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Always playing up Young Minnesota Wildcats will take on anyone, anywhere, anytime Pirates running a tight ship Portland A, B teams working closely to create true junior pipeline Page 2 • December 2008 December 2008 • Page 3 USA Junior Hockey Magazine (019-181) is published Monthly by Hockey Media Group, 360 West St, Duxbury MA 02332. Periodicals postage paid at Duxbury MA and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: PO Box 963, Duxbury MA 02331 UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling Tel: 781-934-5888 • Fax: 781-934-5878 • E-Mail: [email protected] Subscription Rates: $34.95 USD • Single Copy: $3.95 USD Mail subscriptions to: P.O. Box 279, Max Meadows, VA 24360 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Subscriptions are non-refundable Joshua Boyd REPORT AN ERROR IMMEDIATELY E-mail: USA Junior Hockey will not be responsible for more than one incorrect [email protected] insertion. 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Promotional Code: EJHM Page 4 • December 2008 Always playing up Young Minnesota Wildcats will take on anyone, anywhere, anytime By Joshua Boyd By focusing on improvement and by playing against better teams, the The Minnesota Wildcats just want to organization is able to rapidly accelerate play the best teams they can as often as the progress of individual athletes. The possible. goal is to move players up to the next What better way to prepare one of the level – either the North American youngest Tier-3 Jr. A teams in the Hockey League (Tier-2 Jr. A) or the country for play at a higher level? United States (Tier-1 Jr. A) Hockey “When we play non-league games, League. we’re often playing against college teams “Time can either be the athletes’ with 21-or 22-year-old freshmen who friend or enemy,” said head coach Stu have played Tier-2 hockey,” said Grant Ronsberg. “Attracting the younger McGinnis, director of player athlete has multiple benefits in terms of development for the Minnesota Junior player development, from continuity in Hockey League franchise. “It’s a training methods to sustaining intense challenge.” and consistent long-term competition.” The difference, of course, is that the The 2008-09 Wildcats team has Minnesota Wildcats are pitting their 15-, players born in 1990, 1991 and 1992, 16- and 17-year-old athletes against athletes who still have significant time to much older, more seasoned competitors. further develop their game and make it to In league play, the opposing lineup is the next level. comprised primarily of 16-to 18-year- of scouts and via the team Web site. most often composed of players who are “We’ve got players in their third year olds with a handful of 19-and 20-year- “This is a great opportunity for the 19 or 20. “We always undertake a ‘play of juniors and they’re still in high olds for leadership roles.. type of athlete that fits our profile,” up’ strategy,” said defensive coach Jim school,” said goalie coach Cal Ballard. “As a coaching staff we have had McGinnis said. “They will get better in Stejskal. “Minnesota high school hockey is the success with athletes who have chosen every aspect of the game and they’ll The former St. Louis Lightning most popular approach around here, but the ‘always play up’ model,” Ronsberg mature off the ice, too. It’s incredibly franchise – now based in the Twin Cities it’s no secret that the more promising said. “When they move up to the next exciting to watch players get better and suburb of Maple Grove – is not only players go to the National Team level they are ready. And we see other move on. That’s what we’re all about.” operating under a new name and Development Program, the NAHL or programs such as the NTPD having Interested players and their families management team but an entirely USHL – at least for their senior year of success, as well. We’re not suggesting can learn more about the Minnesota different mission, as well. Make no high school. For the young, promising that we’re the next NTDP but we are a Wildcats program and 2009 tryouts at mistake, the Wildcats’ athletes play to player who isn’t willing to leave home more convenient option for Minnesota www.wildcatsjrhockey.com. Players may win, but to the coaching staff, wins and yet but is looking for something different kids who want to play up. For a lot of contact the coaching staff via the Web losses are arbitrary. In their minds, it is then the traditional high school hockey them, it’s playing way up.” site. player development that is first and experience, we fill the void.” The Wildcats are constantly scouting foremost. The Wildcats’ model team is potential players, both through a network Meet the Wildcats A.J. Martini, D, game than high school hockey. really hard, but it’s paying off. Prior Lake, Minn. This is a great experience.” Everything happens so much 6-3, 220. faster at this level and the players are bigger and stronger. You can’t This 18-year-old is in his third A A A A A A help but get better playing season of junior hockey. against better competition every “With my physical brand of play, Shane Fabian, F, day.” if I would have played high Savage, Minn. school hockey, I probably would 5-6, 130. A A A A A A have spent whole games in the The former Shattuck-St. penalty box! This experience has Mary’s bantam turns 16 in Seth Ronsberg, F, forced me to become a more well- December midway through his rounded player. My decision- first season of junior hockey. Lake Elmo, Minn. making, puck skills and defensive 6-1, 190. play have gotten significantly “I like the challenge of playing 17-year-old is in his third better.” bigger, stronger players. I know season of junior hockey. this type of training is going to ensure me more opportunities for A A A A A A more success as I become older “I think it’s a blast playing with and bigger.” and against really good players from all over the world.