Heartland Hockey Camp, nestled in the scenic Brainerd Lakes region of Minnesota, stands out as a unique hockey training facility. Inspired by the late Steve Jensen, a former US Olympian and NHL player, the camp has been dedicated to providing hockey players with exceptional training since 1985.
Heartland Hockey Camp is the only self-contained, privately-owned ice hockey camp in the world.
Unique Features and Facilities
Located on 80 acres in Deerwood, 120 miles north of the Twin Cities, Heartland offers more than just hockey training. The camp boasts 1,800 feet of lakeshore property on Portage Lake, surrounded by tall pine trees and rolling hills. In addition to the ice arena with a Jumbotron, dormitories, and weight rooms, campers can enjoy:
- Newly constructed off-ice training center, featuring 4,464 sq. ft.
- Mini golf
- Tennis
- Guided fishing excursions
- Supervised water activities including swimming, boating, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and a 100-foot water slide
According to Jensen, Heartland has pioneered the idea of father-son and mom-and-daughter camps, where young kids come to camp with their parents and enjoy the experience together. Parents and kids share ice time together if their skill levels sync up, but it’s not unusual to see Mom or Dad playing 18 holes while the kids are skating.
Coaching Staff and Training
Heartland Hockey Camp prides itself on its world-class coaching staff, dedicated to providing campers with motivated, energetic, and successful mentors. The coaches bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise, and commitment to each training session.
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The skating levels at the camp range widely. The Advanced group included players ranging from those aspiring to Div 1 college or semi-pro leagues to those with several years of experience but without formal coaching. The Beginner group had real newbies, while the B group consisted of people who knew how to skate but needed improvement in stickhandling and awareness.
Several former NHL players have made appearances at Heartland Hockey Camp, serving as instructors. Shawn Chambers made a one-day appearance, while Tom Younghans and Joe Baker were there most of the week. Tom Younghans, in particular, was noted for being friendly, talkative, and a great coach.
Personal Experiences and Improvements
Many campers have reported significant improvements in their skating and game awareness over the course of the week. Backwards transitions, in particular, are often cited as an area of improvement. The video review sessions, where coaches break down footage of scrimmages, are a favorite part of the camp.
One reviewer noted, "My skating improved quite a bit over the course of the week; backwards transitions in particular are something I'm much better at, and I feel like I'm thinking the game a bit better as well. The video review sessions (where the coaches would break down video of our scrimmage from the night before) were one of my favorite parts of the week."
Jensen credits much of Heartland’s success to his wife, Sandy. “We as a pair are probably the best camp-owners-slash-hands-on-directors you’ll find in the hockey camp industry,” he says.
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Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from individuals who have experienced Heartland Hockey Camp:
- "Heartland Hockey Camp is a very special place to me where elite hockey meets fun. Not only did I grow as a player, but as a person as well. The values I have learned at this camp will stick with me for the rest of my life."
- "One of the best experiences I've had in my life was taking my son, Jaden, to the Heartland Hockey Camp, in Minnesota. It's a boy's dream - all mud and smells and mosquitos. But they have a great rink, for 7 days, fathers skate with their sons. You live in a dorm with them."
- "I have been coaching at Heartland Hockey Camp for over two decades and I've thoroughly enjoyed every experience... Our family is grateful to have had HHC be an impactful and lasting part of our lives and we look forward to many new experiences in the summers to come."
These testimonials highlight the unique blend of hockey training, personal growth, and family bonding that Heartland Hockey Camp offers.
Financials and Sustainability
Heartland Hockey Camp generates annual revenues of $1.2 million despite being open only 10 weeks a year. Jensen notes that their revenue exceeds what many rinks generate in an entire year, thanks to their commitment to quality and unique offerings.
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