USA Hockey's Junior system serves as a filter for players moving up from AAA and prep/high school hockey on their way to college hockey and beyond. The Northern Lights staff recruit young men who want to find how to harness their power and potential as they chase down their dreams of playing hockey at a higher level and graduating from college with a four year degree. We have been to the USA Hockey National Tournament three of the past seven years and we're very proud to have our veterans advancing through the NCAA and ACHA college hockey ranks. Come learn what it means to be part of a hockey family, not just a team and see if our development program is a good fit for helping you reach your goals.

Our league and team has traditionally attracted players from the Minnesota Great 8 Tournament, top Tier I AAA programs from around the country, MN State High School Tournament, WI Senior Tournament, and high school captains. For next season we continue our quest to find top athletes who are serious about doing what it takes to improve and to achieve their dreams.
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RECRUITING: Our coaches will continue to sign players by rolling admission until they have selected their 25-man roster for 2012-13. Our staff attends camps, tournaments and typically holds two tryout camps to find the players they will invite to be part of our organization in the fall.
DRAFT: There is no draft in the MNJHL; likewise being drafted in any other league HAS NO BEARING on whether or not you can play for the Northern Lights. Those draft results only relate to a player who wished to play in THAT league.
TENDERS: Each team in the MNJHL is issued at least eight league tenders to assist in the recruiting process. By definition, a "tender" means that no other team in our league may continue to recruit you and you are committing to our team if you play in the MNJHL for the season. (If you make a USHL team for instance, this tender has no bearing and we will celebrate your opportunity with you). Although some teams do not, the Northern Lights organization formally commits that if you sign a tender with our team that you are GUARANTEED a spot on our roster in August. There is no draft in the MNJHL. Being drafted in any other league has no bearing on being able to participate in our league or on our team. Players who participated in other USAH leagues during 2011-12 are not bound to that league for 2012-2013.

PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS:
Here are the steps to successfully communicating with our staff your interest to join the Northern Lights:
1) Complete the online profile which forwards your contact information to our coaching/scouting staff.
2) Send an introduction email to northernlightshockey@juno.com with dates of showcases, camps, tournaments in which you will be participating. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to our scouts and coaches when you see them at camps. We've traditionally scouted the Minnesota Great 8, Wisconsin Senior Class Tournament,the EHK and Chicago Showcases along with several NAHL camps.
3) Attach (or send in another email) a personal profile document that highlights your stats, awards, academic goals etc. Three page max please.
4) Read our website and Navigating Junior Hockey blog (link below) so that you can make a more informed decision.
5) Talk with your parents about your goals and if this could be a good fit for helping you reach them.
6) Meet deadlines and follow directions. This includes completing the mandatory USA Hockey Online Registration (link below)
Check out this site for prospective players: Navigating Junior Hockey

LINK: MANDATORY USA HOCKEY ONLINE REGISTRATION

LINK: Online Profile Application
 

Continue to send online profiles. You will receive a phone call from the staff
regarding tryout openings.

Final Tryout (By Invitation): Tentative Tryout Dates 2012:
Tuesday July 31- Thursday August 2

2012 Report Date if you make the team:
Sunday August 26, 2011 2:30

BILLET/ HOST HOME PROGRAM
USA Hockey Requirements: The Team will assist its players by helping coordinate housing for those who are moving to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area. The following information is designed to help host families, players and their parents understand our housing policies, procedures, and expectations.

All housing arrangements for players on our Team must be approved by the the Team Housing Coordinator and the General Manager. Approved arrangements include (in the order of preference):
1) Living at home with parent/guardian
2) Extended family or family friends who are over 25 years old
2) Another player’s family
3) Team Approved “billet”/host family through Team Host Home Program
4) Temporary housing (two weeks to one month)
5) Emergency housing (few days to two weeks)
The Team attempts to place every player who does not already live in this area with a host family. Participation in this Host Home Program is a privilege rather than a right and is contingent on the following: 1) the player remaining on our Team in good standing 2) the player meeting the billet financial obligations and the expectations of the Host Home Program and 3) the availability of host families that are willing and able to meet the needs of our players.

Host Home Program Coordinator Responsibilities:
Recruit and interview potential host families
Provide information to host families and players families about the process of billeting an athlete
Conduct an in-house visit to ensure the adequacy of the housing space
Collect background information forms to be processed by Minnesota Hockey/USA Hockey
Conduct orientation session for all host families
Attempt to find the best fit when placing players with potential host families
Introduce host families to player (and his family when possible)
Conduct a face to face “pre-housing counseling” session to facilitate discussion about expectations
Collect and provide copies of League Agreement Part C paperwork to both parties
Promptly address expressed housing concerns from hosts, players and/or their families, staff
Maintain a detailed accounting record of financial transactions which is available upon request to the Team as well as the Commission and league accountant for periodic review.

Host Family Responsibilities:
Provide information for a criminal background check
Provide a safe, comfortable room with twin bed, closet/storage space and dresser
Provide access in home to do laundry, cook meals, and study (can be shared space)
Provide meals, left-overs or groceries for the player to prepare meals on his own unless
player is participating in Flex Spending Account
Offer a comfortable, nurturing, and loving family environment
Treat the player as a family guest not just a renter
Show respect for the player’s privacy. Always knock first when desiring to enter his room.
Demonstrate concern for the player’s academic and personal growth process
Ensure the player’s welfare while in their home
Discuss concerns when an issue arises rather than waiting for things to escalate
Initiate contact with the Host Home Coordinator &General Manager regarding housing issues and/or concerns


Player’s Responsibilities
At time of signing, provide one post-dated check per month ( to be deposited into the Host Home Program’s banking account on the 20th of each month for the upcoming month’s room and board)
Ensure that there are adequate funds available in player’s account for this monthly bank transaction.
The player will pay $350 for a shared bed room or $400 for a room that is not shared with another player.
Show gratefulness for the provision of room and board & the opportunity to be part of this family
Act as member of the family rather than a renter; keep living space clean and organized
Show respect for the family’s privacy
Show academic and personal growth, looking after his personal welfare
Maintain regular contact with the Host Home Coordinator; promptly share housing issues and/or concerns
Conduct himself in a mature manner with adequate self-discipline; meet policies & expectations of program
Represent the Team, himself, and his family with a positive manner
Try to maintain open communication with family members

FOR MORE DETAILS: Contact team office 952-888-4311

Contact us: northernlightshockey@juno.com or by phone at 952-888-4311 phone/fax
Gen. Manager: Ross Smith
Head Coach: Erik Largen
Assistant Coach Skill Development: Andy Wright