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ABOUT US
The Minnesota Ice Cougars AAA Hockey Club's goal is to Develop Intelligent Athletes with Grit.
OUR THREE PRINCIPLES ARE ACCOUNTABILITY, DISCIPLINE & LEADERSHIP
Ice Cougars players will receive instruction based upon core hockey skills. In addition, we emphasize the key details of how to make themselves, as well as their teammates, better on and off the ice.
Each player will be treated with respect. Every coach and player will be held to the highest standard of accountability
THREE PRINCIPLES OF MN ICE COUGARS:
|
Accountability
|
Discipline
|
Leadership
|
MN ICE COUGARS DISCIPLINE:
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Doing what you know is right even though something else that is easier is tempting.
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Ask yourself: “Are my actions making my teammates better?”
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Create the Habit of Discipline
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Knowledge: what to do
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Skill: how to do it
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Desire: understanding why it is important
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PRESENCE: YOUR ABILITY TO HAVE INFLUENCE OVER YOURSELF, OTHERS AND YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Five Elements That Will Cultivate a Strong Positive Presence:
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Body language: how you look
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Mood: how you feel
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Tone: how you sound
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Experience: what you’ve done
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Spirit: the energy you bring to a situation
Teams
Tournaments
Summer Clinics
2026 SUNDAY DEFENSIVE AWARENESS CLINIC - $375
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10 hrs of defensive specific training
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Offered to each player, forwards and defenseman
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Low player to coach ratio - 7:1 max
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All Female Staff
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Sunday Mornings
-
Visit HERE for additional details and to register
2026 Tuesday/Thursday DEFENSIVE AWARENESS CLINIC - $375
-
10 hrs of defensive specific training
-
Offered to each player, forwards and defenseman
-
Low player to coach ratio - 7:1 max
-
All Female Staff
-
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings.
-
Visit HERE for additional details and to register
2026 SUNDAY Shooting and Stickhandling Clinic - $375
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10 On ice practices
-
Professional all female staff
-
This clinic has been sold out the past 7 years. Register now to secure your spot.
-
Sunday Mornings
-
Visit: HERE for additional details
2026 Tuesday/ThursdayShooting and Stickhandling Clinic - $375
-
10 On ice practices
-
Professional all female staff
-
This clinic has been sold out the past 7 years. Register now to secure your spot.
-
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings.
-
Visit HERE for additional details
2026 7 Week Summer Training Program - $550
-
2 Skill Levels
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28 hours of training for only $19.5/h. GREAT VALUE
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5th year program
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Professional all female staff
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Monday and Wednesday mornings at Richfield
-
Visit HERE for additional details
2026 Mentorship Games - $299
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10 hrs of games
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6th year program
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Professional all female staff
-
PWHL and NCAA female mentors on the ice
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Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Breck and Richfield
-
Visit: HERE for additional details and to register
2026 Shooting and Stickhandling Clinic
This offensive-minded specialty program will be offered to each player, forwards and defenseman. This clinic designed for players who are serious about taking their stick-handling and shooting abilities to the next level.
During the stickhandling portion students will be taught a variety of moves, fakes and dekes using proven techniques and methods. Each student will receive plenty of repetitions in order to learn each stickhandling pattern and right shooting technique. Also only high quality coaches will be coaching the players.
During this clinic these shooting techniques will be taught: slap shot, wrist shot, snap shot, backhands, one timers, and shooting under pressure. While we do drills our focus will be: Power, quick release, accuracy, shooting off a fake, goal scoring. We will encourage our players to try new things to make their shots more powerful and accurate.
Most of the sessions will be run by Finnish Olympic Medalist, Mira Jalosuo and NCAA coaches/players.
Details:
-
10 Sessions in the Summer!
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Players will work in small groups within their age/ability level
-
Maximum of 15 players per group
-
Cost $375
-
The program will fill up quickly!
