New York, Sept. 2 : In Wasilla, Alaska, the fact that 17-year-old Bristol Palin is pregnant with her ice hockey boyfriend’s baby, is not a surprise, but a well known fact.

Doe-eyed Bristol Palin and ruggedly handsome Levi Johnston, 18, have been dating for about a year, locals in their hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, told the Daily News.

The pregnancy is an open secret in this close-knit town of 9,780, the New York Daily News reports.

Bristol Palin, now a senior, was frequently seen cheering her young beau from the stands. He graduated high school in June.

Jennie Johnston, whose son Jade played hockey with Levi, saw the young couple in January at a game.

"She was in a cute little outfit like young girls wear," said Jennie Johnston, who is not related to Levi Johnston. "She was with Levi."

She said her son told her the two were already engaged.

"They''ve been together quite a while, more than a year," she said. "I hope everything comes out well. These are local kids."

Johnston, broad chested and wearing a No. 15 jersey, can be seen in photographs hitting the boards as a Warrior in action.

"Levi has got huge potential," Jennie Johnston said. "He''s a smart kid."

Alaska Governor and Republican running mate Sarah Palin admitted Monday her "beautiful daughter" Bristol was five months pregnant and would marry Levi. The baby is due in late December.

Bristol''s pregnancy was no secret in the town that lies wedged between two mountain ranges.

The mother of one of Levi''s friends, who asked not to be named, told The News that locals knew about Bristol''s pregnancy for weeks.

Besides his hard play on the ice, Levi Johnston was also a bit of hell-raiser off it - another reason Bristol may have been smitten.

State troopers popped Johnston last year for snagging some King salmon out of season in Moose Lake, records from Alaska wildlife enforcement show. He had to pay 370 dollars to get bail. (ANI)