Off-Season Opportunities
Please note
River Lakes Youth Hockey Association does not endorse or recommend any particular program, camp, clinic, or provider listed on this page. These options are shared for informational purposes only. Whether to participate in any off-season activity — and which ones — is strictly up to each individual family. Families are responsible for doing their own research on any program before enrolling. Families are also responsible for registering, paying, and communicating directly with each program or provider.
A healthy off-season
Development doesn't stop when the season ends — but neither should the fun. The off-season is a great time for players to sharpen their skills, build strength and speed, and simply enjoy the game at their own pace. It's also a great time to play other sports and take a real break. A balanced off-season keeps kids healthy, motivated, and excited to lace up again in the fall.
Below you'll find a range of options, from organized camps and clinics to various summer teams and much more.
Threat AAA Team
Various age levels with 8 to 10 practices and three to four tournaments throughout March April and August September
Location: St. Cloud/Paynesville
Simply Defense
Skills camps St. Cloud, MN
Trois Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning program for various levels and various sports
Location: St. Cloud
Day One Strength and Conditioning Program
Strength and conditioning program for various levels and various sports
Location: St. John's U
Central MN Stars AAA Team
Various age levels with practices and tournaments throughout March April May June July August September
Location: St. Cloud
Stinger AAA team
Various age levels with practices and tournaments throughout March April May June July August September
Central MN Development Program
Skills camps Sartell, MN
One Way AAA team
Various age levels with practices and tournaments throughout March April May June July August September.
Location: Willmar
Spencer Meier Hockey Camp
Skills camps Sartell, MN
Little Wild
Geared toward new (younger) skaters sponsored through the Minnesota Wild
Locations: various
Elite Stars Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning program for various levels and various sports
Location: Paynesville
River Lakes Floor/Street Hockey
Runs throughout summer, geared toward younger skaters.
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Not sure what's right for your player?
A quick guide by age:
- Younger players (Mite / Squirt): Keep it fun. Fundamentals, free play, and other sports matter more than intensive training. Skating and stickhandling are the priorities.
- Middle levels (Peewee): A good time to add structured skills clinics and light off-ice work, while still keeping plenty of unstructured play.
- Older players (Bantam and up): More structured skills, conditioning, and strength work become valuable — balanced with adequate rest.
When in doubt, talk with your player's coach about what would help most.
Questions?
For questions about off-season programs, contact [name / email]. For questions about any independently run camp or clinic, please reach out to that provider directly.