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Alumni Quotes About the Minnesota Model

Minnesotans have a tendency to pay close attention to how our alumni are doing as they graduate from our community programs. This page provides our members with a closer look at how some of our alumni are doing now, what associations they came from and what they are saying about Minnesota Hockey.  Plus, catch a few comments from influential players and coaches from other areas of the country that hold Minnesota in high regard.


Community Based Hockey

Minnesota Hockey’s community-based structure is considered by many to be the premier youth hockey model in the United States and across the world!  The community model keeps kids close to home which limits the cost of hockey and increases the fun kids have by letting them play with their friends.

Don't just take our word for it though. Hear what our alumni and hockey experts around the country have to say about it.


Passion Fuels Development

It seems like everyone is now infatuated with figuring out how they can develop their child into the next Zach Parise or Gigi Marvin. The reality is there is no secret mix. Innate athletic ability, good parental guidance and coaching are all very important, but to put in the amount of on- and off-ice practice necessary to become an elite player (often when no one else is watching), you have to love hockey and have a burning desire to be great at it.


Importance of Off-Ice Development

Youth sports aren't supposed to be only about the next generation of NHLers or state champions. Hockey has the ability, with the assistance of coaches and parents, to teach kids nearly every lesson they need to succeed in life. Hard work, teamwork, perseverance, leadership and confidence are just a few things we have the chance to help kids develop every day. Together, let's take advantage of that and help them reach their potential as people as well as hockey players.


American Development Model

The American Development Model provides a framework for development throughout the country that is based on age-appropriate training and long term athlete development. By having kids play multiple sports, utilitizing proper practice-to-game ratios, small area games and age appropriate playing surfaces, we are able to give every kid in Minnesota the opportunity to reach their potential, whether that is recreational hockey or the NHL.