-
To Register Tuesday/Thursday Clinic: Click HERE
-
To Register Sunday Clinic: Click HERE
Schedule Tuesdays/Thursdays at Richfield:
|
Date |
Start |
End |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/2 |
6:15 |
7:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/4 |
6:15 |
7:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/9 |
6:15 |
7:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/11 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/16 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/18 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/23 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/25 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/30 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/7 |
6:30 |
7:30 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Richfield 2 |
Sunday Clinic Schedule:
|
Date |
Start |
End |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/7 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
6/14 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
6/21 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
6/28 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
7/12 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
7/19 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
7/26 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
8/2 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
8/9 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
|
8/16 |
10:15 |
11:15 |
1 |
Shooting/Stickhandling |
Breck |
2026 Defensive Awareness Clinic
This defensive-minded specialty program will be offered to each player, defenseman and forwards.
Much attention is placed on offensive skills as well since defensemen are a big part of team’s offence.
Each player will be taught what to do without the puck, with the puck, and how gain possession of the
puck. Every drill at the clinic will be performed at game speed and all the players will be pushed out of
their comfort zone.
Most of the sessions will be run by Finnish Olympic Medalist, Mira Jalosuo and NCAA
coaches/players.
Details:
-
10 Sessions in the Summer!
-
Players will work in small groups within their age/ability level
-
Maximum of 15 players per group
-
Cost $375
-
The program will fill up quickly!
-
To Register Tuesday/Thursday Clinic: Click HERE
-
To Register Sunday Clinic: Click HERE
Schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays at Richfield):
|
Date |
Start |
End |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/2 |
5:00 |
6:00 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/4 |
5:00 |
6:00 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/9 |
5:00 |
6:00 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/11 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/16 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/18 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/23 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/25 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/30 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Extra D Clinic |
Richfield 2 |
Sunday Clinic Schedule:
|
Date |
Start (AM) |
End (AM) |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/7 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
6/14 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
6/21 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
6/28 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
7/12 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
7/19 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
7/26 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
8/2 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
8/9 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
|
8/16 |
9:00 |
10:00 |
1 |
D Clinic |
Breck |
Points of Emphasis:
Skating:
-
Each practice we will spend 10-15 minutes to teach the mechanics of defensive skating.
Gap Control:
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Much attention is placed on eliminating space since gap control is one of the most important and hardest aspects of playing defense.
Angling
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As a defenseman you want to control what the forwards do with the puck. The key thing is to force the puck carrier to the wall and not let them take shots. The proper technique to do this is taught during this clinic
Stickhandling
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Defensemen also have to be able to stickhandle in order to make good breakout passes, join offensive rushes, create space, etc. Stickhandling skills will be improved during this camp as well.
Offensive skills
-
Much attention is placed on offensive skills. A lot of defensemen have a great shot but once they run out of time and space they are not able to use their shot. Tips will be given how to create more time and space on the blue line and also when to drive to the net.
Game Situations
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Players will be placed into game like situations and will be taught proper techniques to play each
situation (1vs1, 2vs1, 3vs1, 3vs2 etc.). Players will be forced to think and react at a game speed. Also
much attention is placed to teach offensive and transitional skills.
Shot Blocking
-
Proper technique to block spot is taught during this camp since every time you block a shot is a chance
to create offence and also it is important learn how to safely do it.
Net Front Coverage
-
I teach defenseman to always block shots and stand between the player who is shooting the puck and the player who is screening the goalie. The reason why we do it differently than most training programs is pretty simple. First, defenseman should not be afraid to take bruises. Second, if for some reason the puck hits the goalie the rebound is never right in front of the goalie and the defenseman will have enough time to react. Third, when the defenseman blocks the shot we have a chance to create odd man rush since one of their players is outside the game.
Proper Contact Protocol
-
Huge part of defensive game is body contact. Defenseman has to be able to win corner battles, battles in front of the net etc. Also body contact skills make defensemen to play with more confidence. I am going to teach players proper checking technique how not to get penalties and how gain possession of the puck.
2026 Mentorship Games
Fifth ANNUAL CLINIC!
