Summer of 2002

The first week was a good week with five groups. The practices were intense, the off ice work was intense and the focus of the staff was very good. All of the games on the week-end were competitive and hard fought games. Hopefully this sets the standard for the next nine weeks of training.

There was two very visible learning situations for all of us. Most importantly, the American way shows that parents will dig deep when it comes to funding their child's way to hockey camp when the economy is down.  They give to their children before they take their vacations.  Parents are looking after their athletes and most players are reciprocating by working hard to go to the next level.  Like every year, 99% of the players are great on campus, many who were here last summer. A couple of them have developed a disrespect for their teammates, authority and others in general over the course of one year. This brings up some interesting things to learn.

1. Players have to accept the responsibility of representing themselves, their families, team, school and community when they are in settings like ours. They are in a position to acquire a label in every one of the categories mentioned. "It's one thing to get a negative label for yourself; unfortunately athletes are in a position to drag their family, team members, team and school into the equation."  There is one known in the hockey world.  "You will get a label.
2. Small groups of players from one program tend to have some power in these settings. They have the power to raise and/or lower the bar when it comes to behavior, work ethic and performance
3. We did have a negative experience where one group has regressed over the past year. Ironically the worst personality in the group is now one of the better personalities in the group. We have to believe that their parents would be in shock if they knew the behavioral problems. Most every parent believes that their athlete will represent them well. Young people have to learn that they are an extension of their parents.
4. "Everyone gets a label in the games of hockey and life. You have control over how you will be labeled. Just be aware that you wll be labeled; whether in hockey or in life, whether you want it or not. Once labeled, that label tends to stick; good or bad; right or wrong."
5. Why is it that some parents make us the victim when their child is exposed? Others believe in what we are doing, back us to the limit and the end result is a healthy kid with a burning desire to critique him/herself and over achieve in their asset categories. There is a difference between judging behavioral problems that are right and wrong and judging a person as good or evil. People can make mistakes and still be a great person. We need to recognize mistakes as a core reason to develop into a person capable of contributing to society with his or her assets. People grow from exposure of assets and liabilities.
   
6. There is a difference between judging behavioral problems that are right and wrong; and judging a person as good or evil. People can make mistakes and still be a great person. We need to recognize mistakes as a core reason to develop into a person capable of contributing to society with his or her assets. People grow from exposure of assets and liabilities.

The games were better than the practices during the week. Much of this can be attributed to the condition of the athletes coming in, but the other reason is players look better in game situations than in practice situations. They play more than they practice in most programs. "Unfortunately development takes a back seat to performance at the moment.". 

We saw considerable improvement over the course of one week. This is the reason we are here. Our goal is to have the counselor coach group reach the levels of our best camps in the past years. The success of this business is in their hands, along with our different staffs..Liked what we saw the first week

The second week was spent mostly @ the NHL draft, but we were present to see the week off to a good start. Parents now starting to call and state that their kids are in the wrong group; "not being challenged". Kids have to learn how to be stars in their own age group, if in fact they are "stars". They get little value from playing in a group where they are stripped off the puck every time they touch it.

How many kids are too good for the group they are in? Maybe one percent but rarely none. Most every time a parent complains, their child is not the best in the group and many times far from it. If your child has to be challenged by others to perform, he/she better take a long look at themselves. There is something lacking in their upbringing. This is an indictment. Learn to "raise the bar". Why would you need someone else to get you to give nothing less than the best you can do?

The NHL draft gave us plenty of opportunity to test our Template for Success concept. I was witness to too many players passed on because of the lack of their foundation as a person as well as shortcomings in their bottom line qualities that make them hard to play against. Young players with negative labels at this early stage in their careers were left off the board or drafted late in case they might "grow up". They were passed on by all NHL teams; not only Pittsburgh. This experience will be passed on to the campers with the hope that they all realize the importance of being a "real person" and one who trains with a purpose in mind.

The third week is off to a good start, mostly because Matt Greene and Joe Pomaranski arrived on the scent. These two players will be far better than anyone in the group and they realize they have the opportunity to improve their technical levels and leadership capabilities because of it. They were in the weight room doing squats late Monday night for two different reasons but similar. Matt was here with incentive to improve after being selected in the second round. He realizes that his selection in the NHL draft is nothing more than recognition for where he is to date as well as the potential and upside. Joe is here to bring his game and body to a level where the NHL will recognize him for his potential and performance. He has a passion for the game, fully understands where he is today and he will be rewarded for his commitment.

