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Chuck's Mentors and Friends
Minnesota Hockey Camps would like to
dedicate our website to Dominic and Doris Grillo, two very special human beings, and the
parents of Chuck, Warren, Jerry and Alyce Grillo. The philosophy of MHC has been developed
over the years, but much of it can be attributed to the foundation laid by Dominic and
Doris back in 1954 when the Greenhaven outdoor rink was built in Hibbing by the Grillo
family, with the blessing of Matt Berklich and Jess Porteous of the
Hibbing Recreation Department. We had no idea that this life style
would contribute so greatly to the philosophy and development of
Minnesota Hockey Camps in Brainerd/Nisswa, Minnesota.
How can we forget the old warming shack with the pot
belly wood burning stove? All
 of the Grillo children and many of the nephews helped
Dominic manage the rink over thirty (30) years while Dominic was working in the mines for
U.S. Steel – an occupation he held for forty (40) years without missing a day of
work. The foundation was laid for Chuck to develop a philosophy working with young people.
He used this same foundation to develop a love for the game in his own children. Rob is
currently working as a scout for the San Jose Sharks and Dean enjoyed a minor pro career.
Chas, Tracy, Denise and Rachel all worked at the camp to develop a sound work ethic.
Dylan, Brandon and Briana are the first grand children to attend the camp and we
are looking forward to more with our nine and the DelCastillo's three.
Warren developed an interest, also. He presently helps his son, Roger,
Coach of Brown University, do some scouting and son, Paul, had a solid career and is now a
success story in the accounting business while working with youth in minor hockey.
Nephews, Jim and Bill Grillo went on to Division I careers at the
Universities of Western Michigan and Mn-Duluth respectively and Nick Novak played and
received his degree from Bemidji State University.
The Grillo's also consider some others family. Kevin McHale of the NBA
Timberwolves played youth hockey at the rink, along with Gary Gambuccii (All-American at
Minnesota), Bob Collyard, the Michiletti brothers and many others, who have gone on to be
successful players and productive citizens, honed their skills at this storied site. Some
say Dominic is responsible for Kevin's basketball career when he told him, "You
better stick to basketball".
 We've
had the opportunity to rub elbows with people who have an unbelievable net worth. We're
convinced that they have no more net worth than Dominic and Doris Grillo. All the money in
the world would never replace their old fashion value system. Their "quiet gift of
giving" has provided opportunities for countless young men and women to form
relationships and develop their philosophy of life at the Greenhaven Rink. We can't think
of a healthier atmosphere. Chuck Grillo says, "This environment is why I am doing
what I am doing this very day. Ironically the formal education my parents thought I needed
so badly had less to do with my present position in life than their old fashioned value
system and that warming shack. The education merely opened some doors and I am grateful
for that. They gave me a feeling of stableness and security. They gave me the strength to
do what I feel is right at the time and the passion for the game of hockey and work. They
lent stability in critical situations."
"My parents epitomize the foundation of our country. They are two
very special human beings who feel they were put on this earth to serve others and they
have been exceptional in devoting their lives to that cause. Unfortunately there aren't
many like them around anymore. This is why our country and so many communities are going
to suffer."
"We get a good feeling at the camp when we do something for someone
who will never be able to repay us. This is what Dominic and Doris would want. This is the
real reason for the Camp. At Minnesota Hockey Camps we can do so much for young people and
young pros alike, that we would like to see it continue with our children." Besides,
they would be carrying on the tradition that their Grandparents started during the winter
of 1954 when they built that first rink with their neighbor, Matt Berklich.
The last few summers Dino and his wife, Carrie, decided to help
carry on what was started back in 1954. They determined that the
camp was an important part of their lives and decided to build on
the legacy of Minnesota Hockey Camps. This is quite a time
commitment during the summer months because it amounts to 100 hour
weeks for 12 to 15 weeks during the summers. They help reduce the
work load assumed by Chuck's wife, Clairene, but Clairene still is
the driving force behind the camp.
They both serve in an administrative capacity while
assuming much of the work load outside of administration. Dino does
this while serving as a player agent in the "real world". Carrie is
also responsible for the recent upgrading of our web site. They are
carrying on the tradition of working @ the rink for a hobby or
second job; much like Dominic and Doris did when they assumed
responsibility in 1954.
So, the legacy of the Greenhaven rink lives on in
the Brainerd Lakes Area during the summer months while the historic
outdoor rink in Hibbing, Minnesota takes a rest from the cold winter
months. Wouldn't it be nice if those rinks were resurfaced for
roller hockey, with a roof to protect participants from the
elements, during the summer months so the camp and Greenhaven could
exist side by side for the purpose of young athletes @ a special
time reserved for young people to develop and expand their talents
in a setting conducive to personal growth?
There is no greater experience than the element of
growth away from home acquired on the playground or at our camp.
Parents have known this for years. The element of growth in a pond
hockey (playground) setting, where the "pecking order" rules, is
sadly being eliminated from our society; one of the reasons for the
deterioration of society. We try to emulate the Greenhaven pond
hockey (playground) setting @ MHC.
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"My parents epitomize the foundation
of our country"
In loving
Memory of
Dominic Grillo
Harry MacDonald
Herb Brooks
Larry "Pops" Ross
Dave Doers
Ron Novak
David Knoblauch
Paul Elvin
George Gund
Jack Blatherwick
Brainerd Civic Center
BEMIDJI, MN - BILL HOWE, HALVOR REISE, TUSS LANGLIE, DICK KROLL, BUCK HAACK and RED WILSON
BEMIDJI, MN - BUCK and ROSE SARGENT, SHELDON McRAE, JACK and SHARON ISRAELSON, CON
MURPHY, DES SAGEDAHL, JOE VENE
JOHN TANNER and THE DONDELINGER FAMILY
GOLD MEDAL ARENA GROUP, TIM HOLDEN, DAN VOGT and BRAINERD CITY COUNCIL
Craig Patrick
Stewart Mills, Jr.
Dan Summers
Clairene Grillo
John Mariucci
Kyle Peterson
Tony Jelacie
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