120 of Minnesota’s top 14 year olds checked into the dorms at St. Cloud State University for a full week of development as both a hockey player and a young man. Program director, Jacob Mars opened the Player and Parent Summit following the check in’s by saying, “This is an opportunity all 120 of you, as well as your parents should be very proud of. For many of you, this is the first time someone from your hometown has made it this far in our HP Program.” Mars later went on to stress the importance of keeping your spot in the highly competitive and renown HP program. “Out of the 450 players who tried out for this program, we are left with this group of 120… It is up to you to earn and keep your spot as you progress through this program.”
Following the introduction to camp, the 14’s bid their farewell’s to family members and made their way to the locker rooms and ice for focus groups and skills competitions through CCM. Players learned about the latest and greatest in CCM Hockey technology. From skates to sticks to helmets, the players learned why CCM is currently the most widely used brand for hockey gear across all levels around the world.
Players had the opportunity to try on pro-grade goalie equipment and have their feet scanned for custom fitting skates. The 14’s also made their way to the CCM Performance Lab that was flown into St. Cloud for Toronto, just for this week’s festivities. In the Performance Lab, each player had the ability to have their shot analyzed in front of slow motion cameras from experts at CCM. Also, each player had the opportunity to participate in a stickhandling challenge for the chance to win a free stick.
After the ooh’s and ah’s of seeing everything CCM has to offer for apparel and equipment needs, the 14’s began their practice sessions at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Practice plans are customized and built by coaches and counselors who have played, or are currently playing at the NCAA Division I level and professional levels.
After a full day of working out in the arena, the teams made their way to Husky Stadium for team building and dry land work by playing hand ball.
Games will begin for the 14’s on Monday at 1:30 when Sky Blue takes on Gold for the first game of the week. Green and White will follow at 3:15 while Red and Royal Blue will play in the night cap at 5:00. All games on Monday will be played on the practice rink at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.
Follow along on Twitter @MinnHockeyHP with the hashtag, #14BoysCamp for in-game updates, footage and news.