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Transforming the team into the "Northern Lights"
The Smiths gained operating control of the South Suburban Steers Junior Hockey team in 2002 after Stephanie returned from volunteering at the Winter Olympics. They moved the hockey team to Bloomington, renamed it the Twin Cities Northern Lights, and began revamping the 501c3 nonprofit organization. Although the Smiths are the sole financiers of the team, neither Ross nor Stephanie have drawn any salary or income from the team, graciously volunteering their time for six seasons to keep the organization viable. The simply believe in this vision and are willing to invest themselves and their finances to make it happen.
Why did you decide to get involved in operating a team in the MNJHL?
I had been connected to the hockey family through my wife's sports medicine/strength & conditioning positions for nine years. Over that time, I had caught glimpses of how my background in business management could help implement the plans of a creative and driven junior team staff. Although the timing and reason for the opportunity caught us off guard, it has been a fun ride in my new responsibilities as we have collectively created the Northern Lights team.
What were your personal expectations for the team?
Although league standings at the end of the season is what drives most people, I had said that I would personally call our year a success when the players at the end of the season genuinely thank our staff for the investment in them as athletes and young men and that we'd helped them move closer to their longterm goals. I have been very pleased with the past six years and look forward to many more individual success stories with our veterans.
What are some of the goals of the Board of Directors?
-For the coaches to be able to drive the best out of each player & find ways to more effectively use what each player has to contribute.
-Consistently finish in the top half of the MNJHL.
-To make a strong showing during playoffs.
-To help make our players better all around athletes in speed, flexibility, cardio fitness, strength, and power.
-To establish a reputation for fast, physical, skilled, dedicated hockey players whom colleges and Junior A teams want to recruit and for moving players up throughout the season.
-To create a family friendly environment at our home games that the local community embraces as their home town hockey team.
-To establish long term relationships with youth hockey programs and find ways to use our influence for good within the hockey community.
Completely Random Facts
Ross grew up in the Hopkins School District before moving to Chantilly, Virginia for high school. After college he returned to Minnesota and two years later he and Stephanie married. They now they live in Bloomington with their son Caleb (born the 4th of July).
Favorite Color: Yellow
Ross never played organized hockey - he played baseball and track. At Southwest Baptist University, Ross ran track four years as a sprinter and set the 100 meter record which he held for 15 years.
Philosophy about the Team
"What the players do on the ice is just one part of their identity and their purpose. We want to prepare them to be men who will be successful in college, their careers, their family lives."
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