Spring Hockey

Minnesota is known as the "State of Hockey". Like all sports, many more youth are specializing in sport at a younger age and can play year round. Hockey is no different, especially in MN where kids can play every month of the year and practically every weekend. Even though Jens and Jon, the hockey players in the family, will play in all four "seasons" we have had the kids try to do as many different activities as possible. With ice coming off the Detroit Lakes arena early March, there isn't possibility to skate locally outside of the winter season and the one month in the summer. Jens and Jon will skate in different towns now and then with Jens in something more organized in Moorhead 1-2 days a week during the spring.

Jon in tennis match this spring for DLHS.

Jens did two tourneys this spring with the last tourney in St Clouds with mostly DL kids. After a tie in the first game, they won their next three to take the championship in their division. Fun weekend for the kids and good memories and experience.

I always enjoy the spring and summer tourneys, seeing all the different teams and new jerseys etc. Whales in the Red River?!?! Good stuff.

Success on the penalty shots.








As kids get older like Jon, the summer tournaments pretty much come to an end. Most kids in his birth year and older are either doing prospect camps or getting ready for the next season which will begin in the fall. Jon did the High Performance program with MN Hockey this spring, making it to the Final 54. He will be doing a few NA camps and one USHL tour this summer before joining a fall HS league before the HS season.

It seems like there will be time in between games but it always goes by fast. The bike is always along and this past weekend hooked up with a fellow DL hockey dad for morning rides and also took my niece Madeline out for a bike path ride along the river. We saw two monkey butts and discovered Max the dog is also known as a F'n Chicken Billy Bob boy. Entertaining ride, all good, love it.

Family support. Always appreciate the ability to stay with family during the weekends.

Mr Hockey aka Crazy Dave. Runs Northland Hockey, managing multiple tournaments and has put together over 20 teams at 6-7 age levels. That's over  100 teams to keep track of!  Yes, Triple A hockey has become watered down but gives the opportunity for that many more kids as well. Personally I like the spring and summer hockey better. Less drama, kids are more relaxed, having fun and developing the skill set along the way.