Instructors:
Craig Woodcroft
Craig serves as the Founder and Head Instructor for Northern Edge. His credentials include being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks and playing professional hockey for 12 years. His vision and dedication to the school's professionalism are evident in the curriculum he oversees every year. The European influence to the on and off-ice drills are a direct result of his having spent the better part of ten years playing and learning in Europe.
Craig was Chicago's fourth pick in 1988 after earning a four year scholarship at Colgate University.
Craig had the opportunity to play for the Canadian Olympic Team in 1994, the year of the Lillehammer Games.
Craig's jersey hangs in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.
Craig has been instructing at hockey schools for 21 years.
Stephen Yurichuk (Yuro)
Stephen has been a head instructor with Northern Edge for six years. As an elite skater, Stephen has had the opportunity to develop Northern Edge's exclusive Euro-Power Skating program. The intense drills and skill taught by Stephen have landed him NHL clients and draft prospects from all across the world. His innovative and professional techniques are unique: advanced and intermediate level skaters learn from his skill, work ethic and attention to the individual. After his playing career in Germany, Steve worked 4 years as the Director of Hockey Operations for the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Currently, Steve is residing in the Twin Cities, where he has begun working with various associations and high school teams as a full time member of the Northern Edge Staff.
Curt Bowen:
Curt began his first summer as a full-time instructor with Northern Edge in 2005. A first round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, a Gold Medal Winner with Team Canada World Juniors, Curt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NEEHS. Curt is currently playing in Europe where he continues to instruct youth players in his spare time.
Sheldon Gorski:
Sheldon has worked for Northern Edge for eight years and brings a wealth of playing and teaching experience, having played in 600 pro games (and scoring almost 400 goals). His teaching experience was learned at the University of Illinois-Chicago; Sheldon is currently the Director of Hockey Operations in Joliet, IL.
Petter Sandstrom:
Petter is currently the goal tending instructor for NEEHS, and his European program challenges all goalies to be their best. Focusing on flexibility and reaction time, Petter's drills incorporate the Swedish style that made him one of the top goalies in Europe.
John Hardy:
John was the first Northern Edge Student to graduate into a full-time instructor. John started with NEEHS ten years ago, and worked as a junior instructor for four years before being named a full-time instructor in 2001. John is currently the Director of Hockey Operations in Medford, OR.
Jim Paek:
Two time Stanley Cup Champion Jim Paek (Pittsburgh Penguins) has worked hockey schools throughout his playing career. Friends with the Woodcroft brothers since they went to hockey school together as young players, Jim brings tons of playing, coaching and teaching experience to NEEHS. Jim is currently the Player/Assistant Coach for Grand Rapids Griffins.