Joe Thornton - SIGNS NHL CONTRACT at MHC- Summer 1997

Joe Thornton signed his first NHL contract with the Boston Bruins in Chuck Grillo's office with son Rob doing the video work.  This added some real fun and excitement to the summer.  It marked the first summer that a player of his stature signed a contract at MHC.

"Minnesota Hockey Camps is the place to train in the summers.  The camp gave me an opportunity to work on my game while preparing for Canadian Junior Tryouts and my first year with Boston.  The camp has everything a young player needs to maximize his potential while preparing for the season.  I feel that the camp gave me more credibility as a young player because the training is demanding and the entire hockey world knows it." Joe Thornton, Boston Bruin 1st overall pick in the 1997 NHL

After a major trade this year Joe Thornton now plays for the San Jose Sharks, where Rob Grillo is a scout.

Last Summer MHC had their second NHL contract signed by the Edmonton Oilers, Matt Greene.