A unique part of the Knights Experience is the opportunity to travel, explore new cities, and gain exposure to hockey beyond our own rink. Over the years, our players have visited, toured, practiced, or attended games at a variety of collegiate and elite hockey programs, including Bethel University, the University of Wisconsin, North Dakota, Miami (Ohio), Penn State, St. Cloud State, the University of St. Thomas, Augustana University, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, the U.S. National Team Development Program, and the University of Nebraska–Omaha. Players have also had opportunities to experience junior and professional hockey environments with organizations such as the Fargo Force, Waterloo Black Hawks, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Des Moines Buccaneers, Steinbach Pistons, and the Lincoln Stars, as well as NHL teams including the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks. Additional opportunities continue to grow each season.

Community at NorthStar is intentionally built into the daily hockey experience. While the program is designed to develop elite athletes, it also recognizes that players are still kids — and creating space for enjoyment, connection, and balance is an important part of their growth.

Through shared meals and a variety of off-ice athletic activities such as basketball, soccer, football, pickleball, and spike ball, players stay active while building relationships and team chemistry. These moments provide a healthy outlet for competition and movement, reinforcing the importance of enjoying the process along the way.

The Knights Experience encourages players to be present and make the most of each season. The days may feel long, but the years move quickly, and the memories created through everyday moments together often become some of the most meaningful. This balance of high standards and genuine enjoyment helps define daily life at NorthStar and shapes the experience players carry with them long after their time in the program.