In 2021, Gaven and Emily Bickford set out to create something special for young hockey players. What began as a single youth camp in Breezy Point, Minnesota quickly grew into a movement: the Northerner Hockey Camp.

Year after year, the camp expanded across the Midwest. Today, with more than ten locations—including stops in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—the Northerner has become a summer home for countless youth hockey players. Its mission has remained the same: to provide kids a place to have fun, build confidence, and sharpen their skills in the offseason.

What makes the Northerner unique is its staff. Current and former professional players, along with NCAA Division I and III athletes, bring their knowledge, passion, and energy to the ice. They take pride in giving back to the game, mentoring the next generation, and helping players reach their goals both on and off the ice.

In 2025, Gaven expanded the vision with the creation of the Northern Knights AAA Hockey Program—spring and summer tournament teams built on the Knights’ core values: Compete, Consistency, and Character. Together, the Northerner Hockey Camp and Northern Knights AAA Program provide a pathway for players to grow, challenge themselves, and make lasting memories.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same: to keep the rink a place where young athletes can improve their game, create friendships, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment. With your continued support, we’ll carry forward the simple goal we started with—working hard, having fun, and always keeping a smile on our face at the rink.

Thank you for being part of the Northerner family.