Soo Indians Mission

The Soo Indians coaches, board of directors and volunteers are committed to providing excellence in teaching and development for all Indians players. Our goal is to move players to the next level by educating, training and inspiring them. Our hockey program shall emphasize fundamental player and team skills, conceptual development, nutritional awareness, physical conditioning and respect for the individual athlete and the sport..  We understand the character and hockey traits players need to play hockey at its highest levels.

The Soo Indians are based out of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan which lies at the northern end of Interstate 75.  The St. Mary’s River separates Sault Ste. Marie, MI from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada.  The Indians practice and play out of the Big Bear Arena.  The arena features two sheets of ice, one Olympic size and one pro size, a full-feature workout room, a fully stocked pro shop, and our own professional size locker room.

When you play hockey in Sault Ste. Marie, you have the attention of scouts from all venues of advanced hockey.  Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan hosts the 3-time NCAA Champion Lake Superior State University Lakers from the NCAA and the Soo Eagles Junior A team from the North Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).  Across the border into Canada, you’ll find the Soo Thunderbirds, also of the NOJHL and the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).  the Indians, themselves, are associated with the Filnt Jr. Generals of the Central States Hockey League, the Soo Eagles, and the Hudson Crusaders of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League.  The team also plays in several high profile tournaments that are frequented by scouts from all over the country.  So, as you can see, it would not be uncommon to have several scouts attending our games and/or practices.

Lodging

The Soo Indians use a ‘billet’ style method of housing our players. Basically, all this means is that you are assigned to stay with a “housing parent” for the duration of the hockey season.  Normally, though, this extends through the end of the school year if you are attending school

Leaving home and playing hockey in a strange city is a life-changing experience for most young men.   That is why we are very particular on who we accept as “housing parents” for our players.  These ‘parents’ are normally well known in the hockey community and have played and/or followed  the Indians for many years.

You will pay for your housing at the rate of $300/month.  This same rate extends after the season is over if both parties agree to it.  You are also responsible for your own transportation.  Many times your housing parent may help in the transportation area, but it is your responsibility to find transportation to and from your destination.

Passport Information

We travel to Canada for league and tournaments.  As of June 1, 2009, you must have a valid passport to return to the U.S.  Michigan residents can obtain a specially enhanced driver’s license instead.  For more information:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Travel Accommodations

The Soo Indians use only reputable transportation companies for travel to our away games.  A picture of the bus that we use is posted below.  The bus is a late model luxury bus with up to nine DVD screens located throughout the passenger compartment.  It seats 53 people, but with a team of 22 players plus coaches and a few other staff, so you can see that there is plenty of room to make yourself comfortable.

Our hotel lodging is just as stringent.  Don’t expect to be staying in any 5-Star hotels, but you also won’t expect to be staying in any dives, either.  As we have been to almost all locations where our travels take us, we know the safest and cleanest establishments to stay in.  We supply  a travel itinerary for all out-of-town trips and they are strictly adhered to.

Coaching Staff

The Soo Indians coaching staff is made up of dedicated, knowledgeable people who know the game of hockey and are well known throughout the hockey community…nationwide!

Rick Corbiere is our head coach.  Rick Corbiere enters his sixth year as Head Coach of the Soo Indians Midget Major team.  He stresses discipline both on and off the ice with a total commitment to the team and education.  With vast experience as an assistant coach and head coach in the Junior Hockey ranks, Rick brings to the Indians a wealth of hockey knowledge to the young men on the Indians.  Player development remains a primary team objective with strong emphasis on the pursuit of hockey excellence through the academic route.

Jerry Harwood is our assistant coach.  Jerry can take claim to working his way up through the ranks.  Jerry stood right where you stand now on deciding to play Midget Major hockey.  Fortunately, he did so and went on to a very respectable career at Lake Superior State University.  Jerry brings to the Indians the player experience needed to communicate from a player’s prospective.  He is a USA Hockey Level 4 coach who specializes in teaching the skills aspect of the game.

We also have full-time goaltender coaches and strength/conditioning coaches to help you grow in your playing ability.

Playing Facilities

The Soo Indians will play out of the Chi Mukwa (Big Bear) Arena located on the grounds of the Kewadin Casino.  The building features ample parking for cars and buses with a modern pro shop featuring all state-of-the-art equipment and maintenance supplies.  It also features a full gym with more than enough equipment to handle the entire team at once.  There are two ice pads, a snack/luncheon counter and a bar that overlooks one of the ice rinks.  It also features a modern, comfortable locker room designated strictly for the Soo Indians team.

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