AAA PROGRAM

MINNESOTA ELITE HOCKEY

Spring / Summer AAA Season 2027

Minnesota Elite Hockey Development Model

Elite Development. Professional Instruction. Purpose-Driven Training.

At Minnesota Elite Hockey, our mission is simple: to develop complete hockey players—not just tournament teams.

Every practice, every drill, and every game is intentionally designed to develop elite skating, puck skills, hockey IQ, decision-making, and confidence. Our athletes are challenged to think the game, execute with purpose, and compete with discipline.

We believe player development comes before results. Winning is earned through preparation, accountability, and consistent improvement—not shortcuts. Our commitment is to provide every athlete with the professional coaching, modern instruction, and competitive environment necessary to maximize their long-term development.

Our Development Model

Our program is built around three core pillars that prepare athletes for long-term success both on and off the ice.

Professional Coaching

Our coaching staff provides hands-on instruction rooted in modern player development. Athletes receive continuous feedback throughout practices and games, ensuring every repetition has purpose and every shift becomes a valuable learning opportunity.

Our coaches don't simply run practices—they teach, evaluate, and develop players throughout the entire season.

Elite Individual Development

Every player receives age-appropriate, position-specific instruction designed to develop the complete athlete.

Our training curriculum includes:

• Elite powerskating

• Puck protection and body positioning

• Stickhandling and puck skills

• Shooting and scoring techniques

• Hockey IQ and decision-making

• Position-specific responsibilities

• Team systems and tactical execution

• Competitive habits and game performance

Our objective is to develop players who not only possess elite individual skills but also understand how to apply those skills effectively within a structured team environment.

Competitive Environment

Competition is an important component of player development, but it is never our primary objective.

Our tournament schedule provides athletes with opportunities to measure their progress, apply the concepts learned in practice, and compete against quality opponents while reinforcing team systems and game strategies. Development remains our standard.

Practice. Apply. Improve.

Player development doesn't end when practice is over. We expect every athlete to transfer the skills, habits, and concepts learned during practice directly into game situations. Throughout every game, our coaches provide real-time instruction, immediate corrections, and continuous teaching moments to reinforce proper habits, improve decision-making, and accelerate player development. Every shift becomes an opportunity to learn.

By coaching throughout both practices and games, we help players build confidence, accountability, consistency, and hockey IQ that will carry into their fall season and throughout their hockey careers.

Our Coaching Philosophy

We believe the greatest development occurs when athletes train in a challenging environment surrounded by teammates who share the same commitment to improvement.

Great coaching extends far beyond teaching drills. It is about helping players understand why decisions are made, how to execute under pressure, and what their responsibilities are within a structured team system.

Every athlete is expected to compete with intensity, communicate effectively, and contribute to the success of the team.

Our coaching staff consistently emphasizes:

• Individual skill development

• Game-realistic training

• Team systems and structure

• Hockey IQ and situational awareness

• Modern teaching methods and player development

• Accountability, leadership, and teamwork

What Makes Minnesota Elite Different

Minnesota Elite Hockey is committed to developing complete hockey players through professional instruction and a proven development model.

Our program emphasizes:

✔ Professional coaches who teach—not simply manage games

✔ High-repetition, high-tempo practices designed to maximize player development

✔ Position-specific instruction and clearly defined player responsibilities

✔ Real-time coaching and immediate in-game corrections

✔ Modern hockey systems, tactics, and game concepts

✔ Individual accountability within a team-first culture

✔ Long-term player development over short-term tournament success

Our goal is not simply to build better tournament teams—our goal is to build better hockey players.

Begin Your Reign

Build Your Game. Build Your Identity. Every athlete has strengths to build upon and areas for continued improvement.

Our responsibility is to provide each player with the technical skills, hockey IQ, discipline, and confidence needed to compete successfully at every level of the game.

The habits developed today become the foundation for tomorrow's success. This is more than another hockey season. It is the beginning of building your identity as a hockey player—one defined by preparation, accountability, discipline, and relentless improvement.

Train with purpose. Compete with confidence. Build your future.

AAA PROGRAM

Roster Limits. Each team roster is limited to 17 players, consisting of:

• 15 Skaters

• 2 Goalies

Each team may also carry up to five Practice Players, providing additional development opportunities throughout the season.

2027 Season Schedule

The 2027 Minnesota Elite Hockey season will run from April 5 through August 22, 2027, with a scheduled six-week break during June and July.

