This addition of the RinkRat 19 blog is brought to you from Lake Placid, NY. Team USA is training here in preparation for the 2012 World Championships in Burlington, VT. Our first game of the tournament is April 8 against Canada. Anne Schleper (another RinkRat 19 coach) is also on the team and you can follow us at usahockey.com.

To get you warmed up for rooting us on at Worlds, send out a cheer to Haley Ravndalen: April’s RinkRat 19 Camper of the Month. As you read Haley’s comments, you’ll notice that she never once mentions her ability, skill, or accomplishments. “Let another praise you, and not your own lips” is a quote that many try to live out and here’s a young kid who already embodies this statement. Let me step in then and praise her: great skater; constantly improving her skills; hard worker; huge potential; annually up for Most Coachable award; makes fast friends with fellow campers; kind, caring, honest; and a solid fisherman (no worms are allowed on the boat this year). Congrats Haley!

Haley Ravndalen – Grade 9
Hometown: Prior Lake, MN
High School: Lakeville South
Jersey Number: 6
Stick: Bauer Supreme Total One
Favorite NHL Player:Zach Parise
Favorite NHL Team: MN Wild
Position: Left Wing

This season was pretty good at Lakeville South High School. Playing both Varsity and JV–it was a fun and hardworking season. We also got our new head coach Natalie Darwitz which was a great experience. Our team this year made it to the section finals. Overall, the journey of our season was amazing.

RinkRat 19 has always been one of my favorite camps to go to. Its so much fun and I have made many new friends there too! I have always looked up to Gigi as a person and hockey player, so it is so much fun to take a road trip up to Warroad and spend time with her and the other coaches. I have made many memories there that I will never forget!