Dakota Blizzard

The Dakota Hockey Foundation offers an optional travel team pathway for committed athletes seeking a higher level of competition and development. The Dakota Blizzard program based out of Bismarck, ND. We provide skaters with the opportunity to improve their hockey skills during the spring and fall seasons. The program intentionally takes the summer months off to allow players the chance to enjoy other sports, family time, specialized camps, or just being a kid.

About Team

The Dakota Blizzard represents the next step in the growth of girls’ hockey in North Dakota — built on opportunity, high standards, and the belief that committed athletes deserve access to elite development close to home. In a state shaped by long winters, outdoor rinks, and a deep love for the game, hockey has always demanded resilience, discipline, and teamwork. The Dakota Blizzard team is founded on those same principles, with a forward-looking focus on player growth and competitive excellence.

This team is not defined by the past, but by what is possible next. The Dakota Blizzard exists to create a high-level environment where players can sharpen their skills, challenge themselves, and prepare for the next level of play — whether that path leads to varsity competition or beyond. By emphasizing strong coaching, intentional development, and a team-first culture.

Approach to Team Formation & Expectations

Our core goal is to keep teams and families together as long as possible so players can build lasting skills, friendships, and a strong team culture.

Returning players receive priority when teams are formed.
No roster spot is guaranteed.
When openings exist, tryouts may be held to fill those spots while still prioritizing continuity for existing families.

We ask every player to show up consistently to training and treat team tournaments as a clear priority.

Other sports are encouraged. We support multi-sport participation and understand that occasional practice conflicts will occur.
Team tournaments, however, must come first over other competitive hockey programs.
If a tournament conflict arises, please notify the team as early as possible so the coaching staff and families can plan around it and minimize disruption.

Participation is selective by design to help ensure and maintain focused, high-performing teams that emphasize skill development, reliable commitment, and a positive team environment. This approach helps protect the experience for every player and family involved.

This structure balances flexibility for multi-sport athletes with the reliability needed to keep teams strong and families connected over multiple seasons.

Skill is important, but there are many qualities that go beyond talent.

Strong work ethic, coachability, and consistent effort
Positive attitude, sportsmanship, and respect for teammates and coaches
Contributing to — rather than disrupting — a supportive and productive team environment