I don't know anything more exciting than a player like Matt showing up for a grinding training schedule one day after the NHL draft in Toronto, which he attended. This kid will play. I'm even more excited for Joe because sees the big picture and his dreams haven't been altered.

The most exciting group is the youngest group. This group has been together for three years now and we are interested to see if they continue to develop their love for training and the game. They are unique in that they have a group that shows a lot of respect for each other. Nice to see.

This group is on the verge of moving in to the "independence" stage of their lives. They will be defining the way they "walk, talk and look". This is a time when the cream begins to rise to the top and players separate themselves from others because of their talent, personalities, size and personal make up. It will be interesting to note any changes going into next summer. This is a time where they get "labeled" and that label will be with them for a long time to come; right or wrong.

Michael Martinelli has surfaced and we invited USA Hockey to come up and observe his skill level. Chris Peluso has made a similar showing. Theron Zacour has already made his mark in the group. We find it difficult to believe he was unable to make a NAJL team.. It's a credit to USA Hockey that they honored our request by sending up Ken Martel.   Kirill Doronin started to show what he has shown the past six years. Both took time from their busy schedule in St Cloud to drive up to the Brainerd Civic Center. Comforting to see the professionalism on their part. Both expressed that same professionalism when they played or worked @ our camp.

Carl Sneep and Jenna Roberts continue to be the consummate "warriors" for the Brainerd program. They are two Brainerd athletes who make a total commitment during the summer months. Their summer long training schedule @ the camp is a "fun" thing for them and they continues to develop into what we believe will be a world class athletes when they are 20 yrs old or when their bodies decide to reward them for their efforts. It's refreshing to see the commitment.. We have a number of Squirts and PeeWees on the same track toward excellence.  Their names will be recognized over the next few years in major college rosters.

The camp takes the stand that we will recognize players born 88 and older for the following reasons:

1. They are at an age where recognition translates into a possible spot on USA teams or in a camp.
2. This is an age where recruiters start to place them on futures lists for Junior, College and Pro.
3. We fear for the younger players because we do not want to be the reason for some athlete becoming complacent and sophisticated to the point where they think they have it made. The 86 born and older better realize that recognition is the "core" reason and incentive for working harder

Failure to be recognized @ this point in your career should also be incentive to work harder. The pyramid gets a little tighter @ the top. We've had too many players pass up those that were recognized to ever begin to think that those recognized today will be the same players that are recognized two, four and six years later. This list changes every season.

Fourth week is one of those weeks where "five weekers" find out if they have a passion for training and the game. It takes a special commitment to be a "real player". This is the week where they learn to enjoy working out with their teammates and develop the guilt trip for missing a work out. We're getting a few phone calls from parents asking us to move their player up because he isn't being challenged.

The unfortunate part is that their son is not in the top ten in the group. We would have to move 10 players before we moved their son. We wouldn't move the 2^nd player in the group if we were against moving the 1^st player in the group. How do parents expect their players to become "leaders" of their peer group if they need to be challenged. We encourage kids to lead the group if they are the group's top players. Learn to "raise the bar" in practices and games.

The coaches have supplied us with names of exciting players in Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam. We've had the opportunity to watch them in practice and games. Looking forward to seeing them grow as people and players.

Matt Greene was drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft. It's interesting to note how many young people he took time to play cards with and give time to while he was here training after the draft. Some of the younger players have walked up and told us about beating Matt in the card game of "Pig". Shows the impact a drafted player has on the younger kids and also shows that Matt has accepted his "celebrity" status in the proper manner.

The Saturday games were fun because some new numbers popped out @ us. Cahill and Sarnowski. We talked with Martinelli about his new status as a talented and marked player. We talked about the responsibility that goes with being recognized. We warned him about sophistication and complacency in his game. We have parents screaming to "move their kids up" a group versus starring in their own age group. We believe they are wrong. All Sarnowski and Cahill do is never complain, never call home and continue to excel. It's gotten to a point where we've asked them to move up even if they do not want to because of their attitude and performance.