"Inspired Mentor Driven 3v3 Hockey in a High Accountability Culture" Passion, Grit and Creativity are contagious. These 3 habits are consistently present in the best hockey players. One of the most effective ways to create great habits is to see these behaviors being executed by someone you admire and respect. Their habits inspire you to be your best!!!
Players will be grouped into 4 teams with 6-9 players per team (different teams each week). Each team will be assigned a Player Mentor. Our mentors will be comprised of current Division 1 NCAA, PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League), and Division 3 NCAA players.. These role models will take shifts in the 3v3 games to lead by example and show the skills we want our youth players creating as habits. In addition to passion and grit, a few key skills our mentors will demonstrate will be consistent communication, puck support and how to play effectively without the puck. When the mentor's shift is done she will act as a coach to review key points, monitor shift lengths and ensure all players are communicating to keep spirits high during our intense games. Here are the details…
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10 Sessions in the Summer!
-
Players will work in small groups within their age/ability level
-
Maximum of 36 players per group (9 skaters/team)
-
Cost $299
-
The program will fill up quickly!
-
To Register: Click HERE
Schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays at Richfield):
|
Date |
Start |
End |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/2 |
5:00 |
6:00 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/4 |
5:00 |
6:00 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/9 |
5:00 |
6:00 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/11 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/16 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/18 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/23 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/25 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/30 |
5:15 |
6:15 |
1 |
Mentorship Games |
Richfield 2 |
7 Week Summer Training Program Richfield
The Summer Training Program is a complete off-season training program. 7 weeks (Mondays and Wednesdays) of on ice and off ice training 6/8-7/29/2026. The training program offers a comprehensive and systematic plan for the development of the participant’s technical, tactical, and physical hockey skills. Summary of details below:
-
Ice sessions will be divided up into three segments: 25 min skating, 25 min individual skills, and 10 minutes of small area games
-
Skating development plan:
o Edge work forwards
o Backwards edge work
o Crossovers forwards
o Crossovers backwards
o Stride forwards
o Stride backwards
o Stops and Starts
o Powerturns
o Transitions
o Changing speeds
-
Individual Skills Plan:
o Shooting basics&shooting in-stride
o Shooting off-pass
o Stickhandling
o Shooting one-timers (U12 and up)
o Puck control
o Passing with feet moving
o Passing one touch
o Puck protection
o Puck patience
o Reading plays
o Decision making
o Tips/screens
o Understick handling
o Angling body contact
o Battle/competition
o Pucks off walls/awareness on boards
-
Off Ice Training will focus on: Speed, endurance, strength, and agility
-
Players will work in small groups within their age/ability level
-
Maximum of 15 players per group
-
Cost $550
-
Program will fill up quickly!
-
To Register: Click HERE
U15/HS Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, off ice 8:15am-9:15am, on ice 9:30am-10:30am
U10/U12 Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, off ice 9:30am-10:30am, on ice 10:45am-11:45am
U10/U12 Schedule:
|
Date |
Start (AM) |
End (AM) |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/8 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/8 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/10 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/10 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/15 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/15 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/17 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/17 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/22 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/22 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/24 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/24 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/29 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/29 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/8 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/8 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/13 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/13 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/15 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/15 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/20 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/20 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/22 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/22 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/27 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/27 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/29 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/29 |
10:45 |
11:45 |
1 |
IC STP U10/U12 on ice |
Richfield 2 |
U15/HS Schedule:
|
Date |
Start (AM) |
End (AM) |
Hours |
Practice Team |
Rink |
|
6/8 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/8 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/10 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/10 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/15 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/15 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/17 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/17 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/22 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/22 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/24 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/24 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
6/29 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
6/29 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/8 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/8 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/13 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/13 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/15 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/15 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/20 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/20 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/22 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/22 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/27 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/27 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
|
7/29 |
8:15 |
9:15 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS off ice |
Richfield |
|
7/29 |
9:30 |
10:30 |
1 |
IC STP U15/HS on ice |
Richfield 2 |
Fall Clinics
MN Ice Cougars are excited to announce our 8th annual programs to get players ready for their winter association tryouts. We will offer three different options to prepare for the tryouts: 5 week pre-tryout training, OS Fall league (U15 & HS), and a combo (U15 & HS).
