Friends MHC

Herb Brooks is another one of those special human beings that have impacted countless lives in a positive manner. He is responsible for the original idea of moving the camp to Brainerd. He has always felt that this prime vacation land was the type of atmosphere for young people to maximize their training while parents vacationed. More important, however, he is another who possesses that old fashion value system that you find in sons and daughters of special parents. Herb always had time set aside to come up for fund raisers. His dynamic presence was necessary to provide the interest needed to help the Brainerd Civic Center and the Youth Hockey Program. More important, he is the main reason why USA Hockey is where it is today.

Chuck Grillo says, "I made one call to Herb regarding Mighty Ducks Grant and he delivered in the same manner he delivers when he is coaching. He's a caring human being with an unbelievable passion for the game."

Harry died in an airplane crash. We are writing about a man who has an arena named after him because of his contributions to hockey and youth in Alaska. Harry had a real flair for life. It was the kind of flair that you would want in a young person and your own son. This man had zero inhibitions and a very high energy level. He was always able to express himself on and off the rink. He did it with flair and he impacted an entire state. We are all better people because of our relationship with Harry.

It's been two years since our friend

"Pops" passed away. He was a father figure to many of us at the camp. He was a legendary hockey coach, friend and fellow scout during our good times with San Jose and Minnesota. You can be assured that many of Larry's principles and ideals are a part of MHC. He worked with us in the Pro Camp and in hockey camps for years and then became a respected opponent over the winter months. Larry never had a bad day at the hockey rink as a player, coach, fan or scout. He loved young people, and others involved in the game, unconditionally. Hockey was a way of life for him.

Dave has blessed our lives because of

his many contributions to the success of MHC. He has been responsible for the construction of two new facilities at the camp. The amazing thing is that he donated his time throughout the years he was with us. He has a sincere love for quality programs for youth. The Lodge and Camp have been a source of mental relaxation for Dave and we are glad we could be a part of it. Dave has always been a "giver". He's been a giver of money and time as long as we've known him.

Ron passed away while he was an

owner of MHC. We miss having "Colombo" strutting around the grounds. This is another man with an arena named after him in Thief River Falls. His true love was working with youth, regardless of the activity. He earned the respect of young and old while with us at the camp. Ron was also one of those people with a real flair about him. We always hoped this flair rubbed off on the youth he came in contact with.

This man is responsible for the construction of

the St. Cloud National Training Center and the New Mariucci Arena. Quite an accomplishment, when you consider he donated his time. David has been instrumental in the growth of hockey in Minnesota and at the National level, but you never see his name. David has always been there for us at MHC, especially when we started out with computers. We all know the costs involved. David donated his time to tutor us when we ran in to problems, which was frequently. "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 can't begin to tell you how much this man means to Minnesota Hockey Camps. Paul is a successful business man with a love for hockey and youth programs. He organized the business side of MHC during troubled times and the camp has been on the upswing since. He prefers to be a silent owner but we want the world to know that he is in it for the kids and he has always encouraged the business to put everything back in and grow for the benefit of the athletes and those that work here. Paul said, "The camp is my best investment because of everything it stands for. I like what the camp did for my son, Jeff, and I like what we're doing for others." Paul is the one of the owners of Elvin Safety, a family business based in Eden Prairie, MN. His son, Jeff, was on the verge of a college career at Bowling Green University when an automotive accident cut his playing career short.

George put the finishing touches on the success story of the camp by allowing his San Jose Sharks to hold their training camp at Minnewawa Lodge in 1994 and 1995. George is one of those special human beings who is as wealthy internally as he is externally. We don't know of any one individual who has done more for hockey in the United States. He's a very special person in our lives. He's taught us to "help people help themselves" by setting example after example himself. George cares about others and he loves to "set people up to succeed". Coaches and Administrators can learn valuable lessons by observing the way George treats people. Coaches have to learn to "set their players up to succeed".

