Steel Development Program

Steel Development Program

The Steel Development Program is designed for athletes who want to train inside a AAA development environment while focusing on long-term growth, consistency, and earning opportunity through performance.

This program is development-first. Athletes participate in our AAA practices, follow the same systems and standards, and are evaluated consistently by our coaching staff—without the pressure of a guaranteed game schedule.

The Steel Development Program is offered at two primary training locations to serve families across the metro while maintaining consistent standards and structure.

Training Locations: The Steel Development Program is available at:

• Northwest Location – STMA Area
• Southwest Location – Waconia Area

AAA development environment with structured, high-tempo practices. Same coaching standards, systems, and development expectations
Athletes train at the location that best fits their geography while following the same PDP philosophy, structure, and evaluation standards across both locations.

What the Steel Development Program Is

• Training inside AAA practices
• Same coaching staff standards, pace, and structure
• Consistent systems taught at both STMA and Waconia locations
• Emphasis on skill execution, hockey IQ, and compete habits
• Ongoing feedback

What the Steel Development Program Is Not

• A guaranteed AAA roster spot
• A shortcut to games
• A casual training option
• A drop-in or open skate

Who This Program Is For
The Steel Development Program is a strong fit for:

• Athletes focused on improvement and consistency
• Players who want to train at a higher pace
• Families who value development over shortcuts
• Athletes willing to earn opportunity through performance
• This environment is best suited for players who take ownership of their development and are committed to the process.

Program Structure

• Training Environment: AAA skills practices & Offensive/Defense Trainign
• Schedule: Aligned with AAA practice schedules at each location

Focus Areas:

• Skill execution at game speed
• Position skills that frequent patterns in a game
• Practice habits and attention to detail
• Compete level and consistency

When:

• Late March to mid-May
• mid-July to end of August