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5 Week Pre-Tryout Clinic- $350
- 2 Skill Levels
- 10 On ice practices
- Professional all female staff
- All the drills will be performed at game speed -> Overspeed drills
OS Fall League (U15 & HS only) - $249
- 2 Skill levels
- 10 Games against top teams in the Twin Cities
- Professional all female staff
- Schedule coming in August
5 Week Pre-Tryout Clinic and OS Fall League Combo (U15 & HS only)- $529
- 10 High tempo on ice practices
- 10 Games against top teams
Tryouts
2026 MN Ice Cougars AAA Program Information/Tryouts
Limited spots available. Open for individual evaluations - Reach out to Mira or Mikayla to inquire.
- Spring season: Early April until Memorial Day
- Fall season: Mid July through August
- Great for multi-sport athletes, those that want a break or those that choose to do other things outside the rink.
- Mission: To develop intelligent athletes with grit.
- Vision: This program will provide an intense, challenging and positive environment for dedicated players to develop hockey and leadership skills.
- Principles: Accountability, Tenacity and Passion. Ice Cougar players will receive instruction based upon the core hockey skills. In addition, we emphasize the key details of how to make their teammates better on and off the ice. Each player will be treated with respect. Every coach and player will be held to the highest standard of accountability
- Staff: We are very proud to employ an all female coaching staff.
- Convenience practice locations.
- Practice plans: Each practice will focus on developing skills and teaching players how to utilize those skills in the game!
- Opportunities to travel out of State and Europe
More info including coaches, cost, amount of ice, etc. will be given at the tryout session. In the meantime if you have any questions or you want to refer a player do not hesitate to contact Mira at mjalosuo@playhockey.com
Times:
| Date | Start | End | Hours | Practice Team | Rink |
| 9/7/2025 | 11:15 | 12:45 | 1.5 | U8/U10 Tryouts West | Breck |
| 9/7/2025 | 1:00 | 2:30 | 1.5 | U12 Tryouts West | Breck |
| 9/7/2025 | 2:45 | 4:15 | 1.5 | U14 Tryouts West | Breck |
| 9/7/2025 | 4:30 | 6:00 | 1.5 | U16 Tryouts West | Breck |
| 9/9/2025 | 4:45 | 6:00 | 1.25 | U8/U10 Tryouts South | Eagan East |
| 9/9/2025 | 6:15 | 7:30 | 1.25 | U12 Tryouts South | Eagan East |
| 9/9/2025 | 7:45 | 9:00 | 1.25 | U14/U16 Tryouts South | Eagan East |
2026 GIRL'S DIVISION BIRTH YEARS
8U = 2018 and 2017 Birth Years
10U = 2016 and 2015 Birth Years
12U = 2014 and 2013 Birth Years
14U = 2012 and 2011 Birth Years
16U = 2010 and 2009 Birth Years
19U = 2008, 2007 & 2006 Birth Years
Staff
We are very proud to employ an all-female coaching staff. We are poised to change the landscape not just for current Coaches, but also for the next generation of aspiring female Coaches.
Kayla Chillstrom - Current St. Olaf assistant coach
Annika Peterson - Former St. Olaf player
Annie Juergensen - Former Augsburg University player, Current Centennial Varsity assistant coach
Anna Schmidt - Former St. Michael HS Player
Lindsay Czech - Current University of Minnesota Duluth player
Jordan Hanson - Current Hamline University Player
Sam Hanson - Former UND collegiate player and former PWHPA player
Taylor Curtis - Former Syracuse college player. Former Hamline University college player
Samantha Lackman - Current St. Kates collegiate player. Three years of coaching experience with the MN Ice Cougars
DEVENIR GOALTENDERS - MN Ice Cougars is partnered with Devenir Goaltending to provide goalie-specific training throughout our practices. Learn More.