Herb Brooks describes Jack as a "priest in disguise" because he gives so much to youth. Jack worked at MHC in the early years and he is a special friend and consultant to all of us at the camp. We're talking about a man who has devoted his life to helping young people improve without asking for anything in return. His unconditionally loves every person he works with. "His ability to relate to people should be bottled and sold," according to Chuck Grillo. "He is, without a doubt, one of the top givers in all of hockey. Jack's contributions to training are unequaled in the sport of hockey. There is no one more positive than Jack. The game needs more people like him."

BRAINERD CIVIC CENTER - (Home of MHC) The BOB HOUSE, BOB OLSON and JACK ECHTERNACHT STORY

Bob House, Bob Olson and Jack Echternacht were the real force behind the original civic center. The House, Echternacht and Olson team wouldn't have maximized their potential without the services of Marvin Campbell, Bob Helms, Fred Wiltse and others. This is another group with the old fashioned, community spirit, value system. Dentist Jack was a community minded "giver". Bob House is the consummate professional that gave the group stability. The quiet givers are on par with the foundation in terms of contributions. Three newcomers to rink management, Mike Christensen, Ed Schoonover and Andy Watzke have gone out of their way to make the Arena Complex user friendly. Their professionalism is deeply appreciated.

BEMIDJI, MN - BILL HOWE, HALVOR REISE, TUSS LANGLIE, DICK KROLL, BUCK HAACK and RED WILSON

We can't go without mentioning these old timers from a rival city, because they were there in the formative years of Chuck Grillo's coaching career. These six guys are the reason the Bemidji program is where it is today. Again, they represent that segment of our society that was based on work ethic and community service. They epitomize the obligation of the community to the organization and the organization to the team. They raised money, found work crews and generally did whatever it took to see that the physical plants were in place with a good staff to coach and teach. Bemidji has a community rink, college rink and high school rink for a community of 15,000 people. This isn't enough. They are currently making plans for another rink. We miss these guys.

BEMIDJI, MN - BUCK and ROSE SARGENT, SHELDON McRAE, JACK and SHARON ISRAELSON, CON MURPHY, DES SAGEDAHL, JOE VENE

Buck and his family taught me that the world is bigger than the small world I was part of in Bemidji. Because of Buck and Rose Sargent, I had the opportunity to work with two of the finest world-class athletes I have ever met or worked with. That opportunity was the springboard for everything good that has happened to me in the world of sports.

Thank God that my family and I got to enjoy the talents of Gary and Earl, children of Buck and Rose Sargent, over an extended period of time that will last forever. We are talking about a combination of 17 or 18 varsity seasons in two sports with two young men. We will miss them, but we are all going to be better human beings because of them.

My attorney and close friend, Sheldon McRae was always there for support and advice; something I will cherish forever. A leader in the community and one that cared about the athletes and students.

Jack and Sharon Israelson gave me more of that parental friendship we needed to succeed and another opportunity to coach another world-class athlete. Their son, Izzy, remains one of my favorites and I look forward to renewing our friendship each year on the golf course.

Because of these people, and the rest of the athletes and parents in Bemidji, I "raised the bar" in my life. I use this web site to thank those who have passed on and those who are still with us.

Desi and Con were my partners in coaching baseball and hockey. I'm indebted to both for all they did for me AND will always treasure the relationship we had on the field and off.

Joe Vene, singer and friend, showed the athletes what it was like to be at the top of your game with his rendition of the National Anthem. What a way to start a contest.

John has pulled his reins in, but not before he left his impact on the Brainerd Youth Hockey Program. One of the truly neat things in life is to see a man who has made it in the business world give back to the community. John has done this in so many ways. He coached in the youth programs, gives financial support to the youth and high school programs and he was there when the new addition for Brainerd Civic Center needed some financial restructuring. He came back when the situation needs his financial attention and some leadership.

Typical of our givers, he operates behind the scenes. The only notoriety he received was when his Bantam teams won. He didn't seek this; the sports pages report on sporting events. John donated a Dodge one ton pick up with snowplow and an "81" Oldsmobile station wagon, the kids nicknamed the "Grizwalds", to MHC.

The Brainerd Lakes Area is fortunate to have three dealerships that consistently give. The Dondelinger Family is deserved of recognition for their unwavering support of youth groups and the improvement of life styles in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We are not as familiar with the Dondelingers as the others but we do recognize their "quiet style" of giving over the years.

