The Minnesota Blades is a nonprofit youth AAA hockey organization which originated in 1989. The players on this year?s 94 MN Blades-Winnipeg Champions Cup team reside in the Minneapolis St. Paul Rochester and Somerset areas. It is our philosophy that both excellent coaching and the best competition available challenges our players to ?stretch? their abilities and attitudes thus building self esteem in a variety of areas. On behalf of the entire Minnesota Blades organization we would like to extend our gratitude to the many volunteers and sponsors of the 2006 Winnipeg Champions Cup. In addition we wish the best of luck to all of the participants in this year?s tournament.