The MN Blades AAA Hockey Club is a non-profit youth hockey association that originated in 1989, initially as the Minnesota Stars. The founders, John Arko and Dennis Postregna, wanted to give talented Minnesota youth hockey players the opportunity, in the off-season, to travel outside the state and country to compete at the Tier I level --- experiences not normally available to Minnesota players during the regular season. They started with two select teams, playing hockey across Europe with 1976 and 1977 birth years players.

Since then, the organization has grown to include teams from Mites to Midgets, ages six to nineteen. Funding for the Blades activities comes from parents, corporate sponsors, and the annual Blades-sponsored Spring AAA tournament, the Minnesota Super Series.

Part of the Blades philosophy is that the best competition challenges players to be their best. The strength of this concept lies in the belief that highly skilled players, playing with others of similar skills, are able to learn more about teamwork and the game of hockey, because their coaches are teaching a team of players who can all execute and understand at the same level. Blades coaches stress skill and systems development, play making and teamwork. The tournaments that Blades teams participate in are selected based on the strength of the competition, the dates, and the location. To assess the success of the Blades program, check out the ever-expanding list of our alumni accomplishments.

Excellent coaching, highly-competitive tournaments, and international travel all serve to "stretch" Blades players' abilities and attitudes, building self esteem in a variety of areas. The tournament travel experience alone can be extraordinarily educational. Playing in a hockey tournament in Toronto, for instance, will still allow our young players time to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or to have lunch at Gretzky's restaurant. In Boston, they may have the opportunity to see a Red Sox game or visit the Harvard campus. Every aspect of the Blades schedule, from player selection to practices to competition, is designed to help the individual improve as a hockey player. Additional benefits include the expansion of life experience and the development of self-confidence, all while having fun with their friends!