First Half

• April 5 – June 6, 2027

Second Half

• July 19 – August 22, 2027

Practices

Rink Locations. Primary Facility:

• Champlin Ice Forum / Alternate North Metro Facilities

Practice Schedule

Each team will receive:

• Two one-hour practices per week

• Up to 28 hours of on-ice instruction throughout the season

• Practice times scheduled on weekday evenings or weekend mornings/evenings

The complete practice schedule will be released in February 2027.

High-Tempo Practices

Developing Elite Performance. Every Minnesota Elite practice is designed to replicate the pace, intensity, and decision-making required during game situations.

Our practices combine elite skating development, advanced skill instruction, position-specific responsibilities, and team systems into a fast-paced, highly competitive learning environment. Athletes are expected to perform every drill at game speed while developing proper habits, execution, and hockey IQ.

Goalies are fully integrated into every practice and receive game-specific instruction through live repetitions and realistic scoring situations, ensuring their development progresses alongside the skaters.

Our objective is simple: create practice environments that prepare athletes to compete confidently during games.

Professional Hockey Staff

Elite Coaching for Long-Term Development. Minnesota Elite Hockey is led by an experienced professional coaching staff committed to developing complete hockey players.

Our focus extends beyond tournament success. We are dedicated to providing athletes with a clear developmental pathway while utilizing the latest coaching methods, training techniques, and player development strategies used throughout today's game.

Every coach is committed to providing high-level instruction, individualized feedback, and consistent mentorship throughout the season.

On-Ice Instruction

Individual skill development is the foundation of every practice. Each session begins with age-appropriate instruction designed to improve the technical abilities of every athlete. Players learn new concepts through detailed instruction before immediately applying those techniques during competitive, game-realistic situations.

We believe skills are only mastered when players repeatedly execute them under game conditions. Every drill is designed with the goal of creating direct transfer from practice to competition.

Individual Skill Development Includes:

• Elite powerskating

• Stickhandling and puck control

• Deception and deking techniques

• Puck protection

• Body positioning and checking fundamentals

• Shooting mechanics, accuracy, and quick release

Team Systems & Position-Specific Development

Individual skill is only one component of becoming a complete hockey player. Throughout the season, athletes will learn the responsibilities associated with their position while developing a thorough understanding of team systems and tactical execution.

Players will study, practice, and apply modern team concepts in game situations.

Position Responsibilities

• Left Wing

• Center

• Right Wing

• Left Defense

• Right Defense

• Goaltender

Breakouts

• Right-Up

• D-to-D

• Reverse

Face-Off Systems

• Defensive Zone

• Neutral Zone

• Offensive Zone

Defensive Zone Coverage

• Collapse

• Tight Point

• Staggered Coverage

Neutral Zone Play

• Transition Breakouts

• 1-2-2 Red

• 1-2-2 Blue

• 1-3-1 Forecheck

Offensive Zone Systems

• Passive 1-2-2

• Aggressive 1-2-2

• 2-3 Lock

Offensive Zone Cycling

• One-Man Cycle

• Two-Man Cycle

• Scissors

Special Teams

• Penalty Kill

o Diamond

o Passive Box

o Aggressive Box

• Power Play

o Overload

o Umbrella

o Shooting Formation

AAA Tournament Schedule

Minnesota Elite Hockey is committed to competing against quality competition throughout the season. The current schedule includes three AAA tournaments, with the possibility of adding additional local or out-of-town events as opportunities become available.

Tournament Dates

• June 4–6, 2027

• July 30 – August 1, 2027

• August 20–22, 2027

Tournaments provide athletes with opportunities to apply their training, evaluate progress, and compete against strong opponents while continuing their development within our team systems.

Minnesota Elite Hockey Commitment

Player development requires commitment from athletes, families, and coaches alike.

To maximize each player's development and maintain team continuity, Minnesota Elite expects a high level of attendance and commitment throughout the season.

Practice Attendance

• Practices are considered mandatory unless a player is out of town due to a family vacation or holiday.

• Each player is permitted six excused absences during the season.

• Excused absences may be used at any time except for the two practices immediately preceding a tournament.

• Players who exceed six excused absences will sit one period during the next tournament for each additional missed practice.

These attendance expectations provide flexibility for families while maintaining the consistency necessary for individual and team development.

Tournament Participation

Players may not participate in local or out-of-town tournaments with another AAA organization during the Minnesota Elite season without prior approval from the coaching staff.

This policy supports team chemistry, player accountability, and the overall development goals of the program.

Off-Season Planning

Player development extends beyond scheduled practices and tournaments. Each athlete will have opportunities to discuss personal goals and establish individual development priorities for the off-season. These consultations help players identify strengths, areas for improvement, and specific training objectives that maximize their progress throughout the year.

