ABOUT US
POSITIVE + MOTIVATIONAL + EXPERIENCED
Our goal is to bring local and world class coaches to the best place on Earth, the Brainerd Lakes Area. Our coaches bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise and commitment to each training session and offer the best possible training conditions for our athletes. Fostering high levels of professionalism, energy, motivation, their wide-range of playing and coaching experience helps them both connect with the kids and become role models.
positive
Our coaches always show up with smiles on their faces! They've been extensively schooled in the ideologies and methodologies that we believe in and support.
motivational
We have assembled a staff of highly qualified, former college athletes to put players through intense but fun training and drills both on and off the ice.
experienced
Utilizing our training, playing and coaching experiences along with the hockey resources available in the BLA, our intention is to create, teach and improve youth hockey players into top performers.
fun
Having fun is at the core of our camp! It's our mission to engage young athletes in such a way that masks the hard work with fun skill-building drills and games.
MEET
OUR
TEAM
GAVEN
BICKFORD
COACH + OWNER
Gaven Bickford is currently the Assistant General Manager + Coach for the Des Monies Buccaneers. Previously he was the GM for the Colorado Grit in the NAHL and the Assistant General Manager + Associate Head Coach of the Madison Capitols in the USHL. Prior to the Capitols, Gaven had a three year tenure with the Minnesota Magicians. After two seasons as the Magicians' Assistant Coach, Bickford was promoted to General Manager and Director of Scouting with the Magicians during the 2020-21 season.
Bickford has overseen over 250 division one commitments and eight NHL Draft picks.
"I coach because I love the game and love helping kids reach their goals whether that's making their top youth team, the varsity team, playing juniors or even college hockey, I want to mentor and advocate for them through the process."
-Gaven Bickford
Bickford played his youth and High School hockey for the Northern Lakes Lightning. After High School, Gaven attended Siena College in Albany, New York, where he earned a degree in Marketing and was a member of the Club Hockey Team (ACHA).
The native of Crosslake, Minnesota currently resides in Des Monies, IA with his wife, Emily and chocolate lab Penny.
(612) 532-4981
EMILY
BICKFORD
COACH + OWNER
Emily has coached for various associations and programs across the midwest and now works in Commercial Real Estate. In the hockey world, she has gained a real following with players of all ages and skill as a skill development coach, offering weekly skills sessions and private lessons.
Formally, she was the Head Coach for Gentry Academy and MAP South high school tier director. She has worked for Minneapolis and Blaine youth hockey associations as both a coach and girls hockey coordinator + mentor. She continues to stay involved with the MN district Tier One Spring and Fall programs, CCM High Performance coaching and evaluations, USA Hockey Clinics, WHAM (Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota) and many AAA summer teams.
"The Northerner hockey camp was always a dream of mine, summer hockey should include a lot of skill development but be FUN at the same time!"
- Emily Erickson
Growing up in Crosslake, MN she played youth and high school hockey for the Northern Lakes Lighting, before transferring to a hockey prep school in Stowe, VT (NAHA- North American Hockey Academy).
From there she would go on to play D1 hockey and D3 golf for Union College (ECAC) in Schenectady, NY.
(218) 251-6780
MARKO
REIFENBERGER
CAMP DIRECTOR
Now in his fifth year with us, Coach Marko Reifenberger brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and leadership to our camp. He currently plays professional hockey for the Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL, continuing to build on his impressive hockey career.
A former Division I athlete at Mercyhurst University, Marko excelled both academically, earning a degree in Communications, and athletically, serving as team captain.
Before his collegiate career, Marko honed his skills and leadership abilities in the NAHL with the Minnesota Magicians, where he served as captain and tallied 33 points in 51 games. His experience at the USHL level further solidified his understanding of the game and his ability to lead effectively on and off the ice.
Coach Marko's calm demeanor and professional experience make him an invaluable asset to our camp.
As Camp Director, Marko is dedicated to creating a positive experience for all campers! His commitment to excellence ensures that every camper has the opportunity to grow under his guidance!
BRE
SIMON
CAMP DIRECTOR
Now in her fourth year with us, Coach + Camp Director Bre is a vital part of our #NHCfamily, bringing her incredible experience, passion, and enthusiasm to our camp.
Bre is currently making her mark as the Head Coach of the University of Wisoncin-Superior. Previously, she was the Assistant Coach for the Elmira College Women's Ice Hockey Team (D3) in New York. Before joining Elmira College, Bre served as the Assistant Varsity Coach at Gentry Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Bre's journey in hockey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a student-athlete at Hamline University, she left an indelible mark, becoming the program's all-time leader in both goals (92) and assists (93) over 112 games, averaging an impressive 1.65 points per game.
