Return to Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Arena
Today I traveled to Grand Rapids, Minnesota to conduct a goalie coaching clinic for coaches from various associations within Minnesota Hockey’s District 12. We spent an hour in the classroom discussing ways the coaches can break out of their comfort zone and provide goalie instruction during practices.
The group also went on the ice and learned first-hand what its like to skate and move like a goalie.
A couple young goalies demonstrated various goalie-specific movements, save techniques and drills. Then the coaches got to try to few of the skating/movement techniques. It was a good two-hour session, lots of excellent questions, coaches learning ways to help their goalies.
On a side note, today’s clinic marked the first time I was back in the Grand Rapids Arena since my high school days. I played for Edina-East and during my junior year we traveled to Grand Rapids to play the Indians, as they were known back then. (They are now called the Thunderhawks).
GR was the defending state champions and featured a star-studded line-up that included players like University of Minnesota Coach Don Lucia. I remembered what a classic arena the Grand Rapids facility was with all the banners hanging from the wooden rafters.
It brought back memories of how full the stands were during our game as fans packed into the arena the see the match-up between the Hornets and Indians. I also remember taking a puck in the head during the game that knocked me silly for a bit and caused a stoppage in play. We ended up winning the non-conference thriller 5-4 in overtime.
Grand Rapids captured their second straight state high school title a few months later. By the way, the championship team photo is hanging in the arena, complete with the names of players and coaches, and scores from the regular season, playoffs and state tournament. The also have pictures of some of their former greats on display like former North Star goalie Jon Casey and Olympian Bill Baker.
It was fun revisiting the site of one of the most memorable games I played in during my high school career.
