Current Staff

Administration

Troy G. Ward Owner

From the time he first put on skates, hockey has been a major part of Troy G. Ward's life. Hockey and Sons, a trailblazing summer camp, will mark its 28th year in 2025.

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. He also spent one year as GM for the Sioux CIty Musketeers, USHL.

Currently, Troy is in his 2nd year as Associate Head Coach of MNSU, Mankato Men's Hockey.

"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 worked as a middle school counselor for 23 years.

"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 7th 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 7 seasons, he was with the Minnesota Wild's system as an Asst. at their AHL affiliate in Iowa. Currently Keith is an Assistant Coach for MNSU, Mankato Men's Hockey.

"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 8th 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 second 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."

Matt Ford Skills Coach

Matthew Ford is a dedicated skills coach based in Chicago, and the founder of Ford Hockey School, a premier hockey training program established in 2020. With 12 years of professional hockey experience, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game to players of all ages.

He has spent the last three years leading skill development at Hockey & Sons, his partnership with camp owner Troy G. Ward dates back to his recruitment to the WI Badgers.

“As a dad, it’s my favorite week of the year, being able to experience the camp with my two sons and my dad. It’s a special place we feel fortunate to be a part of it. As a coach, Hockey & Sons is different than anything else out there. Parents get the opportunity to be better coaches to their kids, and they not only tell their kids to work hard but show them.”

Tyler Ruegsegger Skills Coach

A Colorado native, Tyler has an impressive background as a player and coach, he joined the Hockey & Sons staff in 2024. He started his playing career at Shattuck-St Mary's before playing 4 years with the University of Denver where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Tyler played for Team USA at the 2008 World Junior Championships. He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs and played pro hockey for the Abbotsford Heat (AHL). He is currently coaching his 8th season at Shattuck-St. Mary's.

"Hockey and Sons challenges its participants to grow as athletes and people. While fathers and sons work to improve their hockey skillsets throughout camp, more importantly, Troy G. Ward and his staff challenge fathers to embrace their roles as mentors and push young boys to develop into young men. Hockey and Sons understands that life and hockey are connected and pushes its players to embrace the life lessons hockey teaches. I’m honored to be a part of this camp, and work with so many great people."

Jordan Steinmetz Skills Coach

A Chippewa Falls, WI native, Jordan has a robust playing history and joined the Hockey & Sons staff in 2024. He started in the NAHL before playing for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) and then spent 4 yours playing Division I at St. Lawrence University. Jordan rounded out his college career playing for MNSU, Mankato. Currently he is playing professional in the Netherals for the Central European Hockey League.

"I am jealous that I didn't have the opportunity at attend Hockey & Sons as a camper, when I was younger. My first year at Hockey & Sons was as a coach and was an incredible experience. All of the people were great, from the staff, to the kids, and the parents. I am grateful to be a part of the experience!"

Tom Kuklinski Skills Coach

Tom started his youth hockey career in Mosinee, WI and finished playing as a walk on for the UW-Madison, Badgers where he was a member of the 1973 NCAA National Championship Team. After college, Tom embarked on a very successful 40 year high school coaching career, taking Eau Claire North to three WIAA High School Hockey Tournaments. He is honored in Eau Claire Center Ice Club Foundation Hall of Fame, WI Amateur Hockey Assoc Hall of Fame, and Eau Claire North HS Hall of Fame. Tom is currently coaching youth hockey in Cumberland, WI.

"I am very blessed to be a small part of a strong family-oriented hockey camp. I have coached in summer hockey camps during most of my coaching career and Hockey & Sons tops them all. The management, on-ice instruction, philosophy and values of Hockey & Sons create great memories, famiy bonds, and lasting life and hockey lessons."

Wes Bolin Tactics Coach

One of the most respected names in amateur hockey, Wes returns for his 25th 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."

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 was the Head Men's Hockey Coach at Gustavus Adolphus for 24 years before taking on the Director of Club Sports role at Gustavus Adolphus. 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, 2025 will be his 10th 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.

Graydon is currently the Goalie Coach for WI Windigo, NAHL.

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

Lecture

Taylor G. Ward Lecturer

Taylor brings a unique perspective to Hockey and Sons. He started as a camper at age 7, 2025 will mark his 21st 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 in his 2nd year as Assistant Coach of Army, West Point Men's Hockey.

"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."

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."