Current Staff

Administration

Troy G. Ward Owner

From the time he first put on skates, hockey has been a major part of Troy Ward's life. Hockey and Sons, a trailblazing summer camp, will mark its 26th year in 2023.

The North St. Paul native captained a NAIA championship at UW Eau claire. He later coached his alma mater for 3 seasons. Troy's hockey career grew from there, coaching in the USHL, WHL, NCAA, AHL, EBEL, and NHL. In 2001, he moved to the executive side for a season as VP and Director of Hockey Operations for the ECHL.

In addition to his leadership with Hockey and Sons, Troy is the GM for the Sioux City Musketeers, USHL team.

"I set out to create a special bond between me and my sons, in a unique setting of a hockey rink. The game of hockey captures so many emotions, for both the parent and child, developing over a period of time. I wanted to foster that for a lifetime."

Marilyn Ward Administrative Assistant

She is often the first face campers see when they arrive at Hockey and Sons, Marilyn is the behind the scenes guru of the camp.

Marilyn manages the year-round aspects of Hockey and Sons with registration, bookkeeping, and communication. She can also be found at camp, helping with the day to day administrative tasks. A native of Middleton, WI Marilyn attended UW Madison and works as a middle school counselor.

"I love being a part of a program that has such long-lasting effects on families. Hearing both the parents and the kids say that Hockey and Sons is the best week of the year, brings a huge smile to my heart. It makes sleeping in a dorm room for 4 nights totally worth it!"

Coaches

Keith Paulsen Skills Coach

Keith returns for his 6th year as an instructor at Hockey and Sons. The Eau Claire native has been coaching for nearly 2 decades at several levels of the sport. He was a stalwart blueliner during a 4 year college career at UW Eau Claire, serving as an Asst. Captain his senior season.

In 2010, Keith joined the junior ranks as an Asst. Coach at Sioux City before joining the Madison Capitols staff. For the past 7 seasons, he has been in the Minnesota Wild's system as an Asst. at their AHL affiliate in Iowa.

"The best part of Hockey and Sons is the people. Troy, Marilyn, and the entire staff are great to work with. But seeing the players and parents enjoying time together on and off the ice is what really makes it so incredibly rewarding. I hope someday my young daughter or son wants to attend camp."

Ryan Petersen Skills Coach

A North St. Paul, MN native, Ryan starts his 7th year as an instructor at Hockey and Sons. After his high school days, Ryan was a hard charging forward for Sioux City and Green Bay (USHL) before enrolling at St. Norbert College. While there, he was a member of a NCAA D III Championship unit and served as a team captain for 2 seasons. This year marks his first season as Associate Head Coach for St. Norbert College.

"Hockey and Sons has become my favorite camp to take part in over the last few summers. The experiences that you and your child share while at camp are impactful, honest, and challenging. After every camp, I find that I am inspired by the effort and devotion that parents share during their time together and the admiration that their children have looking back at their parents is extremely fulfilling."

Logan Murphy Skills Coach

Former player, UW Eau Claire. Logan is currently the Assistant Coach for the Chippewa Steel (NAHL).

Matt Ford Skills Coach

Tom Kuklinski Skills Coach

Wes Bolin Tactics Coach

One of the most respected names in amateur hockey, Wes returns for his 24th year with the Hockey and Sons staff. A native of Minneapolis, he played for UW Eau Claire.

In 2004 Wes took over the Woodbury HS program, guiding the Royals to the MN State HS tournament for the 1st time ever and was named the top MN Prep Coach of the Year in 2007. Wes is the recipient of the John Mariucci Award, Dave Peterson Award, and the Ted Brill Award.

Wes is also involved in USA Hockey Development camps in MN and WI and has worked with Coaches Help Eliminate Cancer in Kids (C.H.E.C.K.).

"One of the best moments occurs on the last day of camp when Troy or Taylor asks the kids to 'give your dad a hug and tell him thanks for taking me to Hockey and Sons'. This sight of genuine love between father and child is one of the most satisfying and emotional moments, particularly with families who have been with us for many years."

Taylor G. Ward Tactics Coach

Taylor brings a unique perspective to Hockey and Sons. He started as a camper at age 7. 2021 will mark his 15th year of involvement in the program.

The North St. Paul native was a member of the 2012-13 UW Eau Claire team that won the NCAA Division III championship.

Taylor has a wide-ranging resume as a coach. He was an assistant with Sioux City and the UW Eau Claire women's team before taking the coaching reins of the Skipjacks in York, PA. He is currently Tier Director and Coach, MAP South, Minneapolis.

"There is a special bond that forms in a father and son relationship when they play the game they love together...Being able to provide that family connection and watch them grow as hockey players in the camp year after year, is truly rewarding. Each of them has memories from this camp that really do last a lifetime. I know I have mine."

Brett Petersen Tactics Coach

Brett Petersen takes a very short trip to get on the ice at Don Roberts Arena as an instructor at Hockey and Sons. He just walks from his office. The Roseville, MN native has been the Head Men's Hockey Coach at Gustavus Adolphus since 1999. He has been named MIAC Coach of the Year 3 times and the Gusties have won 247 games under his stewardship. Prior to coaching, he was a stellar defenseman, playing 4 seasons for the University of Denver.

"I started working at Hockey and Sons back when the camp was held at Shattuck St. Mary's. The core group of coaches today, also started back then. It's a testament to Troy, and the philosophy of Hockey and Sons, that our group has stayed together for so long. Personally, it's the highlight of my summer."

Graydon Skok Goalie Coach

The New Prague, MN native first hit the ice for Hockey and Sons when a goalie was needed for on ice games. That quickly morphed into joining the staff. 2021 will be his 6th year as a goalie instructor. A member of 2 Minnesota State Tournament teams at New Prague, Graydon attended UW Eau Claire where he spent time in the nets for 4 ACHA D II teams. The Blugolds won 45 games his first 2 seasons there.

He is the owner of Upper Midwest Goaltending, a goaltending skills school located in Eau Claire.

"I like the connections you make at Hockey and Sons and teaching the kids how to love the game."

Lecture

Kevin Constantine Lecturer

One of the best known names in the sport, Kevin returns to Hockey and Sons for his 4th year. The International Falls native was an outstanding goalie and was a 1978 draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens.

Kevin went behind the bench in the 1980s with Rochester (USHL) and has been a coach ever since. He has coached in the WHL, AHL, and NHL with San Jose, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey. Constantine has also led teams in France, Switzerland, South Korea, Poland, and his current post in Hungary.

"Troy Ward built the foundation for Hockey and Sons based on a high level of professionalism in detail and instruction, and then followed up by bringing in high level coaches to deliver that information. The fact families return year after year, often for 6, 7, 8 straight years, is a testament to how much benefit players and parents get from the camp and how much fun they have attending."

Business Affairs

Nathan Ward Business Affairs

He was one of the youngest campers ever, hitting his first Hockey and Sons when he was 2 years old. By the time he was 14, he was one of the staff counselors and now serves an administrative role. Nathan played his high school hockey at Mount Lebanon, PA and attended college at UW-Eau Claire.

"Hockey and Sons has remained a constant in my life since before I can remember, allowing me to be surrounded by many influential people who I am lucky to call family. Our camp highlights the perspectives in life that seemingly get lost in our everyday world, while also allowing kids to create memories with their mom and dad that they'll never forget."