We believe that the community of Brainerd is the beneficiary by having Arthur "Art" Dondelinger as a parent, businessman and major league entrepreneur. We also recognize that Roger and DJ possess these traits, so the Brainerd Lakes Area is in great shape for years to come.

Craig comes from one of hockey's most famous families. Craig gave Chuck Grillo his first opportunity in the NHL. He has the unique ability, as a leader, of giving people opportunities regardless of experience. The New York Rangers were one of the first teams to recognize the need for training in the off season. They initiated an orientation program for their draft picks at Minnesota Hockey Camps. Many NHL teams have since developed similar programs.

Craig has lived up to the family name in more ways than one. He has been a winner at every level. He has a unique ability to empower his employees to be as much as they can be. His hands off approach have led to the development of people for jobs in professional hockey and in other aspects of life. Craig's track record is intact when it comes to taking care of his own. This is a gift in itself. One example is his hiring of Herb Brooks as a coach in New York when Herb wanted to move to the NHL level. Later on he hired Herb as a scout in Pittsburgh when Herb wanted back in and then back behind the bench.

STEWART MILLS JR - An icon in the business world - The businessman I respect the most in my life

Stewart Jr. is another one of those "real givers" in life. He is in the upper echelons of elite businessmen in our country. He sits on the Board of Directors for the world renowned Green Bay Packers and he owns Mills Fleet Farm and Mills Automotive Group. Stewart has contributed to every level of sports in various communities. He has been a "quiet giver" to the new ice sheet and addition to Brainerd Civic Center. He shuns publicity but we feel he deserves to be recognized.

If we combine Stewart's "internal wealth" with his external wealth, his net worth increases considerably. His gift of giving insures him of having Peace of Mind. Stewart Jr. possesses that old-fashioned value system found in people like his parents. They have to be proud of the way he has conducted his life.

We have been fortunate to develop a relationship with his son, Travis and daughter Marisa. Stewart Jr. will be proud to know that his son and daughter are on the same path but blazing their own trails in life. Their value system is in line with their parents and grandparents.

Dan got us started in scouting with New York Rangers. He is one of the all time character people that we've met in the game. Dan was always unconditional in the respect and love he showed the scouts who worked for him. He is responsible for developing his share of people who moved on to higher positions while sacrificing his own success.

He believed in our development program at MHC and he referred young men to our program until his untimely death in the spring of "99". Chuck Grillo said, "My life took a turn for the better the day I started working and traveling with Dan Summers. He had a great blend of caring, wisdom and work ethic. He was a very special and extra-ordinary human being. Like so many of us, his wife, Blanche, played an important role in Dan's life story. We will always treasure the relationship we share with Dan and his wonderful wife, Blanche.

The Gold Medal Arena Group, headed up by Perry Platisha, Bill Baker, Rod Peltoma and other members of BAHA embarked on the original project and got it off the ground with fund raising. Tim Holden is the unsung hero of the new addition to the Brainerd Civic Center. The new addition was struggling until Tim came along and unconditionally took charge. His relationship with businesses in the community, and his hands on workmanship, enabled him to take on this project. He is one of those people who shun publicity and could care less about the glory and recognition that comes with success or completing a project.

We feel that the arena complex should be named after him. Our youth are the beneficiary of his efforts and we are grateful. Tim is invaluable to a community because he has no hidden agendas when he commits himself. His value system is impeccable.

Tim would not be able to complete his project without the vision and courage of Dan Vogt, City Administrator, and ultimately the blessing of the City of Council. The record shows that caring about young people is directly correlated to the behavior of our youth and the attitude of the Brainerd Lakes Area Communities. The City of Brainerd is the catalyst for all of this. This entire group represents the segment of society that every community needs when it comes time to "give of yourself to make life more meaningful".

This complex will forever leave its mark on the futures of young men and women, as well as the citizens and economy of the Brainerd Lakes Area. Those reponsible should be proud.

CLAIRENE GRILLO - You only have to meet her once to know you are going to like her.

