by dan clafton posted 08/24/2010
 
As the Crunch approach the midway point of week two of training camp some of the sore muscles and tennisons have began to decrease. The team now is  having two a day ice practices and  a single dryland  training in preparation for the upcoming season . Offensive systems have been the key thus far with Head coach Justin Quocksister  very pleased with the ability of the squad to grasp the systems  being worked on. During this three week period player are put through the  hoops by current and past  Division one players .  In Camp to date  Grant Clafton (St Cloud State  Utach Grizzlies (echl)  Brett Barta  (St Cloud State ) jason Ammmerman  (St Cloud State)  Joe Stejskal (Dartmouth  )  Jay Cepis ( Bowling Green University of Minnesota )  katie Klienedorst( University of New Hampshire)

Injury List

Steph Boemer goaltender    20 day disabled list   Hip
Haley Kitt        Defender      medical  day to day  leg



Rivertown Furniture of GrandRapids becomes the latest  sponsor of your Minnesota Crunch . The  Minnesota Crunch thank Riverside Furniture and all their fine sponsors for helping to make the Crunch a reality .

by Dan Clafton posted 08/20/2010
 

A few sore muscles and a whole lot of effort have highlited week one of the Minnesota Crunch Training Camp in Grand Rapids Mn.  Head Coach Justin Quocksister has been running two a day practices since  Monday which have included  systems direction in the morning as well as conditioning  followed by ice skills at night and another dryland session. The team will have ice at 7am Saturday morning .
The Minnesota Crunch today learned that Katie Peterson (North Dakota ) will be unable to join the squad  for personal reasons.  The Crunch have begun a search for a replacment  for Peterson.  On saturday Night the Crunch will be working at the Itasca County Fair.  The Crunch have had the pleasure of Skating with Katie Klienedorst from the University of New Hampshire
this past week. Former Crunch and freshman at Marian University Jackie Parvey is expected in camp on Monday. Former Crunch player Eliza Evans also paid a visit to the rink this past week.

PLayer injury report  
Stephanie Boemer  Goaltender     20 day disabled list  Hip
Carly Kuhbander     Forward   Day to Day  leg
Haley Kitt                Defender  Day To Day  Leg


 

by dan clafton posted 08/15/2010
 
The Minnesota Crunch 2010/2011 team moved in to the Pine Grove motel on Thursday August 12th.  Off and on rain showers  caused a bit of frustration to the effort but in the end it was mission accomplished.  The move was accomplished with a minimum of problems and a special thanks to the Pine Grove worked  for their  assistance throughout the day. It was also a chance for parents to meet new head coach of the Crunch Justin Quocksister. Coach made him self available throughout the day for conversation and  questions.  It was also a day for equiptment distribution and interaction with head metro scout Jake Scheleagel. Special thanks to him and general sports for thier efforts in sponsorsip this season .
Day two found the Crunch  at  SugarLake Lodge in Grand Rapids for team meeting and bonding. Specific expectations of the group were laid out by coach Quocksister in respect to behaviour and  team cohesivness. Following the morning meetings players were treated to an Italion Buffet at the  lodge.   Players were then paired up with individuals they didnt know and asked to take a 20 minute walk  to find out more about the person and come back and  tell the group abit about each other.
This was followed by an introduction to systems the team will play  throughout the year. Players were provided note books  for recording personal goals as well as notes on the systems we will run .  This was all followed by a team social providded free of charge by  Ruttgers lodge featuring chips  lemonade and other ammenities.
The team was then assigned complimentery Condo's for the evening  with team events concluding with a pizza party.  Coach Q formed a few nick Names in day one  such as "Bucket" and   "Mute" and "Yappy" ! all given  with the best intentions .
Saturday afternoon found the team together at the arena for the first time , having a ball hockey game in the parking lot  followed by a  two and a half period sprint run 
Our prayers remain with Katie Peterson  who was unable to  join the team at this time as a result of a medical condition. We remain hopeful she will join us soon. Equally we look forward to the addition of Taylor McSheffery who had an unavoidable delay  and is scheduled to arrive August 17th .

by dan clafton posted 08/15/2010
 
The Minnesota Crunch are looking for opponents for the following dates at Home in Grand Rapids Minnesota .