Mira JalosuoMira grew up playing boys youth hockey in Lieksa, Finland. In 9th grade, Mira was recruited to play in the Finnish women’s national league. While she was still in high school, she played for Oulu Kärpät women’s team and won two silver and two bronze medals. She also won several individual awards while playing in the Finnish women’s national league.
After graduating high school, Mira went on to play college hockey for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. During her four seasons playing for the Gophers, she won two National Championships (2012 and 2013). She graduated from the University of Minnesota in the August of 2013 and went on to play two years of professional hockey in Russia. In that short period of time Mira went on to win a National Championship in 2014 and European Cup in 2015. She was also selected as the best defender of the European Cup tournament. 2015-2016 Mira played for the Minnesota WhiteCaps and got recruited to go play the playoffs in Sweden where she won the Swedish League championship. 2016-2017 season Mira played for Oulu Kärpät women’s team and won the Finnish League championship and was selected as the MVP of the playoffs. Mira has been a member of the Finnish National team since 2004, and has over 150 games in international play. She has participated in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and 2018 Olympic Games where she won bronze with Team Finland. She also has played nine times in the IIHF Women’s World Championships, winning five bronze medals in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2017.
Along with Mira’s playing experience she brings a wealth of coaching experience to Minnesota Ice Cougars. In 2013, Mira began working with the Minnesota Icemen and Ice Cougars AAA program as a player mentor. In 2014, Jalosuo was selected as the head coach for the U16 and U12 Minnesota Ice Cougars AAA program and she was also a Defensive Coordinator for the same program.
Currently she is coaching at D1 level at St.Cloud State University and is also MN Region PWHPA Assistant Coach. Prior to her time at St.Cloud, Jalosuo had served as a head coach for Stillwater HS where she led the team to a State Tournament 2020. Before that she was an assistant coach for Hamline University and the Wayzata High School program 2015-2018. She also coached with the Stillwater Area Hockey Association, leading the U12A team to a 42-6-2 record in 2018-19. Mira has coached and worked with many players over the past three years helping students learn and improve their hockey skills. Over the years Mira has developed an ability to work effectively with players of all ages and backgrounds.
Kayla ChilstromEast Director
Hockey playing experience;
Kayla Chilstrom is in her second season as an assistant coach for the St. Olaf women's hockey program in 2021-22 after joining head coach Tracy Johnson's staff on Sept. 4, 2020.
A former NCAA Division III student-athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Chilstrom joined Johnson’s staff following four seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater. St. Olaf did not compete in any games during Chilstrom's first season of 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Chilstrom’s four seasons on staff at UW-Superior, the Yellowjackets won 50 games and appeared in the semifinals of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship each season. This past season, UW-Superior went 17-8-2, with victories over No. 7 UW-River Falls and No. 4 Gustavus, and received votes in the USCHO.com national rankings on two occasions.
Chilstrom has also served as an instructor at the Scott Bjugstad Shooting School and as a player development coach for the Minnesota Ice Cougars. Prior to returning to her alma mater as an assistant coach, Chilstrom was an assistant coach at Superior High School for five seasons before being elevated to head coach for the 2016-17 season.
As a student-athlete at UW-Superior, Chilstrom helped the Yellowjackets to their first-ever appearance in the national semifinals in 2007-08 and a Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) conference title that same year. In 102 career games on the blue line, Chilstrom accumulated 38 points on 11 goals and 27 assists while the Yellowjackets went 71-31-12 (.675).
-Coaching quote
"Popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, and in the same oil, yet the kernels do not all pop at the same time. Do not compare yourself to others. Your turn to pop is coming."
As a coach, Sam Hanson is starting her fourth year with the Minnesota Ice Cougars. This past season she was the Assistant Coach for the MN Ice Cougars U19 traveling team and was the Skills Coach for Academy of Holy Angles girl’s high school . Perviously assisted with Hockey Gymnasium training on and off the ice in Leksand, Sweden.
Former professional hockey player. Hanson played four years professionally between the PWHPA, KRS Vankee Rays (Russia), and Leksands IF (Sweden) where she was a captain.
Her collegiate career was played at the University of North Dakota. She played her youth and high school hockey for White Bear Lake.
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