MINNEAPOLIS, MN – For Chris Haugen, the roar of the crowd might be absent, but the satisfaction of watching a young hockey player learn to skate backward for the first time rivals any game-winning goal. Haugen, a coach with the Minneapolis-based DinoMights program since 2017, embodies the spirit of an organization that’s about much more than just hockey.
“I loved playing hockey growing up,” Haugen explains, his passion for the sport evident. Introduced to the game by his sister and uncle, he still plays recreationally, fueled by a simple “love of the game” and the joy of skating. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with an elementary education foundation degree, Haugen found himself drawn to working with kids through summer camps. When his friend Christian Evans, connected to DinoMights’ early days at Augsburg University, asked him to coach, it felt like a natural fit.
“I wasn’t using my elementary degree, and I loved working with kids,” Haugen says. He jumped in, coaching squirts for a couple of years and pewees for one. “The first year hooked me.” He credits James, whom he calls “the heart and soul” of DinoMights, for showing him the ropes. The program offers a variety of ways to get involved, from coaching and volunteering to providing transportation and even post-practice Subway runs – all contributing to a supportive and engaging environment.
The early days weren’t always about victories on the scoreboard. Haugen recalls his first season, where the team didn’t secure a win until the tenth week, followed by two playoff victories. However, for Haugen, the focus was always on development. “I remembered from elementary classes, don’t worry about outcomes of scoring a goal or winning game, but worry about the process,” he emphasizes. Witnessing the players’ growth, from struggling to skate forward to confidently moving backward, was the real triumph. “It’s about the growth of the player. It’s sticking through challenges and enjoying the hard work that the players do.”
DinoMights actively works to engage communities of color in hockey, understanding the importance of making the sport accessible and fun. Haugen describes innovative drills that incorporate elements of other games like soccer and tag, allowing kids to utilize diverse skills on the ice. “When I was a young skater, I loved those games because maybe I’m good with my feet or I can skate backward, and in these games, I can show off those skills,” he says. Maintaining a high-energy environment is also key. “As a coach, I’m tired after the practices, so you have to bring that energy, and the kids bring it too. Keeping the energy high.”
Building confidence in young players extends beyond their on-ice performance. For DinoMights, a faith-based organization, it’s about connecting hockey to other aspects of their lives – school and faith. Haugen emphasizes the concept of a “growth mindset.” “Maybe you don’t win, but you made eight key passes; it gives players something to be proud of. It’s focusing on things in your control.”
For Haugen, some of the most heartwarming moments come from the personal connections formed. Driving kids to practices and games offers a unique opportunity to connect. He shares the story of a quiet player in his first year who gradually opened up. “By the end of it, he wouldn’t stop talking in the car… it’s not just hockey, it’s talking to adults, kids, making friends.” Another memorable moment involved a snowball fight with his players, highlighting their infectious love of competition.
Scott Peterson, the Executive Director of DinoMights, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the organization’s mission extends far beyond the rink. “Our mission is physical… whole life youth development. Hockey is part of that and a vehicle of that, but it isn’t just about hockey.” Peterson, who has been involved since 2000 and Executive Director since 2007, proudly notes that some of the kids he initially coached are now staff members and coaches themselves. “I just joke that I have youth work grant kids,” he laughs, mentioning James and Paula as prime examples of DinoMights’ long-term impact.
Serving primarily the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods, DinoMights employs a “Learn to Skate” program to introduce new players to the ice. This often takes the form of field trips for schools, providing a welcoming entry point to a year-round program that includes not just hockey but also tutoring, academic support, mentoring, community service, and summer camps. “We do programming year-round,” Peterson explains, highlighting summer dry-land activities and academic camps.
Access to ice time and equipment are significant barriers to entry in hockey, particularly for communities of color and lower-income families. “It’s not cheap. It’s $200 an hour for a typical rink,” Haugen points out. DinoMights tackles this challenge head-on. “All the equipment and time on ice is donated. Coaches volunteer, but if you can, you can pick them up so they can get there.” The program also leverages outdoor rinks, a popular and accessible option in Minnesota.
Peterson proudly reports that 86 percent of DinoMights participants since 1985 have graduated high school on time, a testament to the program’s holistic approach. While hockey participation naturally evolves as kids get older, DinoMights has intentionally focused on supporting high schoolers through tutoring, leadership opportunities, and even junior youth worker positions.
Addressing the broader issue of diversity in hockey, Peterson acknowledges the financial barriers and the trend towards elitism in youth sports. He emphasizes the importance of building partnerships with other hockey associations to share resources and insights. “We are hoping to make an impact outside of our own walls,” he states. “We can be a place where answers can be found, so we can find ways for these associations to better reach out and think about their program delivery models so they can reach a higher group of their group and community.”
Ultimately, for both Haugen and Peterson, DinoMights is about creating well-rounded individuals. “It is a hockey team, but it’s more than that,” Haugen says. “There’s tutoring, you can volunteer at the outdoor rink. There’s a mission of creating well-rounded individuals academically, spiritually, athletically, and as individuals. You’re not just a coach. It’s awesome.”
Peterson extends an invitation to the community: “To the readers, if anyone wants to watch the game, there will be some excitement, and it’s fun to watch. It’s great to play, we can pick you up, the ice is free.”
Note: For information on the next program launch and tutoring schedules, please contact James or Scott.
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