Fifth week went by pretty much the same as the previous four, however, we had a number of five week players leave us and they were much improved in the on and off ice testing programs. Troy Riddle from the University of Minnesota National Champions came on board and put in a solid week with players of lesser ability. By weeks end, a few like Theron Zacour, were challenging him a bit but not playing at his level. This was a good measuring stick for the players in the group. Troy still showed why he was drafted by the NHL. He pushed himself hard both on and off the ice. Chris Peluso, a promising sophomore defenseman from Brainerd was proud he was able to go even on the plus/minus ledger against Troy. Tony Parrish, Brainerd High School, began to show some promise when he had his glaring offensive moments in the same group and Kirill Doronin is coming on each week he is here.

Nice to see Mark Malone back here and moving on to a Division III college in New York. Mark has come a long way since joining us a few years ago. With decent ice minutes we expect him to be a late bloomer. St Cloud Cathedral had a large contingent of players in for a two week training period. This group of players is unique in their approach to the game and training. This should pay off some dividends over the next two years. Coach Whalen said, "This was one of my most enjoyable weeks in my 20 years @ the camp. They all worked hard." We see this as a concept that many teams should consider during the summer months. Teams are able to come together through a common cause. They grow and improve together.

Charlie Cook. Cornell University, came on board for the first of his yearly five week training sessions along with his buddy, Tom Stone, Miami of Ohio.. This, coupled with their attitudes, make them two of the most respected players in the camp. Top players for the sixth week were Cook, Stone, Troy Riddle and Michael Erickson of the National Champion Minnesota Gophers; both NHL drafts pick. The neat thing about players of this caliber is the opportunity to measure your own performance against theirs. Also, just having them around the camp adds a degree of professionalism and "raises the bar" for others to follow in their footsteps.

Ryan Malone arrived the seventh week. This is a family affair for Ryan, his brother, Mark, and their nephew Bradley from New Brunswick. These three players along with Greg Malone, father and uncle, as well as chief scout of the Pittsburgh Penguins gives an NHL flavor to the camp. Bradley's father, Jim, was a first round draft pick of the New York Rangers back in the 80's and was performing @ our first NHL training camp experience in New York. Greg played eleven years in the NHL and his favorite moments in life are the times he gives back to the game by working @ this camp.

Our goal is to have our training setting be a springboard for an extended NHL career for Ryan. This marks Ryan's seventh year @ the camp and he is preparing for the WCHA All Star Team's trip to Europe.

Another interesting player, with a "world class personality and attitude" is Adam Micheletti, son of Joe Micheletti. Adam continues to work towards a Division I scholarship. Our guess is that he will make it.

I had an interesting conversation with a coach of "AAA" teams that are put together to perform in tournaments. As he stood there and watched the practice during this seventh week, he failed to see all the good that comes out of practice and the 32 hockey related activities. He had little or no interest in talking about what was happening out on the ice. All he wanted to talk about was trips to Toronto, Detroit, Chicago and other places. He was quick to mention all the "tournaments" and scores of the tournaments.

Again, failing to recognize the value of training. I can only imagine the amount of money spent to handle a puck less than a minute a game. This, plus a player's mind developing a distaste for training without a player realizing it. Parents are slow to grasp the importance of training versus games. The wise ones catch on fast when they see the results of a five week intense training period that is also fun and stress free with players allowed to express their skills and try new things without someone screaming at them for making a mistake. Needless to say, our conversation was very one sided and short when he determined my lack of interest in some score, or win or loss in some tournament that happened a half a year ago and was total history. If he was able to tell me what his athletes learned on the trip, or if they got bigger, quicker, stronger and faster; I would have been interested.

If we are looking for reasons why we are unable to keep up with our European counterpart, we need only to look @ our training habits from the beginner in hockey to age twenty.

We have the six Brainerd kids that are in Dino's group. Kiel Browne, Greg Day, Josh Hanske, Joe Holden, Cory Horn, Morgan Shepherd. If they all continue to work out like they did this week the High School team will be set for years to come. Strickland from Cleveland is one of the most exciting players I have coached in my years at the camp. He is a 86 born who has worked his way to the top of the group.  Look for names of some very dedicated PeeWees and Squirts in the near future.

