Maximum Stride Hockey Camp returns for consecutive year

Since the Albert Lea Thunder hockey team folded, former two-time captain Danny Wood hasn’t missed a trip back to town.

Monday through Friday of last week, Wood held his Maximum Stride Hockey Camp at City Arena for the second consecutive year. Wood called it a “no-brainer to return to Albert Lea.”

On Friday morning, the camp culminated with an in-camp game in the 4- to 10-year-old division. The lights were turned off in the arena’s smaller rink, and players were introduced by spotlight with their names announced. After the signing of the national anthem, play began.

Holly Rocklin, of Albert Lea, has signed up her 7-year-old son, Aaron, for the camp both years it’s been in town. Rocklin said she followed Wood when he played for the Thunder and still as he plays for St. Mary’s University in Winona.

“He’s very hands-on and a good guy,” Rocklin said. “He’s wonderful with the kids and it’s great for the community that he comes back here.”

The camp had two sessions, including the 4- to 10-year-olds, which ran from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and 11- to 18-year-olds, which ran from 1 to 4:30 p.m.