Around 160 young men are fighting to make their dreams come true in the Minnesota Wilderness’ main tryout camp. Skaters from Duluth East, Hermantown, all across the U.S.A., and even Canada, are vying for a spot on the North American Hockey League (NAHL) squad.

Second year head coach Colten St. Clair said this year’s event is huge for the program.

“One thing that’s very nice about this year is that we’re doing it at our home rink. Last year there were some ice issues, so we went to Superior. The bonus that you have here, is people get to see where you actually play. They get a feel for the community of Cloquet and the Duluth area in general,” St. Clair said. “It’s fun to actually have the people see where we do all the work, and where the community comes and supports us in our games.”

Beginning on Sunday the Main Camp runs through Thursday at Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet. The camp’s top 40 players will qualify to skate in the All-Star game Thursday at 11 a.m.. Coach St. Clair said it’s from that group that their roster will be built from.

The Minnesota Wilderness’ 2024-2025 season opener is at home Friday, September 13 at 7:15 p.m.