Nothing wilts faster than the laurels, trophies and the accolades you rest on. -olgring

There are college and junior players doing less to make pro than they did to make college or junior. In some cases, they may not want to hear this but we have an obligation to tell them.

Show a passion for your work, the sport and a love for the athletes. They will know if you have it. There are different levels and some separate themselves from the group.

These are the athletes that "spread the word" and hopefully we have had enough of them have a worthwhile experience. Hopefully we have not "lowered" our standards to fit the mediocre person.

Week eight started with an influx of higher level players. This is especially good for the younger players who have the opportunity to witness the level of intensity, skill and performance that is required to survive in this game. The list is deep and the players are gifted. Stand outs the first night were Mark Hussey, Pittsburgh draft from the University of Wisconsin and Jonathan Lehun, who will be a freshman @ St Cloud State. It's Jonathan's turn, along with Rob Lehtinen, future player for Northern Michigan, to lead their age group and continue to raise the bar in training sessions. Tim Conboy, St Cloud State and a 2002 San Jose pick impressed us with his coming to an optional ice on Sunday night after his Sunday morning game.

The eighth week was a real treat because the talent level in each group was raised. Duvie Westcott from NHL Columbus organization led the pack with Matt Hussey - Pittsburgh, Jon Adams – Buffalo’s pick from Boston College, Joe Motzko - St Cloud State free agent, Mike Doyle - St Cloud free agent, Yan Statsny, Boston's pick from Notre Dame, Tim Conboy - San Jose's pick from St Cloud Jonathan Lehun - St Cloud, Rob Lehtinen - Northern Michigan, Tom Stone - Northern Michigan, Backes - Lincoln and Mankato State, C Hussey - RPI, Charlie Cook and Dan Pegararo from Cornell, Adam Dunlap - Boston University and numerous others. They put on a great show with "intense-pond hockey games. We create a "pond hockey" setting to satisfy all those complaints that our youth don't have enough time on the outdoor rinks to develop those subtle moves.

The ninth and tenth weeks where ones that a lot young prospects stood out. We had the five young men (Richard Clune, Thomas Jefferson, Chris Lawrence, and the Koverko twins Tyler and Trevor) who were finishing up their fifth weeks with us from Canada all considered top prospects in the OHL draft.

Both of the top groups had honest workouts under the tutelage of Doc DelCastillo, Rob Grillo, Andy Vicari, Dino Grillo, Dan Germundson, Chuck Whalen, Ty Eigner and Wes Bolin. The practices and dryland were as much fun as the games.

The ninth and tenth weeks were "classics" with the influx of Ben Eaves - Pittsburgh's pick fm Boston College, Grant Potulny - Ottawa's pick fm National Champion Golden Gophers and his younger brother, Ryan, who will be drafted next year and attend Minnesota. St Cloud's captain, John Cullen, showed he will have a pro future.

The ninth week games where one that a lot of scouts could have capitalized on. We had two games on Tuesday and Thursday that you might have a hard time finding going on in the winter. We had the some of this years top Junior A players performing at levels that are as intense as the winter. Billy Bagron from the Chicago Steel(USHL), Jordan Black Topeka Scarecrows(USHL), Nick Kiella Danville Wings(NAJL), J.P. Platisha Topeka, Ryan Potulny Lincoln Stars(USHL), Marty Guerin Des Moines Buccaneers(USHL), Brad and Tony Zancanaro, Brandon Schwartz Sioux City on his way to Michigan Tech, David Backes Lincoln Stars(USHL) and committed to Mankato State. There where others who put time in from this level and they all made these games some on the best we have had up here.

The tenth week was our annual BAHA week where we had a real nice turn out from our local talent. With all the talent that Brainerd showed this week the future looks bright.

We had great list of players that have already made their name in college hockey. This summer we had most kids from the NCAA since the camp started. Putting in a great summer of training with us really meant a lot to us as a camp. We had kids that are National Champions, All-Americans, and U.S.A. under 18 team members, and future NHLers. It was a great experience for the kids themselves and for the younger kids involved in the camp. They could see just what it takes to succeed at the next levels up. Here is small list to summarize the kids that took part in final four to five weeks of our summer.