Clairene is the backbone of Minnesota Hockey Camps. She is the one person who has kept the camp going over the past twenty years while the rest of us worked at our various assignments in the game of hockey. Clairene is the reason the camp enjoys its present status in the hockey world. Chuck said, "She has allowed me to live my life. She's answered the phones 24 hrs a day and 7 days a week, sent out mailings and dealt with the problems so the rest of us could pursue our lifelong ambitions." During the summers she logs in 100+ hour weeks.

Parents have grown to trust this person with the unique ability to be both warm and firm. They have developed a trust that comes from sending their son or daughter away from home for the first time. Her love and respect for youth comes natural. We are fortunate when we get to meet and work with unique and extra-ordinary human beings. We are even more fortunate when we are able to marry that person. She possesses a degree of common sense that allows her to function on an even keel.

Clairene embodies the MHC Template of Success Program because she has so many of the traits found in great managers and sales people. She has instilled her old-fashioned value system in her children and in those who come in contact with her. Those responsible for her upbringing can be proud. She has carved out quite a career in the hockey camp business. Little did she know that she would make a name for herself while allowing others to live their life. A good portion of her life has been structured toward the camp mission over the past twenty years. While the monetary rewards are not there, her net worth is enhanced because of all the people's lives she has touched.

How Life Works, Sometimes
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Herb Brooks and Chuck Grillo decided in 1980 to bring their camp to Brainerd, MN. They purchased Minnewawa Lodge. They were both on the road so they came to the conclusion that someone may steal from the camp. So they created a watchman position and hired a person for the job.

Herb then asked, "How does the watchman do his job without instruction?" So they created a planning department and hired two people, one person to write the instructions, and one person to do time studies.

Then he said, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?" So they created a Quality Control department and hired two people. One to do the studies and one to write the reports.

Then he said, "How are these people going to get paid?" So they created the following positions, a time keeper, and a payroll officer, then hired two people.

Then he said, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?" So they created an administrative section and hired three people, an Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, and a Legal Secretary. He then hired advertising, marketing, direct sales, registration and confirmation people to account for the campers.

Then he said, "We have had this camp in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost."

So they laid off the watchman.

Herb got out because he was afraid of going broke after paying off the other help. Chuck found out he could reduce the budget by another $175,000 by getting rid of the writer, instructor, quality control people, time keeper, payroll person, administration officer, ass't administration officer and legal secretary. Plus, he got rid of the advertising, marketing, direct sales, registration and confirmation people.

Then he found out he needed a person to fill in for Pat Funk when he was gone, Howard Martin when he was gone, housekeeping when people showed up late and they were gone, counselors when they shirked their duties, the pro shop when short handed and the cooks when they failed to clean the kitchen properly @ the end of the season..

He pushed all the jobs off on Clairene Grillo and gave her any monies left over after the summer. Now, if only she could attend a few coaching, strength training and medical training seminars, she may be able to fill in when a coach wants to go golfing, the strength training coach is overwhelmed and the medical staff is strung out.

Reached for comment, Clairene had this to say, "I'm too busy to talk right now. I'm in the process of getting my day care license because all these coaches are having kids and someone has to baby sit them."

Chuck Grillo says, "My life is so much richer for having the opportunity to travel and work with John Mariucci. His contributions to the game and society are second to none. His "old fashioned value system and unconditional love and respect for others" will never be forgotten. Nor will he ever forget the trip the two took to Russia during the Holiday Season of 1982-83. This was 21 days of pure pleasure and laughter.

His pet project was Camp Confidence, which is located in Brainerd, Minnesota. John used to stop by at our camp on his many visits to the Brainerd Area. The Mariucci Inner City Hockey Program is another of John's projects that will live forever. This leads us to our next giver:

Kyle built on to the legacy of John Mariucci through his love for the Inner City Kids of St Paul. This is now a program recognized throughout the hockey world. Thirty similar programs are now in progress throughout the United States and Canada and Kyle's persistence is the main reason. John had a vision and Kyle followed through. When we speak of internal wealth, Kyle has it all.

We are proud that we've been a part of John and Kyle's program over the years through sponsorships. We have added a third scholarship in Kyle's name in recognition of Kyle Peterson day in St Paul on September 16, 1999.

