Minnesota Hockey Journal

FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT There have been substantial efforts to improve the on-ice performance in Albert Lea as well, including an emphasis on a more competitive experience at the young- er ages, with Try Hockey for Free, Learn to Skate, the Mites program and a recently added 8U level. But Ulve is quick to point out it's not about wins and losses. "We don't focus on winning, we focus on growing and skill development," said Ulve, whose four sons came through the program. " We're developing the future. Some of our lower-level teams may not win a lot of games, but as they go through the system, we help turn them into a team that knows how to win and can win. And, we have great coaches at all levels." One of those coaches is Matt Tubbs, who wears several hats for Albert Lea hockey including coaching coordinator for the association, girls' high school assistant coach and goalie instructor, among others. Tubbs says the hockey community as a whole focuses on allowing kids to have affordable access to hockey in a positive, uplifting and supportive setting. "It starts with our Mites, with sta- tion-based practices, focusing on the ADM Model," Tubbs said. "We've also partnered with a gym in town that does our dryland training. We have weekly dryland sessions for shooting, passing, stickhandling, along with some intro to weightlifting, which has been really helpful. We also have a camp for goaltenders, with the high school goalies out there in their gear running the stations for the kids. There are smiles everywhere and the kids are having a blast." THRIVING GIRLS PROGRAM At the high school level, while the boys' side has produced its fair share of success- ful seasons, including reaching the Section 1A championship game multiple times, the girls' program has made the biggest impres- sion in recent years. In 2022, the girls won their first-ever section title and earned their first trip to St. Paul for the Class A state tournament. "The growth of the girls' program has been really cool to see," said Leach. "I started play- ing 12U the second year we had girls' hockey in Albert Lea. So, to see the change from back then when I was 10 years old to what it is today, it's a night and day difference. We have close to 100 girls playing in our association now. About half of those are 10U or younger. When I started, we had maybe 12." HOME ICE ADVANTAGE The home of hockey in Albert Lea for nearly 50 years is the legendary Albert Lea City Arena, a two-sheet facility known for its vin- tage feel and barrel-shaped roof. One of the two rinks inside was re-named in honor of longtime Albert Lea boys' head hockey coach Roy Nystrom. The Arena has become an integral part of Albert Lea's hockey reputa- tion and a source of pride for the community. "It's really a legendary arena," said Ulve. "When you walk in you see the exposed wood beams and you can feel the history. It's cool as heck. Teams from all over are hon- ored to play there." A nearly $10 million referendum to fund the renovation of a number of recreation- al buildings in town, including Albert Lea City Arena, passed in April of 2024. The referendum approval marked the latest big example of how important hockey is to the community and its willingness to support the sport's growth in Albert Lea. "Everyone involved understands the eco- nomic impact hockey brings to the table and that the game is at the forefront of people's minds in the winter in Albert Lea," said Ulve. "I was really proud of our board and our hockey community when we got this thing done. It shows our commitment to hockey in general and that we're going to have a strong program for years to come." 13 MARCH 2 0 2 6 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M The Albert Lea boys' and girls' high school teams are reaping the rewards of a thriving youth association. It's really a legendary arena. When you walk in you see the exposed wood beams and you can feel the history. It's cool as heck. Teams from all over are honored to play there." - Todd Ulve

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