Oct 16 17
Nov 20 21
Dec 3 4
Jan 29 30
Feb 19 20

Interested parties should contact Dan at
or call at 218 259 2503

by Dan Clafton posted 08/14/2010
 
 The Minnesota Crunch have been informed that former Minnesota Crunch (2009/2010)   Liz McLaughlin   will be skating for a position with the Concordia Cobbers  of the Miac this season. McLaughlin a highly talented defender  came to the Crunch  and was among the team leaders on the 2009 /2010 team. Liz is a great kid  with very good skill  , We are very pleased with her selection of Concordia and anticipate great things from Liz.said Dan Clafton. Our intention is to get as many kids as we can to the the next level  and this  is yet another notch in our  belt.Concordia is a great program  and will be a great fit for Liz Clafton went on to say .  McLaughlin joins , Ali Dorn,  jackie Parvey , Casey McMullen, Emily Haluska,
Aly Lund,   and Ali Parizek  as players  who the Crunch have moved on to the next level in its short two year history .

by Dan Clafton posted 08/05/2010
 

 The Minnesota Crunch today announced the ability for Player Fee's to be placed on Credit Cards effective today.  In the future clothing purchases and  other costs will also be available via Credit Card  a %5 charge will be added to the use of the credit card  to cover our cost to the bank . Balances on accounts can be checked by contacting Dan Clafton @ 218 259 -2503 .

by dan clafton posted 07/28/2010
 

Whitney Wivoda Fairbanks Alaska

Earlier this week General Manager Dan Clafton was sitting at the supper table when he got a call from Hibbing High school Hockey coach Pete Hyduke telling him of a player in his camp. I have nothing but total respect for Pete and the Hibbing program Clafton said and I knew if Pete thought she was special it certainly warranted a look.Whitney Wivoda was everything and more that Hyduke had said . We got a chance to see her play and we were  certainly impressed with her Clafton said. She has  great hands and appears to have a knack for  finding the net, At 5'9"  this forward from Fairbanks Alaska  will add another strategic part to our puzzle this year Clafton said.  Wivoda  a Member of the 2008/2009 U16 National Champs , A player in the u14 National Development program  and voted MVP of the Pacific District  in Alaska  brings the Crunch  increased depth. The addition of Wivoda closes out the Crunch roster for the season  as dictated by USA Hockey . Wivoda will join the Crunch August 12th in Grand Rapids .  

by Dan Clafton posted 07/13/2010
 
The Grand Rapids AppleBee's  and   your Minnesota Crunch will team together  in a pancake fundraiser Sat September 11th from 8am to 10am at the Grand Rapids AppleBee's. We are thrilled that the folks at AppleBee's have seen the value in our program and are willing to give us this opportunity  to better ourselves within this great hockey community said General Manager Dan Clafton. Clafton went on to say, it costs approximatly $150,000.00 dollars to run this program to say these opportunities are important is an understatment. The Minnesota Crunch provide  not only hockey opportunities to players but also allow individuals to enhance  leadership skills  and become valued members of the the community through interaction with youth  and community groups. We want our players out in the community advocating as positive role models. The Sept 11th event will be cooked by, served by, and yes even the dishes washed by the Crunch players. Tickets are just $5.00 for all the pancakes/Juice and Coffe you can handle . This is a great chance for  the community to get out and meet not only these wonderful ladies but to meet new head coach Justin Quocksister as well. Rest assured their will be plenty of hockey talk to go around.

by dan clafton posted 06/06/2010
 

Rachel Hennessy 5 goals on the weekend

Minnesota Crunch Players Carly Kuhbander, Kaycie Anderson, Rachel Hennessy, and Kerston Calder  were the pick to click  in the Championship game of the two Nations league  today in Blaine Minnesota. They did not let fans down as they accounted for 3 of the four goals scored for the Orange Crush. Carly Kuhbander score 4 goals on the weekend and Kaycie Anderson  chipped in with 3 While Williston North Dakota Native Rachel Hennessy found the back of the net 5 times,including the game winner in ot to claim the championship . Its great to see this line  moving the puck and working so well together said Dan Clafton General Manager of the Crunch.  Calder looked very strong on the ice for  the limited amount of time she has spent on the ice since high school hockey ended. We are certaily excited with what we saw this weekend.  Besides these players we were able to make an offer to two other players who we very much believe could help our team  in the year to come. We anticipate an announcment  in regard to at least a single if not double aquisition this week.  In addition to the players, Jake Schleagel  head metro scout for the Crunch was the  coach of the  Orange Crush team.

