Alpena North Stars hockey players help coach the youth

ALPENA, Mich. — Summer might be the time to rest and relax for some athletes, but for hockey it’s really important to get that ice time. It’s even more fun learning from a local pro. While Myles Grix is busy putting together the new Alpena North Stars hockey team, on the side he and a teammate are helping coach kids at Northern Lights Arena.

“A couple of them probably could have made our team,” joked North Stars manager and goalie Grix. “They were really fast skaters, loved the game and that’s what you need in a hockey community. People that love the game and that’s what we have here.”

Hockey brings people together, including a 12–year–old left winger from Nashville who drove up to visit his Alpena family this summer.

“Sometimes we get to skate on the predators ice and it’s pretty fun,” said Reece Jackson. “I’m definitely learning how to move the puck better and how to score more goals for sure.”

During the summer it’s more important for kids to have fun and battle in drills. That’s how skaters like Alpena bantom Patrick Smith improves in the game he loves.

“Just seeing how much fun they were having and the smiles on their face brought me back to when I was younger,” said North Stars Center Cameron Bernicki from Edmonton, Ontario.

Now all of their hard work has paid off and landed athletes like Grix and Bernicki a spot on the North Stars inaugural roster. So far they’ve got a strong, offensive that and Bernicki looks to bring a steady hand in the defensive zone

“When I left here I thought my playing career was over competitively,” said Grix. “To get this opportunity back here and play for Alpena is awesome, so I’m excited.”

The North Stars drop the puck for their season on October 6 at 1 p.m. Nine roster spots are still open and athletes can tryout at NLA on Saturday, July 27 at 5 p.m.

Camps this Summer at Northern Lights Arena:
Summer Youth Program – Every Wednesday (Ends August 7)
Warda Hockey Academy Training Camp – (July 15-19)
Unique Breed Goalie Camp – Three Hours on Ice (August 5-9)