The city of Ames has seen its fair share of professional athletes come and go. From Fred Hoiberg to Seneca Wallace, and to recently drafted, Craig Brackins.

The trend continued with a visit from NHL Hall of Fame inductee, Al MacInnis, June 20-25 at the USA U-15 Select Bantam Camp.

“U.S. hockey does a tremendous amount of work in finding the best staff possible [for this camp],” said Cyclone hockey coach and director of the camp Al Murdoch, “and Al MacInnis is a prime example of that. It was outstanding that we could have the quality of staff top to bottom out here this week and a guy with 23 years of NHL experience. It doesn’t come any better.”

Ames has been home to the Central District Select Camp since 2005, bringing in kids who excel at hockey at ages 14 and 15 from throughout the Midwest. They also are able to bring in coaches who excel at hockey, like MacInnis.

“I’ve been involved in coaching the last 8 to 10 years [in the St. Louis area],” MacInnis said. “I enjoy every second of it. Because of my location in St. Louis, [Miss.], I have seen some of these guys from the Chicago, [Ill.], area, Des Moines area and of course St. Louis area, when we play against them, so I am very familiar, and they thought with that knowledge I could be a big help.”

MacInnis’ hockey resume speaks for itself.

Within his 23-year career, MacInnis was able to win a Stanley Cup and MVP award in 1989. In 2002 he won a gold medal with team Canada, and had his jersey retired with the St. Louis Blues just four years later in 2006.

All of this was culminated with induction to the Hall of Fame induction in 2007.

As impressive as all that may be, MacInnis was known mostly for his killer slap-shot, which was showcased in 15 all-star games, gaining the Hardest Shot award four consecutive years in a row.

“The fortunate part [about coaching] these kids is that they are probably too young to really know much about my professional career,” MacInnis said, “but I’m sure their dad tries to give them as much info as possible.

“These kids were born in [19]96 and I started playing in [19]84. I’m sure some of those parents dust off those old black and white videos and show their kids and it’s a lot of fun. Youtube makes it easier for some of the guys to check me out too.”

One kid at the camp already knew plenty about MacInnis and his success on the ice; his son, Ryan.

Ryan, a center — unlike his father who played defense during the majority of his hockey career — participated in his first USA Select Camp in Ames in hopes of following his father’s professional path.

“It’s a lot of fun and you have to remember at that age its still fun, it’s not a job yet,” MacInnis said. “He [Ryan] has passion for the game, along with all the other kids out there, and you don’t make it this far unless you have passion and continue to work on your skills and become a better player. He’s grown up with it and he wanted to stick with hockey. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Murdoch agreed with the Hall of Famer.

“We’re going to see some of these players at this camp on future all-star and NHL teams,” Murdoch said. “It’s a real bright spot for Ames to have the opportunity to hold a camp like this and bring in the players and coaches, like the MacInnis’s.”

So, with all the action going on at the rink, was Ames also graced with the presence of that renowned hardest Slap-shot during MacInnis’ week-long stay?

“I can’t quite say it’ll be that hard of a shot anymore,” MacInnis said, “but who knows, maybe I’ll work on it for next year if I can make it back.”