by dan clafton posted 06/05/2010
 

Clemantines family Restraunte  in Grand Rapids is the latest  local sponsor to join the Minnesota Crunch in fullfilling its mission of advancing  dedicated young women in life. Janelle and  Stewert Bastien  own and operate Clementines and most recently the Pokegama Grill at the Pokegama Golf Course in Grand Rapids. Both Bastiens were stellar athletes  before entering the food business. In confirming their sponsorship with the Crunch the Bastiens stated their excitment in being able to help kids advance their lives . Clementines  joins Ruttgers Sugarlake lodge as new new sponsors this year. They join seasoned sponsors  FerrallGas, Tom Clusiau  Chrysler, and the Grand rapids Eagles Club . Each and every patron of these facilities are asked to thank these businesses for their willingness to step to the forefront and support ` this cutting edge opportunity for the female athlete.

by dan clafton posted 06/01/2010
 
If you are registering for classes on Tuesday June 8th  you must apply on line  at Itasca Community College in the next two days !!! Also you need to ensure you have made an appointment  for your placment test at 10am that same day .

by dan clafton posted 05/31/2010
 

Danielle Heitkamp

Minnesota Crunch General Manager Dan Clafton today announced the verbal committment of Danielle HeitKamp from Bismark North Dakota  to the 2010/2011 Version of the Minnesota Crunch. HeitKamp  a stand out player for the  National Sports Academy of Lake Placid New York  brings with her the skills and intensity the Crunch look for. Danielle is able to play for us at a younger age than most as a result of her ineligibility for high school hockey either in MInnesota or North Dakota said Clafton. We were very specific in ensuring that to be the case Clafton went on to say. We believe in the high school system  and appreciate the effort put into the programs by  the high school leagues in both states.  We also  are pleased to be able to offer an option for players closer to  their home said Clafton.   Hietkamp will visit Grand Rapids with the rest of the team June 8th, HeitKamp will wear #3 for your Minnesota Crunch.

by dan clafton posted 05/19/2010
 

Krista Kizlik

It has been a busy twentyfour hours for the Minnesota Crunch   in the player  selection process.  Almost 24 hours from the time that Taylor  McSheffery joined the Crunch,  Krista Kizlik  of the Sibley Warriors  committed to the Crunch for the 2010/2011 season . Krista is a big powerful defender and will bring increased stability to an already solid D core.  By all accounts Krista is community oriented , a stellar athlete and a great personality. That combimation  is tough to beat  As we are  with all our players we are pleased Krista has placed her confidence in our organization. Krista will join other team members in Grand Rapids June 8. Krista will be wearing Jersey number 18 for the Crunch this season.

by dan clafton posted 05/18/2010
 

McSheffery

General Manager Dan Clafton tonight  accepted the  verbal committment of Taylor McSheffery  formerly of the Chicago Mission  to play for the Minnesota Crunch this coming season. To say our discussions with Taylor were drawn out would be an understatment, Taylor is a smart player and  and wanted to make sure that  we were the riight place for her to be. She had other opportunities to play with other teams ,to say we are pleased she chose  The Crunch  means a lot to our organization  She is a great personality that will fit our team perfectly. The Crunch are  anticipating  perhaps two more committments in the near future.

by dan clafton posted 05/13/2010
 

Justin Quocksister head coach of the Minnesota Crunch

The Minnesota Crunch are pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Quocksister as Head Coach of the Minnesota Crunch for the 2010/2011 season. Quocksister from Victoria British Columbia is a seasoned coach and former player in both Canadien Jr.A and the WHL. My practice plans are full of change ,speed, and there is no standing around .Players will be prepared before we step on the ice.
I have developed a coaching style that teaches hard work and systems that are designed  to work for the team and not around 1 or 2 players.My approach to the game is the only way I know how 110% . In his last coaching position he moved 11 players to the next level,We need to always be focused on bringing the players to the next level Justin said . Quocksister will join the team in August.

by dan clafton posted 05/12/2010
 

Ali Dorn Heads to Wisconsin River Falls Next Season

Asst Crunch  Captain Ali Dorn of the 2009/2010 Minnesota Crunch (Thief River Falls) has committed to play next season for Wisconsin River Falls. Dorn a tough nosed forward and never afraid to mix it up looks to make a big  impact in River Falls. She works hard and has a knack to find the net. She became a much more balanced player with us and we think that River Falls  will be a great match for her. Dorn currently out in Montana lifting hay bales  and following her equestrian dream  will return to the skates later this summer in preparation for the upcoming season . Ali is the daughter of Tony and Connie Dorn of Thief River Falls.

