The Royal Bank of Canada, that country's largest bank, and USA Hockey, RBC's partner, has announced its most recent Play Hockey Grants, awarded to projects in North America to help people play all forms of hockey.

Four of the 11 grants -- which are for $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 -- are going to Midwest programs: the Fargo Youth Hockey Association, Minnesota Warriors Hockey in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Special Hockey in Coon Rapids and Waconia Youth Hockey.

RBC has awarded more than $200,000 in grants already.

EIGHT GOALIES WITH STATE TIES AT CAMP

Eight goalies with connections to Minnesota were at the fourth annual Warren Strehlow national team goaltending camp from May 12-15 in Ann Arbor, Mich., improving their skills.

They made up almost one-fourth of the 36 netminders there.

Among the 24 boys there were six high shool players with Minnesota ties:

Aaron Dingmann, Wayzata H.S.

Andrew Lindgren, Lakeville North H.S.

Hunter Miske, North Branch H.S.

Collin Olson, U17 U.S. nat'l team, Apple Valley

Chase Perry, Andover H.S.

Blake Weyrick, Shattuck-St. Mary's ... he is from Ojai, Calif.

Among the 12 women/girls at the camp were:

Laura Bellamy, Harvard ... she is from Duluth

Julie Friend, Minnetonka H.S.