"What is a dryland training center?" That question had to be answered before the Otto Bremer Foundation gave its final approval to a grant for the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna.

Owatonna High School boys hockey coach Josh Storm says, "It's a gym. But it's also a hockey area where we can work on our shooting, stick handling, passing and skating as well. It's pretty much an all-inclusive training facility."

The dryland training center is in the lower level of the Four Seasons Centre. It includes a large shooting area with three practice goals. Seven or eight players can shoot at one time. There are several slide boards that allow players to work on skating skills. A cross-fit gym includes weights, kettle bells, PowerBlock equipment and Russian boxes.

A dedication was held Tuesday for the facility to recognize the partners involved in the project. Mark Hendricks of Youth First led the program. The Steele County Board, staff at Four Seasons Centre, Owatonna Youth Hockey Association, the high school hockey teams, Steele County Blades and Owatonna Park and Recreation all worked together.

The total cost for the training center is $55,000. A grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation was a great addition to money raised by Owatonna hockey associations, in-kind donations from the Four Seasons Centre, and cash and in-kind donations from Cybex and Gopher Sport.

Youth hockey board chairman Mike Jacobson said having the training facility on the same site as the hockey rink is a big advantage. He believes that convenience will lead to greater skill development and more competitiveness for Owatonna hockey.

More From KRFO-AM