Hockey Training
At Olmsted Medical Center's Sports Medicine & Athletic Performance (SMAP) facility, we offer specialized hockey skills training to refine your techniques and build core skills. Our experts guide you through improving your abilities, reducing bodily stress, and injury prevention.
Learn from Experienced Hockey Instructors
Partner with hockey specialists who have years of experience working with athletes at the youth, high school, college, and professional level.
Steve Nelson
Steve is a lead skating and hockey trainer. He brings a high level of hockey and coaching experience to OMC offering energy, enthusiasm, and passion to the Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance hockey programs. Nelson grew up in Albert Lea, MN, where he began his hockey career. After completing high school, he was drafted by the Junior A North Iowa Huskies of the USHL. In his two seasons, Nelson helped win the Junior A National Championship and played in the North South All-Star game. After Junior A hockey, Nelson played Division I hockey for the WCHA’s Colorado College Tigers. During those four years, Nelson’s accomplishments included being named to the All Academic team, playing for the USA’s Team Colorado against Team Canada in the Mexico Festival Exhibition Games, and helping to win the WCHA league champions’ McNaughton Cup.
After college and retiring from competitive hockey, Steve moved to Rochester to start a family with his wife Amy. They have three kids who have also participated in local hockey. He has donated a lot of his free time coaching in the RYHA and looks forward to educating and teaching the participants in the OMC Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance hockey programs.
Aaron Haupert
Aaron is an assistant skating and hockey trainer. He grew up playing hockey in Duluth, MN and played college hockey for St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Aaron received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and has a Level 4 USA Hockey Coaching Certificate. He has over 15 years of experience as a hockey trainer and instructor. He worked with young adult hockey players as an assistant coach with the St. Mary’s men’s hockey team and the women’s hockey team from 2006-2011. Since then, Aaron has trained multiple high school and youth hockey teams and has been an evaluator and coach for various Minnesota high performance hockey camps.
His coaching philosophy is one of teamwork, skill development, and fun. He is committed to helping athletes accomplish their goals and strives to get the best out of every single player. He looks forward to seeing you in our hockey programs.
Hockey Programs
Our advanced hockey training programs are tailored to significantly enhance your playing skills. You'll experience marked improvements in balance, control, and agility on skates, alongside refined shooting and passing techniques. Our high-intensity endurance training will boost your speed and quickness, complemented by posture and transition training for a comprehensive skill development. Programs are available for athletes at all levels who are looking to leverage top-tier equipment and coaching for noticeable improvements in their hockey performance.
Learn to Skate Stride Program (Ages 6 & Under)
Jumpstart your child's skating journey with our specialized program for young beginners. Over six weeks, kids ages 6 and under will master the basics of skating and hockey fundamentals.
- Duration: Six weeks, one-hour sessions, once a week.
- Customized for both beginner and advanced skill levels.
Super Mite Rising Star Program (Ages 7 & 8)
Elevate your child’s skating and hockey skills with our focused six-week program. Tailored for ages 7-8, this course enhances fundamental hockey skills and overall athleticism.
- Duration: Six weeks, one-hour sessions, once a week.
- Skill focus includes stick handling, coordination, passing, shooting, and agility.
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Hockey Standard Program
Designed for young athletes ready to take their hockey skills to the next level. This program, suitable for those at or above specific youth hockey levels, emphasizes advanced skating and hockey techniques. Athletes must be at or above the Youth Hockey Association skill level of Squirt (boys) or 10U (girls).
- Duration: Six weeks, one-hour sessions, once a week.
- Concentration on speed, agility, posture, and advanced skating and hockey skills.
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Adult Novice Hockey Program
Perfect for adults starting their hockey journey, this program offers foundational training in a supportive environment. Engage in six weeks of intensive learning focused on hockey essentials.
- Duration: Six weeks, one-hour sessions, once a week.
- Training includes posture, edge work, and basic hockey skills.
- Free trial for new OMC SMAP athletes.
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Hockey Personal Training
Customize your hockey training experience with our versatile personal training program. Whether on the treadmill or synthetic ice, tailor each session to your specific goals and skill level.
- Hockey Treadmill Skills: Acceleration, Endurance, Power, Puck handling/passing while skating.
- Synthetic Ice Skills: Various shooting and passing techniques, puck protection, handling skills, and hand-eye coordination.
- Flexible training options from one-on-one to small group sessions (up to six athletes).
- Open to all ages, with sessions adapted to assessed skills and goals.
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Summer Camps
Olmsted Medical Center SMAP summer camps are designed to provide young athletes with comprehensive training in strength, conditioning, speed for sport, and hockey, tailored to various age groups and skill levels. Our expert coaches utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance each participant's game. Whether you're looking to refine specific skills or engage in intensive training, our range of camps offers something for every aspiring athlete.
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Train with Cutting-Edge Equipment
Elevate your strength and speed in a controlled environment using our state-of-the-art Blade® hockey treadmill and synthetic ice. The Blade hockey treadmill [video] is the largest and quickest skating treadmill available, perfect for honing your skating skills and technique.