PRO, COLLEGE AND JUNIOR A LIST

ATLANTA THRASHERS - Mark Hartigan- Finalists for 2002 Hobey Baker Award COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS - Duvie Westcott   MINOR PRO TEAMS - Andy Disch, Corwin Saurdiff, Mark Scally, Tom Zaleski

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY - Frank "The Axe" Udovich – Signed minor league pro contract BOWLING GREEN UNIVERSITY - Ryan Wetterberg – signed contract to play in Sweden BOSTON COLLEGE - Ben Eaves – Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, John Adams – Drafted by the Buffalo Sabers BOSTON UNIVERSITY - Brad Zancanaro – Member of 2002 USHL Champions, Adam Dunlap COLORADO COLLEGE - Anthony Canzanello, Colin Stuart – Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers, Sean Cromarty, Mark Stuart – Captain of the gold medal winning Under 18 team, Nick Tsiantar CORNELLUNIVERSITY - Charlie Cook, Dan Pegararo MIAMI OF OHIO - Chris Busby, Joe Pomaranski, Matt Cady, Aaron Price MICHIGAN - Jay Vancik – Free Agent with Edmonton Oilers, Joe Kautz MICHGAN STATE - Phil Brush MICHIGAN TECH - Brandon Schwartz – Member of 2002 USHL Champions, Henrik Impola

MINNESOTA - 2002 NATIONAL CHAMPS - Grant Potulny – Drafted by Ottawa Senators, Troy Riddle – Drafted by the Saint Louis Blues Joe Martin – Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks Michael Erickson- drafted by Minnesota wild NORTH DAKOTA - Matt Greene – Drafted by Edmonton Oilers NORTHERN MICHIGAN - Rob Lehtinen, Tom Stone LAKE SUPIEIOR STATE - Adam Dunn, Mike Kautz NOTRE DAME -Yan Statsny – Drafted by the Boston BruinsAaron Gill, Tony Gill  RPI - Chris Hussy ST CLOUD STATE - Ryan Malone – Draft pick of Pittsburgh, Jon Cullen – Current captain of St. Cloud, Joe Motzko, Mike Doyle, Colin Peters, Garrett Larson, Jonathan Lehun, Tim Conboy - drafted by San Jose Sharks, Joe Jensen, T.J. McElroy WISCONSIN - Matt Hussey – Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jon Funk SAINT LAWERNCE - Tony Maci  UNION COLLEGE - Colin Hohman, Noah Katz HARVARD - John Daigneau UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS - Billy Crumm Division 3 college - Mark Malone, Nick Harper, Anthony Blumer – St Thomas, Brain Janke – Buffalo State, Grant VanWyngeeren – River Falls

CEDAR RAPIDS - Matt Olinger CHICAGO STEEL - Billy Bagron  DES MOINES BUCS - Marty Guerin LINCOLN STARS - David Backes, commited to MINNESOTA STATE; Ryan Potulny – Committed to Golden Gophers RIVER CITY LANCERS - Grant Clafton – Committed to St Cloud State SIOUX CITY – 2002 USHL CHAMPIONS - Nathan Schwartzbauer TOPEKA SCARECROWS - J.P. Platisha, Jordan Black  DANVILLE WINGS - Jason Tejchma, Nick Kiella, Nathan Ries SRINGFIELD INDIANS - Tony Zancanaro BILLINGS BULLS - Brian Reese, Brandon Buskowiak BOZEMEN - Jim Martin LONG ISLAND JR A - Adam Micheletti ST MICHAELS JUNIOR A - Phillip Turi CANADIAN JUNIOR - Jordan Piltzmaker, Chris Priolo

 We had some fun doing a contract with a couple of young squirts regarding their commitment to education. It goes as follows:

Signed ___________________ Witness Biscuit & Gringo

This all came about as a result of a conversation with some concerned parents.

We have been watching your test scores and growth. We talked about many things over the years. Commitment to our program automatically "raises the bar" for you to train and perform. I have developed a respect for you because you work towards living up to projections and expectations; not only for yourselves, but those who believe in you. You give me the impression that you already realize your life is a "business or Small Corporation". Your Board of Directors is made up of your parents, relatives and mentors outside your immediate family. They come in to play with every decision.