by dan clafton posted 05/10/2010
 
Grant Clafton and John Rothstien will provide a hockey camp in Grand Rapids for All girls 12 and up July 12th to  16th  from noon to 2pm daily. The Camp will consist of one hour of ice and one hour of dry land. All proceeds from the four day camp will be given to the Grant and Jackie Bischoff family to help off set medical costs in Jackies battle against cancer. application forms can be picked up at the IRA Civic Center. Cost of the Camp is $40.00.

posted 05/10/2010
 

Soon to be Minnesota Crunch discusses a penalty shot in her highschool career

Albert Lea star forward Madi Passingham  has Verbally committed to the Minnesota Crunch  for the 2009/2010 season.  Passingham a bright and outgoing young lady  informed the Crunch of her interest a week or so ago  and to say we were excited to hear from her was an understatment. We had the chance to watch her play over last season and wanted her then. It was our good fortune that Crunch forward KC Anderson spoke with her and convinced her to come our way. Madi will join the  other Crunch players in Grand Rapids June 8th .

posted 04/29/2010
 

Carly Kuhbander of the Minnesota Crunch

As summer is about to begin one would think that perhaps Crunch players would be ready for a well deserved rest and break from the  constant pounding there season gives them. But starting in May  Minnesota Crunch players KC Anderson, Carly Kubander, Rachel Hennessy will  begin preparation for the next season. This trio will  skate regular shifts for the powerful Orange Crush  of the Four Nations league. Under the direction of Crunch head metro scout Jake Schlegel (moon lighting as a hockey coach )  . All three of these players will return to the Crunch with a four full years of NCAA eligibility  remaining following the 2010/2011 season .

posted 04/18/2010
 
The Minnesota Crunch are pleased to announce the signing of All State North Dakota Defender Katie Peterson  of West Fargo. Peterson voted top defensive player by her teammates  comes to the Crunch following a state championship in North Dakota . Katie is a friendly out going personality who can really turn it on  physically when its needed Peterson joins fellow North Dakota  alum Rachel Hennessy, Ashleigh Heustis , and former Crunch players liz Mcglaughlin, Kayla Kaiser  and University of North Dakota player Ali Paizek  in the trap line of North Dakota Players coming to the Crunch .

by dan clafton posted 04/04/2010
 
The Minnesota Crunch and the AmericInn of ThiefRiver Falls have teamed together to bring you the Minnesta Crunch AmericInn showcase in Thief River Falls  Nov5th - 7th.  A block of rooms have been established for both the team and  an additional 20 rooms for other teams and the public on a first come fist serve basis , The Crunch have also blocked rooms at the ComonInn and Seven clans casino. Provide  Seven clans with code MNHT if attempting to aquire their rooms .

by posted 04/02/2010
 
Haley Kitt from Thunder Bay ont. has wanted to be a member of the Minnesota Crunch for two years. Haley has a big shot and good strength. We are excited  to have Haley Joining us for next season.

by posted 03/31/2010
 

Ali Parizek University of North Dakota

Former Minnesota Crunch Allstar Ali Parizek has finished her first year at the University Of North Dakota . Parizek committed to the  UND following  a 60 game schedule with the Minnesota Crunch. Ali is living proof that hard work and dedication can pay off .

by posted 03/31/2010
 
The Minnesota Crunch have  two slots remaining for 2 fwds and two defenders interested players should contact the Minnesota Crunch at 218-259-2503

by posted 03/25/2010
 

Kersten Calder

It will be a combination of old and new faces that make up the Minnesota Crunch in the 2010/2011 season.  Starting  at the goaltending position  Bri Schulz and Stephanie Boemer will return for the Crunch. Both goaltenders were strong compeitors for the Crunch Last season. Joining Schulz and Boemer will be new comer Bryna Hanson of Lake of the Woods .
At the Defender position the Crunch will return  Moorhead high school star Steph Johnson . Steph was a defensive leader all season long for the Crunch.  Johnson will be joined by Haley Kitt from Thunder Bay Canada. Kitt  brings the physical size and  hard shot to be a huge asset on the blue line for the Crunch. Ashleigh Heustis from Devils Lake North Dakota  join the blue line and looks to make an impact early, While rumer has it Katie Peterson of  the North Dakota State  Championship team  has verbally committed to the Crunch.
At the forward position  returners Kc Anderson , Carly Kuhbander, Rachel Hennessy, and Erin Shamley will all bring back a significant scoring threat for the Crunch . They will be joined by  Minnesota State high school  super star  Kerston Calder and princton Tiger players  Nicole Telthoester and Joanna Blattner . Several other players  are currently in the process of decision making . Watch this site for updates.