Her 31 goals during the 2017-18 season and a total of 64 points in the 2018-19 season are both standing records at Hamline. With four career hat tricks, Bre's staggering 195 career points more than double any other player in the program's history.
In her junior year, Bre's exceptional talent and dedication to the sport were recognized when she was awarded the Laura Hurd Award for the D3 Player of the Year, a testament to her skill and impact on the ice.
Bre brings a unique blend of great enthusiasm, passion, and a sense of humor to our camp. Her ability to connect with campers, combined with her extensive knowledge of the game, makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
MEET OUR
OTHER INCREDIBLE COACHES
St. Johns
University of Denver
Hamline University
South Carolina Stingrays
Bethel University
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Adirondack Thunder
Augsburg College
Army West Point
AUDREY
JACKSON
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
We are thrilled to introduce Coach Audrey, a pivotal member of our Northerner Hockey Camp coaching team for the past three years. Audrey's passion for hockey and her dedication to mentoring young athletes make her an invaluable asset to our camp.
Born and raised in Shoreview, Minnesota, Audrey's love for hockey was ignited in the land of 10,000 lakes. Growing up in a state known for its deep hockey roots, she developed a profound appreciation for the game from a very young age.
Audrey's hockey journey took a significant leap at Gentry Academy, where she honed her skills and emerged as a standout player. Her remarkable performance helped lead the team to the state championships, where they proudly finished as runners-up. This achievement not only highlighted her skill on the ice but also her ability to inspire and lead her team.
Currently, Audrey is making waves as a sophomore forward for the Saint Anselm Women's Ice Hockey team in New Hampshire. Her commitment to excellence continues to shine through, both in her academic pursuits and on the ice.
As a coach, Audrey believes in the power of positive reinforcement and the importance of building confidence in young athletes. Her approach is centered around not just improving skills but also instilling a love for the game. She is known for her ability to connect with campers, making every session both fun and impactful.
This summer, Audrey is excited to bring her wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and knowledge to our campers!
BEN
SMIEJA
OFF-ICE SKILLS INSTRUCTOR
We are delighted to introduce Ben Smieja, our esteemed Off-Ice Skills Coordinator at Northerner Hockey Camp. Ben's extensive experience in hockey, both as a player and a coach, along with his passion for skill development, makes him an invaluable part of our team.
Ben currently serves as an assistant coach for Warroad High School in Warroad, MN, where he brings his rich playing experience and tactical knowledge to the team. In addition to his coaching role, Ben is the owner and operator of Palisade Hockey, a venture dedicated to small group skill training both on and off the ice. His commitment to developing young talent is evident in his personalized and effective training methods.
Ben's journey in hockey is both impressive and inspiring. He started his playing career at Warroad High School, a program known for its strong hockey tradition. From there, he advanced to play junior hockey, showcasing his skills and dedication to the sport. Ben's playing career further flourished at the collegiate level, where he competed for the University of Jamestown and Lindenwood University. His experiences across these different levels of hockey have given him a well-rounded perspective on the game.
Ben's love for hockey extends beyond the rink. He is deeply committed to giving back to the game that has played such a significant role in his life. His enthusiasm for helping young athletes achieve their goals is at the heart of his coaching philosophy. Ben believes in the power of hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning, values he instills in every athlete he coaches.
As our Off-Ice Skills Coordinator, Ben focuses on the crucial aspects of hockey that occur away from the ice. His training sessions emphasize strength, conditioning, mental preparation, and skill development. He understands that the foundation of a great hockey player is built off the ice, and he is dedicated to helping our campers develop these essential skills. This summer, Ben is excited to work with our campers, helping them to not only improve their physical fitness and off-ice skills but also to grow their understanding and love for the game of hockey.
Get ready to elevate your game with Coach Ben at the Northerner Hockey Camp!
HANNAH
ERICKSON
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Hannah has been with us since the first thought of The NHC!
She is the owner of Simulated Media and the mastermind behind all of our marketing efforts. Not only did she create our logo and website, but she manages our social media platforms, captures photos of the kids training all week and assists with other business tasks that help ensure the camp runs smoothly.
Hannah played Division 1 Ice Hockey for Union College in Schenectady, NY where she graduated with a double major in English and Anthropology. She currently resides in Maui, HI and very much looks forward to coming back to the midwest to help with camp every summer!