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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 25 not a citizen in East Grand Forks that hasn't been in that building in some shape or form, so it's a key part of our community and it brings a lot of people to town." THE BLUE LINE CLUB Unlike many other youth hockey programs in Minnesota, the East Grand Forks youth hock- ey program is run by the city. The East Grand Forks Blue Line Club and the city of East Grand Forks work hand in hand to ensure kids have the best experience possible. "The Civic Center was created with all volunteers and all donations," said Brandon Boespflug, East Grand Forks Blue Line Club President. "The Blue Line Club was created out of that. It was the fundraising arm to get some dollars that were needed and help move it forward. That's what we continue to do. If there's something that needs to be done in these buildings that maybe isn't budgeted for, we'll put together a fundraiser and every- body's happy to buy a ticket." The strong partnership between the Blue Line Club and the city has helped provide players with ample ice time, equipment and hockey training programs. "Without a seamless partnership between the Blue Line Club and the city, the program doesn't work," Dragich said. "We've been very fortunate to have a strong relationship and work together for the kids." A NEW APPROACH TO SQUIRT HOCKEY Even in the midst of its success, East Grand Forks is constantly studying new ways to grow and improve its program. A few years ago, program leaders conduct- ed extensive research on player develop- ment, and looked into top hockey develop- ment countries like Sweden. Their findings led them to implement a revamped in-house model for Squirts last season. "It definitely changes our outlook of development," said Judd Stauss, East Grand Forks youth hockey development coordinator. "The focus on development rather than winning games is ultimately the reasoning behind it. We looked at a lot of different factors. I think the biggest thing was we all wanted to practice togeth- er, and the size of our program allows us to do that. We thought it was important for all of our kids to get the same coaching and practice structure." With approximately 40 kids at the Squirt level, the in-house model allows players to focus on developing their technical skills. On any given night you'll find three teams practicing together with a focus only on skills, further setting East Grand Forks apart. "The kids are getting a ton of ice time in a structured practice, and then we changed to in-house half-ice games, which creates a ton of puck touches and a ton of ice touches." Stauss said. "Moving forward, I think it's a game changer." EASTSIDE PRIDE As East Grand Forks pioneered its new in-house model focused on skills and repeti- tions, other programs started noticing. "When we made the change in our Squirt program, we heard from numerous commu- nities in Minnesota, across the U.S. and in Canada," Stauss said. "They wanted to know more about it, were interested in it and want- ed to make changes. Those things are going to happen, and we appreciate the support." The revolutionary approach has ensured each player stays engaged and gets plenty of ice time. "It's been such a good thing for every- body involved—the concept, the focus on skill development and just the amount of opportu- nities these players have on the ice," Dragich said. "The kids are on the ice and they're mov- ing. That's what needs to happen." East Grand Forks is proud to have a pro- gram not only focused on hockey skills, but also character development and a team- first attitude. "Everybody's on the same team," Boespflug said. "This is a successful model here where everyone has that pride in the hockey com- munity. It's all about Eastside pride." The strong partnership between the Blue Line Club and the city has helped provide players with ample ice time, equipment and hockey training programs.