friends, Doc Loc, and everything that goes on at EHS.

What do you do when you aren’t playing hockey?

When I’m not playing hockey, I’m either lifting or at school. I’m only taking one class at school (Penticton Secondary School aka Pen Hi) and that’s English. But I also teach two special Ed kids named Michael and Alex, they’re such great guys! We do daily work right away, then whatever we have assigned for the day – whether its garbage pickup or playing a game – then we chat up a storm! I’m also trying to learn guitar.

How has this experience changed you?

Moving away from my family has made me a more independent person all around. I have to worry about myself instead of having my parents worry about me. I have to stay safe without my parents around to tell me what to do and what not to do.