Maren Hodgman, a freshman forward from Dodge County, and Nolan Steele, a sophomore forward on the boys’ team, have both been selected for the USA Hockey National Development Camp, a prestigious showcase that gathers the nation’s most promising 2011‑born players.
Hodgman helped the Dodge County girls’ squad capture a third‑place finish at the Class 1A state tournament, a feat that earned her a place among 33 Minnesota skaters invited to the Girls 15 Camp in Oxford, Ohio, where the event will run from July 19 to 24.
Steele, who sparked a wave of online buzz with a between‑the‑legs goal that went viral on state television during the Wildcats’ quarterfinal win over top‑ranked Hibbing/Chisholm, will travel to Amherst, New York, for the Boys 15 Camp from July 15 to 21, joining 22 other Minnesota prospects.
The camps, organized by USA Hockey in partnership with Minnesota Hockey, will feature roughly 200 of the country’s elite 2011‑born athletes and serve as a critical stepping stone for participants eyeing collegiate careers.
Both players credit the mentorship of veteran teammates and coaches — Hodgman cites Hannah Peterson, Nora Carstensen and Maysie Koch, while Steele points to linemates Gabe Coshenet and Cam Koch — for smoothing their transition to varsity competition.
For Hodgman, the camp represents another milestone on her path toward college hockey, while Steele hopes the experience will sharpen his game as he looks ahead to the next season.