Bruins/Grizzlies Organization Announces Fall Development U16 and U18 Teams
Published on June 10, 2020 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Austin Bruins News Release
AUSTIN, Minn. - The Austin Bruins and Rochester Grizzlies have become the preeminent force for junior hockey in Southern Minnesota over the past couple years and now the two organizations are increasing their impact even more. Introducing the Southern Minnesota Bears U16 and U18 teams to begin play this year.
Running from August to October, these teams are perfect for high school students looking to get more ice time in a competitive setting with coaching from both the Rochester Grizzlies and Austin Bruins organizations. Coaching the program is Austin native Mike Notermann with his brothers as assistants. They'll also receive support from Grizzlies Head Coach Chris Ratzloff and Assistant Coach Mike Aikens, Bruins Head Coach Steve Howard, and Assistant Coaches Kenny Orlando and Keegan Asmundson.
"I'm very excited to join the [Bruins/Grizzlies] staff and give the kids in the area a chance to perform against very strong talent," said Head Coach Mike Notermann. "I'll really push them to compete every shift and to teach them that hard work is a talent. This is what I know separates the best players from the field."
Notermann brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to the program in both the junior and collegiate levels. After two seasons as a player in the USHL with Waterloo, Notermann played four seasons for St. Cloud State. He's also the father of former Austin Bruin and Minnesota Golden Gopher Luke Notermann.
Included in the program is 20 hours of instruction on Monday and Wednesday nights in Austin, as well as video sessions, and scrimmages for players to showcase their talents in a game-like setting.
"Our staff is really excited to work with some of the top high school players in southern Minnesota", said Austin Bruins Head Coach Steve Howard. "We feel it's important to provide on-ice training and exposure for future advancement. This is a great way for us to identify the best players in Southern Minnesota and nearby areas and give them some extra competition and instruction."
In addition to the weekly instruction, the Southern Minnesota Bears U16 and U18 teams will compete in three different tournaments throughout the state of Minnesota including the Wilderness Labor Day Tournament, and both the NAHL Showcase and NAPHL Showcases.
"With the old SME [Southern Minnesota Elite] program no longer operating, the Southern Minnesota Bears U16 and U18 program gives our local players a chance to fill some voids with additional instruction and competitive opportunities through the NAPHL showcases," said Rochester Grizzlies Head Coach Chris Ratzloff.
Players have the option of signing up for the full instruction including tournament participation or can opt-out of the tournaments while still enjoying the benefits of instruction from the devoted Bruins and Grizzlies coaches.
To get more information about becoming a Southern MN Bear, please email Rochester Grizzlies Head Coach Chris Ratzloff at chris@rochestergrizz.com. More information can also be found on the teams website by visiting www.austinbruins.com/u16u18. If your U16 or U18 player has dreams of playing in the NA3HL, NAHL, or beyond, get started today by enrolling on a Southern Minnesota Bears U16 or U18 Fall Development Team!
North American Hockey League Stories from June 10, 2020
- BBSG Announces "Black Bears Youth Hockey Foundation" - Maryland Black Bears
- Bruins/Grizzlies Organization Announces Fall Development U16 and U18 Teams - Austin Bruins
- Bickford Named Director of Player Personnel - Minnesota Magicians
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