I do not take letters like this one lightly. I do not write them if there is any indication that you will not live up to my projections as an athlete and person. I cannot afford to because future letters would have little meaning. I believe in you and I want you to become what I believe you can be. I have met young people like you many times in my life. This gives me the foundation to predict and project.

Play free, play proud, play smart and play on the edge with the consequences in mind. We talked about "bite to your game". This means you know the score of the game, the time of the game, how your play effects your teammates and team and what would happen if you made a wrong decision. You have the greatest thing going for you. You will know in your mind that you have done more or as much as your opponents in the game of hockey or life.

We wish you all the best from the staff of Minnesota Hockey Camps. Remember, "Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength. The man who gets ahead is the one who does more than is necessary - and keeps doing it." Your heart is in it and your toughest test is to keep doing it I had to write this. We have a tendency to take kids like you for granted and I do not want to do that! Your work ethic, example, conduct, attitude and determination are your greatest assets right now! - Your friend

SUMMER OF "2000" HAS A QUICK START AND GREAT FINISH!

The summer of "2000" showed promise from the beginning with the enrollment numbers rolling in earlier than ever in the history of the camp.  Enrollment figures shattered all past figures by May 1, 2000.   The staff, facility and passion for developing athletes are finally being recognized by the hockey community as one of the premier places for hockey players to further their careers.   MHC has been a leader in development for over twenty years.  Our track record speaks for itself.   "Credit goes to the staff for giving time to young men and women over the past twenty years.  This staff has a way of giving back to the game."

The Stuart family from Rochester was represented by Nashville draft pick, Mike and future draft Collin along with Rochester natives Andrew Canzanello, Aaron and Tony Gill.  Aaron is going to Notre Dame.  These five, along with so many others "raise the bar" when they are here.  We were encouraged by the performance of Pittsburgh drafts Ryan Malone and Brian Gaffaney as well as teammates Mark Hartigan, Duvie Westcott and Joe Motzko. 

Mark, Duvie and Joe are free agent prospects with a bright future.  All players mentioned have a chance to play in the NHL someday.  Derek Byfuglien will make his mark at North Dakota and will be a NHL'er.  Jason Platt is headed for Providence and will be a solid performer to be watched.  Jim and Joe Martin from Buffalo will make their mark in the game before their careers are over.  Joe is going to Minnesota; Jim a highly touted youngster.  Ryan Wetterberg from Bowling Green has been with us for years and shows pro potential.

New to the group were a number of players from University of Miami - Ohio.  Jason Deskins, Ernie Hartlieb, Matthew Madvecz, Evan Cheverie and Pavel Nejezchleb all showed potential as free agents, with their test scores, and their blend of size and skill.  The future for Miami looks very bright with this group.  David Shute put in a great summer and showed he deserves a chance.  Jay Vancik of Michigan and Mike Doyle, Sioux Falls showed they are free agents to watch over this next season.  Andy Disch secured a try out with Pittsburgh.  Brad Johnson, Bemidji State logged in a solid summer and showed he has a chance to play professionally.

We were encouraged by the play of New York Islander drafts Kevin Clauson and Tyler Scott.  Colorado draft William Magnuson, and Andy Lundbohm, currently playing in Lexington for the Thoroughblades were impressive with their test scores and play.  Andy blew away all the test scores.  Kevin's on ice tests are next in line.

Charlie Cook, Matt Greene, Rob Lehtinen. Jonathan Lehun, Jay Vidrine and David Pegoraro got together for another of their multi week training sessions.  These young men look forward to working on their technical skills and renewing their friendship each summer.  Jonathan is one of the top players in his age group in Ontario.  Matt has been selected to play in Ann Arbor with team USA.  Rob is a sure bet Division I player and Charlie a scholarship offer.  Adam Dunlap brought some of his teammates from the State Champion Breck team.  John and Joe Adams, C J Nibbe, Jake Brenk are players who come to mind will be Division I scholarship players.  We look for Brian Sipotz to be drafted after he completes his first year at Miami of Ohio and we look for the rest of the players in this group to be drafted when they opt in.

This group of guys surpassed last year's group in performance and work ethic, which was no small task.  Each year seems to get better. Please excuse our excitement to share one of our most positive summers for our staff, facility and program.

