Former Camper and His Thoughts

Subject: A very thankful camper

Minnesota Hockey Camp Staff,

As a young hockey player I began attending Minnesota Hockey Camps to improve on my goal-tending technique. As I got older I returned to hone my technique and build my athleticism.

Near the end of my five year summer pilgrimage, the trip was merely to reunite with friends and respected mentors. Since the end of my high school education and hockey career in 2007 I have not returned to the beautiful camp in the woods I loved so much. Instead I turned my sights to a different pursuit; college. I entered with a goal in mind; to apply and be accepted in to veterinary medical school in three years,(opposed to the typical four). This past February (my junior year of college) I received an acceptance letter from the University of Wisconsin Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine. I accomplished my goal knowing four years from now I will enter the career and lifestyle of my dreams as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Reflecting on the past to learn and prepare for the future I examined the summers I spent sweating, bruised, and exhausted and realize what I really learned from Minnesota Hockey Camps. The lessons that counted the most did not involve hockey; instead they taught hard work, goal setting, persistence, passion, self critiquing and so many more qualities which develop not just good hockey players, but good people.

Now I appreciate these lessons and continually try to analyze myself with respect to these lessons just as I did every week filling in numbers on a pyramid. These lessons have been keystones in my pursuits and will continue to influence me for years to come. In saying this I would like to thank all of the camp counselors, coaches, dinning, maintenance, and cleaning staff with which I interacted with during my stays at Minnesota Hockey Camps, special notation going to Chuck Whalen, and Toby Kvalevog; two great goalie coaches and one really great fisherman.

I would also like to give a special thanks to the Grillo family, Chuck and Clairene, for their foundation of a phenomenal camp; and Rob, Carol, Dean ("Deano"), and Carrie for carrying on a legacy of great hockey and great development. Thank you all for your passion and the great experiences which have helped, and will continue to help, me develop into the person I am; and the person I want to become. -Kevin Kicker