TONY JELACIE - A unique and special human being with an interest in nurturing youth! August 31, 2000

I was asked to shorten my eulogy to three minutes to honor the tradition of the church. While I was disappointed, I understand; and it is why I'm writing. We have an obligation to our colleagues and athletes to take every experience and grow as much as possible from each experience. Tony Jelacie's untimely death gives us an opportunity to think about Tony plus the important things in life. It gives us the opportunity to critique ourselves. You might wonder why I spend so much time on perfecting this eulogy. This is not a one time thing; this is something that will be an important part of our Template for Success program. This is something the Jelacie family members can treasure forever. The final copy will be obsolete the next day, because there are so many "tie ins" to real life and so many life time lessons to learn. Read Tony's eulogy...

I was asked to speak today about a man named Tony that I've really only known for three months out of his 43 years. How do you get up and talk about a man you heard about for twenty-two years and really only known a short time?

This church is near capacity this morning. You are seeing the affect of a person with all the intangibles as a mentor. This is the ultimate test of our contributions to society. This is all about a relationship with a community, organization, family, extended family, peers and players. Money, property, boats, cars, motors and toys do not enter into the equation. We have a number of thank you notes from parents regarding Tony because they are unable to attend. They represent Texas, California, Norway, Austria and places in between. These are the highest honors a mentor can receive. Tony was exactly that. He was a hockey mentor, a true professional who looked forward to every opportunity he had to go on the ice and work with kids. This is a special attribute, one that we don't take lightly. Tony was one of those who would look for ways to be on the ice. He was disappointed when we gave him some Sundays off and he was quick to let us know.

Development of young people meant as much to Tony as Stanley Cups do to the winners. Tony was one of those unique individuals we've met in our lives. He was a very special human being with an old fashioned upbringing. Those responsible can be proud. The "real product" of his parents evolved over the past ten weeks.

He showed an unconditional love and respect for every kid in his groups this summer, as well as some he didn't have in his groups. He grew on us more than anyone will ever know. He did all this in a span of only ten weeks. His partner through these ten weeks, Dino Grillo, developed a relationship with him that only those two can describe. He gave a minor pro player the use of his car when that player's car broke down. "I've got a couple of cars, I can't drive them at the same time."

How does a young man come into a 43 year old man's life and earn the right to be pall bearer in a span of less than ten weeks? Easy. The hockey world is full of examples of dynamic short term relationships that last a life time. The love generated when you work for a cause bigger than yourself is a love that lasts forever.

The staff at the camp was quick to include Tony into the group because they recognized his caring and professionalism. There are all types of professionals in life. Tony was what I would call a "real pro", when you judge the work he did this past summer. There are "real pros" who do everything they can and more. There are the regular pros who get the job done, and there are those who just get by. All of these are good people but the "real pro" stands out.

I will always remember the smile on his face when he saw all the kids riding in the bread truck for the first time listening to polka music. All he could do was shake his head and smile. It was moments like this that I knew Tony was counting his blessings for the opportunity to work with kids. Then came the comments to his family and friends after his first few weeks at Minnesota Hockey Camps for the summer of 2000, "Can you believe they pay me for this job; this is the best summer of my life!" The twinkle in his eye was more prevalent every day!

It was gratifying to us, as owners of the camp, to witness the work and growth of Tony over the summer, as he demonstrated his passion for the game and kids. I will always remember the first day he showed up with his beard and hair trimmed. He confronted me about some camp clothing which I gladly gave him. He was nervous but he was in his element and we could feel it. Our camp was his stage to prove to the world that he had some special talents. He wanted us to witness it and he enjoyed every minute of it. His confidence level grew every day.

We've had the opportunity to work with so many people in the world of hockey at every level. Tony is one of those that we will remember for the rest of our lives for all the right reasons. His love for the game was so visible and can only be equaled; not beat. Our only regret is that we are unable to form one of those relationship that exist when people work together for twenty plus years.

Thank God our camp got to enjoy his talents for one ten week period that will last a forever. We will miss him, but we are all going to be better human beings because of him.