It’s a deep-rooted part of the culture that has been passed from generation to generation for over a century. Since the early days of hockey in Minnesota, small towns have played a big role in the culture and tradition in the State of Hockey. In fact, small towns dominated the first 25-plus years of organized […]

“They can watch all the highlights and watch them over and over. Kids are doing things now we never used to do.” Deception is a tool used in almost every sport. A quarterback looks one way, getting a safety to move and zips the ball to the other side of the field. A point guard […]

It’s one of the best, if not the best, in the country because it puts a focus on local play opportunities for children. Making community rinks and sports accessible to as many kids as possible creates a unique environment. Minnesota Hockey’s community-based model is occasionally highlighted as a gold standard for youth hockey, as it […]

While everyone’s basic human needs are the same, we can’t ignore the fact that gaps in nutrition are often caused by different lifestyle factors. The size of the stage you are performing on can vary, but the feeling of accomplishment remains the same. Performance goals can range from regaining the strength to pick up your […]

These incredible numbers will be difficult to sustain as the game increases in popularity around the country and across the world, but for now, it’s safe to say we’re in a golden age of girls hockey in Minnesota. 2018 was a golden year for girls’ and women’s hockey in the United States. Twenty years after […]

One of the key areas where it’s important to differentiate by age group is the balance between quantity of reps and the quality of them. After nearly 20 years of coaching at the NCAA Division I level, one of the most astonishing discoveries Roger Grillo, an Apple Valley, Minnesota native, made during his transition to […]

The best goal scorers in the NHL don’t have their one move that they go to – they can see a goalie and where their weaknesses are. The level of offensive skills in hockey has increased dramatically – but the goaltending has improved, too. So how can we as coaches give our players an edge […]

A crease defines a goaltender’s space and where he or she needs to move in relation to the net. Depth of a goaltender is crucial when shots come. Life for a goalie can be difficult. With different pads, objectives, drills and techniques that need to be taught in a team game, it can be an […]

“I could never have taught him to skate or to do these things. Some other volunteer helped him. I can do certain things. I can’t go on the ice, but I can manage trips, manage camps and certain things.” Reid served numerous roles with USA Hockey, including 18 years as vice president, marketing council chair […]

Under USA Hockey rules, the determining factor is whether it was deflected or directed. If the puck merely deflects off the skate of an attacking player, it would be a good goal. The Minnesota Hockey Officials Association (MHOA) offers players, parents, coaches and officials the opportunity to submit questions regarding USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey […]