The state of Minnesota has churned out some of the best hockey players in our country, and Minnesota is represented in the NHL and Division I college programs more than any other state.

A large number of those players came through the Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance Programs and represented the state at National Festivals.

New this year will be the Reebok Minnesota Hockey 14/15 High Performance Program. Designed for players born in 1999-2000, the 14/15 HP program provides the opportunity to train and compete against the best players of similar age. As part of the Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey Player Development Process, the 14/15 program will be staffed by high school, college, youth and USA coaches.

“We’ve seen great success with events like the Ted Brill Great 8, the CCM High School National Invitational and the High Performance programs for Boys and Girls Aged 15 through 18,” said High Performance Director Mike MacMillan. “The 14/15 programs will offer these kids the chance to prepare players for future HP programs, and make an early impression on college and pro scouts. Not to mention gaining experience that may help them reach the National Festival when they return for the 15, 16 or 17 programs..”

The process will begin this summer with tryouts at district sites and are open to players that competed in the Peewee A/AA and Bantam A/AA levels. Those selected will train for three weeks in the month of September with an emphasis on skill development and fitness. They will then participate in the 14/15 Festival at Edina’s Braemar Arena the weekend of September 27 – 29.

District tryout schedules will be made available on Minnesotahockey.org this spring.

For more information on the Reebok Minnesota Hockey 14/15 High Performance Program, please contact Pat Westrum (patwestrum@msn.com).