Heartland Hockey announces Heartland Helping Hands. Our goal is simple: to help remove financial barriers and create opportunities for deserving players to experience everything Heartland Hockey Camps has to offer. Through the Heartland Helping Hand Campership Program, 200x85 and PIP will provide both full and partial camperships to families for whom cost may otherwise prevent participation in a Heartland summer residential camp.
Heartland Hockey Camp is entering an exciting new chapter.
Following its acquisition by 200x85, a clear focus has been placed on enhancing the overall camper experience while preserving the traditions that have made Heartland a premier summer destination for hockey players. That vision is now being realized through over $1.5 million investment in facility upgrades across the campus.
These improvements are designed to elevate every aspect of camp life — from on-ice performance to off-ice training and daily living — ensuring that Heartland continues to provide a best-in-class experience for years to come.
At the center of the renovation project is the installation of a new concrete floor in Heartland’s main arena. This upgrade will create a more consistent and efficient ice surface, enhancing the quality of every session and providing players with optimal conditions for development.
As part of the ongoing improvements, the former studio rink is being converted into a multi-purpose field house. This new space will allow for dryland training, field games, and team activities in a controlled environment, ensuring that programming can continue uninterrupted regardless of weather conditions.
Significant attention is also being given to camper amenities. All eight restroom and shower facilities are currently undergoing full renovations, including updated sinks, vanities, shower partitions, and modernized finishes. These enhancements are aimed at improving comfort, functionality, and the overall day-to-day experience for campers.
In addition, new mattresses are being installed across all dormitories, reinforcing Heartland’s commitment to player wellness. Quality rest is a critical component of performance, and this upgrade ensures campers are able to recover and perform at their best throughout the week.
These upgrades reflect 200x85’s long-term commitment to investing in Heartland Hockey Camp and continuously raising the standard of what a summer hockey experience can be.
While the facilities are evolving, the core of Heartland remains unchanged — a unique, private campus where players can train, compete, and build lasting connections in a focused and immersive environment.
With these improvements underway, Heartland is positioned to deliver an even stronger experience for its campers in 2026 and beyond.
This investment marks an important step forward — and signals that the best of Heartland is still ahead.
Heartland Hockey Camps is proud to announce Pete Carlson as its new Executive Director, effective March 2, 2026. Carlson’s appointment marks a pivotal step in extending Heartland’s four-decade tradition while strategically growing the camp experience for future generations of players and families.
Carlson joins Heartland following an extraordinary career in Minnesota hockey facility leadership. On January 6, 2026, he formally submitted his retirement as Senior Director of Operations and Programming at the National Sports Center (NSC), concluding 35 years in the industry, including an incredible 29-year tenure at the NSC.
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude for all who have been part of our journey—campers, parents, staff, and the broader Heartland family. Sandy Jensen and her amazing staff are looking forward to continuing the Heartland journey by making more memories, forging new friendships, and continuing to inspire hockey players worldwide. Here's to many more years of success, friendship, and hockey magic at Heartland Hockey Camp.
Heartland Hockey pulls off an incredible hockey feat! This year, Heartland had to modify its programs and camp experience, cutting its capac- ity by 50 percent. Heartland Hockey Camp operated this summer under strict guidelines and precau- tions in order to keep campers, their family members and Heartland staff safe and COVID-free.
Hockey,
I remember the first day our boy’s feet hit the ice. I still see it in my head like it was yesterday, his helmet looking like it was so big it was going to tip him over. He ran across the ice at full speed, not knowing yet how to skate. He was so determined to shoot a puck, that he refused to let go of his hockey stick to figure out how to skate. It took him an hour to figure it out. And then it was done…and he was hooked. It’s an affliction for many, and while I loved his love for this incredible game, I had no idea just how much this game would give him in return.
What’s New at Heartland Hockey Camp?
Every year, Heartland Hockey Camp is dedicated to improving our camp. In just the last few years, we've made some major improvements including, a new paved main entrance driveway, multiple new upgraded lodging units, improved lighting in our arena, new dorm roof, new weight room, new beach toys, and much more! 2019 is a big year for us as we're in the process of adding even more upgrades! Check out our new additions below.
Heartland Hockey Camp By the Numbers!
With 20+ hours of ice time, 5:1 coaching ratio, 7,600 ft of private lakeshore property and more, it’s no surprise Heartland Hockey Camp is one of the best hockey camps in the world! Take a look at some of our features to understand why Heartland Hockey Camp is one week of unbelievable fun!
The Heartland Hockey Camp recently competed in the 2018 European Hockey Classic, in Zell am See, Austria, the week of October 2-7, 2018. The tournament featured teams from the following countries; Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Hungary.
What are you doing to evaluate your game, and to prepare for next season?
This process beings with an honest assessment of your game. Do you need to improve your shot? How about your stickhandling? Powerskating, speed and quickness are skills that every player should focus on. Sitting down and taking the time to think back to your season, and identifying areas of your game that need improvement are important first step to taking your game to the next level this summer!
