The Minnesota Blades AAA Hockey Club is a non-profit youth hockey association that originated in 1989. The founders wanted to give talented Minnesota youth hockey players the opportunity, in the off-season, to travel outside the state and country to compete at the Tier I level -- experiences not normally available to Minnesota players during the regular season. The Minnesota Blades started with two select teams, playing hockey across Europe. Since then, the organization has grown to include boys and girls teams from Mites to Midgets, ages nine to nineteen. Funding for the Blades activities comes from parents, corporate sponsors, and the annual Blades-sponsored Spring AAA tournament, the Minnesota Super Series. Excellent coaching, highly-competitive tournaments, and international travel all serve to "stretch" Blades players' abilities and attitudes, building self esteem in a variety of areas. The tournament travel experience alone can be extraordinarily educational. Every aspect of the Blades schedule, from player selection to practices to competition, is designed to help the individual improve as a hockey player. Additional benefits include the expansion of life experience and the development of self-confidence, all while having fun with their friends!