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HP Programs Showing Results

By Minnesota Hockey, 08/05/13, 12:30PM CDT

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After four months of high intensity training and competition, the majority of the 2013 Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance programs have come to a close. With a total of 2,487 participants ages 15-18, the Reebok High Performance programs have continued to expand the development opportunities for the top players in Minnesota while maintaining a tradition of excellence.

The Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance programs foster player development by lengthening their schedule, increasing the intensity of training and competition by bringing the top players in the state together, supplying them with frequent feedback from the top coaches in the area and educating them on the off-ice challenges they will face.

“Our goal with the Reebok HP programs is to show these kids where they are at in their development, give them the tools to improve and ensure they have a chance to showcase their abilities,” said  Mike MacMillan, Director of the Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance Programs.  “We continue to be a leader in participants sent to the USA Hockey National Camps, and the opportunities to develop and be identified provided by these programs play a major role in that.”

The ability of the Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance programs to assist players in moving onto higher levels of hockey was on display this summer as former and current participants racked up an unprecedented number of accomplishments and accolades.  Here are some of the highlights:

  • 14 Minnesotans were selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft (all of which participated in the HP programs).
  • Nick Leddy, an Eden Prairie H.S. graduate and three-time participant in HP programs won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks and proceeded to bring it home to Minnesota.
  • Out of 48 rosters spots, 14 Minnesota born players were invited to the US Olympic Men’s Orientation Camp.
  • At the USA Youth Select 16 and 17 Development Camps, a Minnesota representative finished atop each of the camps in scoring.
  • Eight of the 21 players selected to participate on the 2013 USA U-18 National Team for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament came from Minnesota.
  • A total of 39 Minnesotans were invited to the USA Girls U-18 Development Camp.  24 of them were selected to compete in the camp’s All Star Game, and nine were chosen to advance to the 30-girl Evaluation Camp.
  • Charlie Lindgren, a former participant of the Dave Peterson Reebok HP Goalie Camp was selected as the 2013 USA Hockey Goalie of the Year.

“From quality players to quality events, this was a tremendous year for our programs,” said MacMillan, who is also the USA Hockey Coach-in-Chief.  “I can't single out one program as our best because they all stand alone on their individual successes.  It really speaks to the quality and professionalism of our volunteers.”

Just like the players, the volunteers running these programs work to improve them each year with the goal of maximizing the players’ experience.  In 2013, the team embarked on four major initiatives. Registration was redesigned to simplify the process for participants while also improving the way the information is handled on the back end. The programs’ branding and communications were bolstered through partnerships with Reebok/CCM and Fox Sports North. A parent/player education summit was introduced during the Final 54 weekend, and the HP 14/15 Fall Festival was launched.

As this Reebok HP season finishes up, three things we know for sure.  Community-based hockey in Minnesota continues to thrive.  The Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance programs are a fantastic platform for players to make the transition from youth hockey, which is mainly focused on building a passion for the game and having fun, to the more competitive, performance driven levels of hockey. Lastly, we can’t wait to see what the 2014 Reebok High Performance season will bring.

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"They were good. I liked them a lot. I think they helped me a lot. They really put me on the radar I guess you could say. I made team Minnesota my 16 year. Then, I made my 17 year after that so I think it helped a lot." - Minnesota Wild 2013 draft pick Avery Peterson (Grand Rapids H.S.) on the HP Programs