Unlocking Athlete Potential

Minnesota Elite Hockey is structured to provide every athlete with the resources, coaching, and environment necessary to reach their full potential.

Our comprehensive development model combines professional instruction, structured practices, competitive play, and individualized coaching into a complete player development experience. Every aspect of the program is designed to maximize growth both on and off the ice.

Player development remains our highest priority. Through personalized coaching, continuous feedback, and a challenging learning environment, every athlete is given the opportunity to improve throughout the season.

Uniforms & Apparel

Included with Program Tuition. Each rostered player receives:

• Practice Jersey

• Game Jersey

• Game Socks

Game shells are not included.

Optional Apparel. Additional Minnesota Elite apparel will be available for purchase, including:

• Gloves

• Equipment Bags

• T-Shirts

• Shorts

• Joggers

• Hoodies

• Jackets

• Pants

• Hats & Beanies

• Women's Apparel

• Performance Apparel

• Chopper Gloves

• Helmet Stickers

• Vehicle Decals

• Sublimated Shirts, Shorts, and Hoodies

• Additional team merchandise

Additional Training Opportunities

Minnesota Elite athletes receive exclusive access to additional Kern Hockey development programs. Players who pay their Minnesota Elite tuition in full receive a 20% discount on all Kern Hockey training programs.

Available Programs

• Small Group / Private Training

• Clinics

• Camps

Minnesota Elite Player Benefits

• 20% discount on all Kern Hockey training programs (paid in full)

• Prorated registrations and drop-in options are also available (discounts do not apply)

MEET THE COACHES

Josh Kern

Anchorage, Alaska

Coach Josh Kern brings over three decades of playing, coaching, and instructional experience to Minnesota Elite Hockey. His background includes professional playing experience, NCAA Division I hockey, elite youth development, and coaching athletes from the youth level through professional hockey.

Coach Kern is recognized for his modern, progressive approach to player development, specializing in teaching the complete skill set required in today's game. His instruction emphasizes elite skating mechanics, puck skills, hockey IQ, game awareness, and position-specific development.

Passionate about developing athletes, coaches, and instructors, Coach Kern is committed to providing players with the most current training methods, technology, and teaching techniques available. His goal is to prepare athletes for the demands of today's fast-paced game while creating a positive, high-energy learning environment both on and off the ice.

"As an expert in my field, it is my responsibility to stay current with the latest teaching methods, training resources, equipment, and technology. My commitment is to provide every athlete with the highest level of instruction possible while giving them the tools they need to compete at the next level." — Josh Kern

Playing Experience

• Alaska All-Stars Tier I National Champion (1996)

• Drafted by the Red Deer Rebels (WHL) and Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

• Two-time USHL All-Star

• USHL Second Team All-Star

• Team USA U17 Gold Medalist

• NCAA Division I player — Minnesota State University Mavericks

• Professional playing experience within the St. Louis Blues organization

Professional Hockey Instructor

• Over 30 years of on-ice instruction, from youth hockey through the NHL level

• Specialist in modern skill development, real-time correction, and live video analysis

• Expert instruction in:

o Powerskating

o Stickhandling

o Puck protection

o Shooting

o Passing

o Checking

o Deception and puck skills

o Game situational training

Coaching Experience

• Over 23 years of AAA coaching experience from youth through junior hockey

• Extensive experience teaching team systems, positioning, and position-specific responsibilities

• Mentor to athletes who have advanced to the NHL, Olympic teams, NCAA Division I programs, and USA Hockey National Development Programs

• Coached 24 NHL Draft selections

Blaise Schutt

Elk River, Minnesota

Coach Blaise Schutt brings a youthful, energetic, and passionate approach to player development. His enthusiasm, attention to detail, and ability to connect with athletes create a positive learning environment that helps players grow both as hockey players and as individuals.

His coaching style combines high expectations with positive reinforcement, encouraging athletes to compete hard while continually improving their skills, confidence, and character.

Coach Schutt played his youth hockey with the Elk River Youth Hockey Association, competing at the AA level throughout his youth career. He was a three-year varsity letter winner and one of his high school's leading scorers before advancing to the New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Coach Schutt has been part of the Kern Hockey family since he was under 10 years old. During that time, he has learned the advanced teaching methods, player development philosophy, and coaching techniques that define the Kern Hockey program.

He officially joined the coaching staff in 2020 while still in high school, dedicating his summers and weekends to player development. Now entering his sixth year with Kern Hockey, Coach Schutt has become one of the organization's lead instructors and serves as Coach Kern's primary assistant in the continued development of Minnesota Elite athletes.