There are all kinds of reasons why young people develop over the course of time. This camp is one of them. The staff can be extremely proud when you consider where players started from. More importantly, the players took advantage of a training centre and a dedicated staff.  They are the primary reason for their present status in the world of hockey.  The staff and training centre are here for all the right reasons. Ultimately, the player decides how far he would like to take his game and his life.  Countless success stories are the only reason this program exists. This is, and has always been, our life.

Many thanks to those who appreciate our efforts. We realize we fall short in the eyes and an expectation of some, but none of it is intentional. This camp will improve as the good people bring back good friends who are "real people". We encourage this because the player is the ultimate beneficiary. There are no secrets in this business. Great people make for great camps. I have no problem saying that the young men over the past ten weeks surpass anything that has happened here in twenty years. The oldest, and most talented groups, surpass anything that has been here.. This is a tribute to their parents and coaches as well as the training standards at our camp." 

They say kids are different in this day and age. Yes they are. They are bigger, quicker, stronger, faster, smarter and more talented. They read right through any mentor who is less than a "real pro" and they challenge your intelligence.  In the case of the top three groups they are also "classier". The top groups in this years camp are the finest in the history of the camp when it comes to talent, expression of talent, caring about others and passion for training and the game. There will be some dynamic success stories in this group. When you look @ their varied backgrounds, you get more excited.

The younger groups have this to shoot for because we are not about to label any young man @ an age where change is glaring and expected.  The talent level in the younger groups tells us hockey is in great shape.  Our philosophy is to stay away from the accolades for younger players.  Why risk complacency or comfort zone problems?

Mike Craig, Colorado Avalanche, worked out with us the entire summer.  It is a treat to watch pros like Mike commit to the training necessary to maintain their professional status in the game.   Mike was rewarded with a contract from the Avalanche.  We also had the honor of Bret Hedican participating some of our sessions and games.  We salute Bret and Kristi as they embark on their new life together.  Talk about "class".  These two embody everything one would look for in an athlete.

Henrik Impola put in another solid summer and was seconded by Joe Holden and Tom Zaleski.  Henrik, Tom and Joe are the standard bearers for commitment to training at Brainerd High School.  The new Gold Medal addition gives us two ice surfaces so quality ice times for each player is possible.  Brainerd Area players registered a record 389 weeks of training. The Arena staff must be commended for their efforts to make the summer of 2000 flawless in terms of ice surface.

A new group from Michigan, players under the tutelage of former NHL player, Dean Kolstad, shows that our former players support our programs for athletes.   There is more evidence each year that our former athletes are willing to speak highly about the camp.  We appreciate the fact that our former athletes and coaches take time to promote our facility and program.  "there is no greater honor than having a former participant promote MHC.    

Trevor Sherman represents the deaf community and the Alaskan AAA program with his dedication.   Five players from Norway, two from Germany and one each from Mexico, Turkey and Austria added to our history of foreign participation.

Europeans have a way of teaching us a lesson when it comes to commitment to practice hours.  Chuck Grillo says, "There are no secrets.  Maximizing your potential is directly related to time and effort put forth.  North American players simply do not train at the level of the players across the Atlantic.  Quality training enters the picture and we have that at our facility. 

Why would you hold a symposium to figure out what's wrong with the North American development, when you can emulate the European methods of training?  We take the best of what they do and add it to the best of what we do.  Pretty simple, but demanding, because it takes a real passion for the game to train at this level."   

"There are people with a real passion for hockey and then there are those who think they have a passion for the game." 

We are excited about the prospects for the future because we have a core group of athletes in each age group that are working toward their goals in hockey, as well as participation in our top groups when they mature.  We are hesitant to mention names for fear of complacency setting in.  Suffice to say that we have athletes in each age group that will be ready to make their mark in high school, junior, college and pro.  It will be interesting to see how each player's season unwinds. 

We are equally excited about Ty Eigner, Toby Kvalevog, Keith Fisher and Andy Vicari; new staff members who show the dedication of the veterans on the staff.  Tom Lenox and Tony Jelacie are now respected coaches in our system after logging some solid weeks.  It was great to be back.   I hope my passion for the game and love for kids rubbed off on the athletes I worked with.

THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE THE SUMMER OF "2000" A GREAT BEGINNING TO THE NEW MILLENNIUM!

  Dino Grillo for the Grillo family and our extended MHC family