Allison calls hockey camp a success

The AA Developmental hockey camp had a successful year with some growing pains but it will run again next summer–possibly with a few changes.
“It was a real big success,” co-owner and instructor Mike Allison noted Tuesday. “There were some growing pains we had to work out the first week but everyone involved had a good time.
“Next year, we might only run the camp for two weeks and only offer one group of each program,” he noted. “[And] I hope to have two different age groups for the girls’ camp.”
But Allison and his brother, Dave, will strive to keep some things the same.
“We will continue to find quality people to work with the kids and hopefully expand the staff on and off the ice,” he stressed.
New this year was the girls’ camp, which Allison described as “fabulous.”
“I could see the improvement in them through the week,” he enthused. “The third week was a pleasure. These girls were great–everyday they would come in with smiles and ready to learn.
“I hope the same amount, if not more, girls show up next year. I hope [they] had a positive experience,” he added.
Allison noted the new Muskie girls’ hockey program starting this school year probably helped push up the number of girls who turned out for last week’s camp.
He also noticed an increase in the number of American youngsters who signed up this year.
“The American kids all enjoyed it and asked for us to send them brochures for next year’s camp,” Allison remarked. “We have a huge contingent from Bemidji, North Branch, and Eveleth.”
In fact, the Allisons are hoping to send out brochures further into the States and establish their camp more with the American counterparts.
As for their staff, Allison said RuthAnn Cantile of Bemidji had a wonderful time working at the girls’ camp and would enjoy coming back to teach it again next year.
“RuthAnn was really good with the kids,” he noted. “She really cared about the kids and that is more important than just a quick practice.
“I can always get people on the ice to teach the kids . . . but I can’t always get someone who cares about them,” he stressed.