Youth Hockey Players Have Brush with Hockey Fame

Heading off to a summer camp at the home of a major Division I hockey program is a great learning opportunity for young hockey players.

When that camp is held at the home of the current NCAA Division I champions, the result is something a group of youth hockey players from Inver Grove Heights will likely never forget.

From July 24-29, 22 Inver Grove Heights Hockey Association players between the ages of 10 to 14 attended camp on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth, home of the 2011 NCAA national champion Bulldogs. When campers checked in they were greeted by UMD head coach Scott Sandelin, and right next to him was the national championship trophy the Bulldogs won in April.

"It was pretty neat for those kids to check in and to be greeted by the head coach of the national champions," said Jess Myers, whose two sons attended the camp. "It's the second year we've sent a big group. It was a little extra special for everyone this year since [UMD] just won the national title."

Sending a large group does more than just give parents a 10 percent discount on the cost of the camp, said Christian Koelling, the director of hockey operations for the UMD hockey program.

"I think that coming to our camp as a group is a great team building experience," said Koelling. "It allows the players an opportunity to grow together. It’s also a positive life experience for the kids that they can share for many years."  

Bulldog hockey camps focus on developing the complete player and person, Koelling said. That includes a power skating session every morning and on-ice skill sessions in the afternoon followed by scrimmages in the evening. That’s in addition to many off-ice activities that are designed to develop athletic ability and life skills.  

"We try to reinforce the culture of the game and Bulldog hockey," said Koelling. "Ideals stressed within that culture are respect, hard work and integrity. For example, all players and staff must remove their hats in the dining center."

In addition to learning from Sandelin and other members of the UMD coaching staff, other camp staff included current and former Bulldogs as well as current and former professional hockey players.

The group left the camp energized and ready to play more hockey, said Inver Grove Heights resident Kelly Lannon, who had an 11-year-old son at the camp.

Some campers were even able to tour the Bulldogs locker room and coaches’ offices. They got an opportunity to see what it’s like inside a big-time Division I hockey program.  

"They had a great time," said Lannon. "I know they learned a lot and the chance to be able to learn from so many great coaches and players is something they can't stop talking about. I think they all want to go play for UMD someday. It was just a real neat experience for everyone."

Correction: This article has been changed to correct an inaccuracy. The Bulldogs won the NCAA Division 1 championship in April.