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Ask the Expert: What Makes the HP Programs Unique?

By Minnesota Hockey, 02/18/14, 11:00AM CST

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Question: How are the Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance programs different from showcases, or other “exposure events”?

Answer: The Minnesota Hockey Reebok High Performance Programs are first of all a component of the USA Hockey Player Development Process.  For the first time, players have to actually try out for a spot and perform against truly the best in Minnesota, with an opportunity to compete against the best in America.  Many showcase events or exposure events tend to be first-come, first-serve and will not include the best players. 

"When you get to HP, you are evaluated by what you do on the ice, not by who you know or how much money you are willing to pay," said John Perry, Program Director for the Boys’ and Girls’ High Performance 15 programs.

“We’re not big on all of the summer camps,” said Bemidji State University Assistant Coach, Bert Gilling. “We can’t get to all of them so we have to pick and choose. For us, the HP programs provide a better evaluation than a lot of the other camps.”

The High Performance programs work directly with district and section teams and coaches to ensure these are truly the best players in each age group.  Then, the field of players is continuously evaluated with the best players moving onto the next phase of the program until only the very top performers remain, with them going on to represent Minnesota at the national camps. 

“The biggest benefit is that it narrows it down in terms of the best kids in a single setting,” said Gilling, who is in his 10th season as Assistant Coach and 12th season overall with Bemidji State. “Instead of having hundreds of players to sort through, it gets narrowed down to what have been identified as the top Minnesota kids.”

The High Performance programs draw scouts from every Junior League, Men’s and Women’s NCAA Division 1 and 3 programs and the NHL.  Our program directors work directly with USA Hockey and scouts from various levels to develop programs that fit their needs.

“We know, as an affiliate of USA Hockey, it’s going to be well structured, well organized and an all around quality event for us,” said Gilling, who was one of over 70 college coaches to attend the High Performance programs in 2013. “Even, the dates are strategically picked to appeal to college coaches.”

2014 High Performance Program Schedule

Program Date Location
RBK T.B. Great 8 and 18 U Fest. March 21st - 23rd South St.Paul, MN
RBK HP 16 & 17 Festival April 4th - 6th Plymouth, MN
RBK HP Final 54 / CCM NIT April 24th - 27th Plymouth, MN
RBK HP 15 Festival April 25th - 27th Edina, MN
RBK HP 15 Summer Girls Camp June 7th - 12th St.Cloud, MN
RBK HP 15 Summer Boys Camp June 14th - 19th St.Cloud, MN
RBK HP HBF National Prep Camp July 8th - 11th Blaine, MN
RBK Dave Peterson Goalie Camp July 24th - 27th Blaine, MN
RBK HP 14/15 Fall Festival Sept. 26th - 28th Edina, MN
RBK HP Model Camp July 27 - August 2 Minneapolis, MN
USA Nat. Dev. Camp Girls' 18U July 9th - 15th St. Cloud
USA Nat. Dev. Camp Girls' 15s July 18th - 24th St. Cloud
USA Nat. Dev. Camp Girls' 14s July 18th - 24th St. Cloud
USA Select 17 Player Dev. Camp June 26 - July 2 Amherst, NY
USA Select 16 Player Dev. Camp July 7 - July 13 Amherst, NY
USA Select 15 Player Dev. Camp July 14 - July 20 Amherst, NY

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