5 minute read
Minnesota Hockey breaks record
Inside Minnesota Hockey
www.minnesotahockey.org
Minnesota Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey, is the governing body of youth and amateur hockey in Minnesota and the premier developer of hockey players in the state. With over 67,000 registered players and coaches, it is the largest state governing body for amateur hockey in the United States.
Minnesota Hockey breaks national and state record for 8 & Under players
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The final registration report from USA Hockey has been released following USA Hockey Annual Congress and Minnesota Hockey has established a new record of 8 & Under (8U) players with 19,079. That number marks the first time Minnesota has surpassed the 19,000 8U player mark. The total helped Minnesota Hockey establish a record for total players as well, with 58,666 players of all ages gearing up across the state.
The 19,079 8U players includes 13,631 boys and a record 5,448 girls and is an increase of 12.2% over 2020-21. As encouraging as the 8U number is, perhaps the most encouraging statistic is that Minnesota had its largest number of new 8U players with 7,912 boys and girls suiting up for the first time.
“To set a new record for 8 & Under players, especially coming off the challenging pandemic year of 2020-21, is remarkable,” said Minnesota Hockey president, Steve Oleheiser. “As an organization, it is imperative that we keep the base of our pyramid as wide as possible and provide the opportunity for every child to try the sport. While we couldn’t be more excited to see the growth across the state, we know we have more work to do in welcoming many more families, in particular from the BIPOC community, to Minnesota Hockey.”
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Hard Ice Divider Program surpasses 100
Minnesota Hockey, in partnership with Rink Systems, Inc., is offering its Hard Ice Divider Program for the ninth consecutive season with applications going through August, 2022. The program has helped supply over 100 sets of dividers to 75 youth hockey associations in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Hockey Hard Ice Divider Program was designed to aid community-based associations and their home rinks in promoting the growth of ice hockey through the implementation of cross and half-ice hockey, and it’s made a huge impact on the game throughout the state. Associations have utilized the boards to enhance a wide variety of age-appropriate programs include in-house mite and squirt programs, jamborees, tournaments and three-on-three or four-on-four leagues for older age groups.
Through the partnership, Rink Systems will also allow for associations that purchase hard ice dividers through the program to purchase junior size goal frames at a discounted rate. Junior size goal frames provide a more realistic playing experience for young goaltenders, enabling them to gain confidence and passion for position.
Minnesota Hockey affiliated associations interested in purchasing a “hard divider” system must complete an online application for the program and submit a deposit. Once approved, Minnesota Hockey associations will be able to purchase a set of boards, valued at $7,900, for just $5,400. Associations that take advantage of the hard ice divider subsidy will also be able to purchase the junior goal frames sets of two goal frames for $500, which are valued at $600.
To learn more, visit www.minnesotahockey.org/harddividers.
Kick Off event to be held September 24
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Hockey, in partnership with the Minnesota Wild, announced it will be launching a new diversified hockey program for players in Minnesota with hearing loss. The Minnesota Wild Deaf/Hard of Hearing (“HOH”) Hockey program will kick off its inaugural season with a special event on Saturday, Sept.the St. Louis Park Rec Center in St. Louis Park, Minn.
While official Deaf/HOH competitions feature a lighting system that is used in place of whistles, the games are played with standard playing rules and have minimal modifications. In fact, many participants in Deaf/Hard of Hearing hockey compete on local association, high school or even college teams. Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in the instruction of these athletes as many utilize sign language, lip reading, hearing aids, or interpreters on the bench to ensure understanding of instruction.
“We are really excited to be part of this amazing initiative,” said Raimondo Fusco, president of Minnesota Wild Deaf/HOH Hockey. “The Minnesota Wild Deaf/HOH program will provide a great platform for the incredibly talented players in this community, from all backgrounds and abilities, to showcase their skills and continuing living life to the fullest.”
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Registration for the 2022 Hockey Director Conference, which will be held September 9-11 at the Marriott Minneapolis West in St. Louis Park, MN, is now open. The conference, which is designed for hockey directors and player development leaders in youth hockey associations, will provide in-depth training on the techniques and principles that guide world class hockey development programs.
Special guests and presenters are set toinclude former NHL scout and college hockey analyst Dave Starman, ADM Regional Managers Guy Gosselin and Roger Grillo. Key topics will include understanding & capitalizing on long term athlete development principles, how to implement the ADM and a successful organizational culture, goaltending development, body contact and body-checking and much more.
To register or view additional schedule details as they’re available, visit www.minnesotahockey.org/hdc. The registration deadline is Monday, September 5th.
A room block has been made at the Marriott Minneapolis West. For reservations, click here or call (952) 544-4400 and ask for a room with the Minnesota Hockey Hockey Director Conference. The room block is guaranteed until August 20th but rooms may be available after that date by contacting the hotel directly. Minnesota Hockey members traveling over 50 miles will be eligible for a lodging allowance.
Minnesota Hockey would like to thank CoachThem, Hockey IntelliGym, HUDL, SportsEngine, The Coaches Site and TRIA Orthopaedic for their continued support of the Hockey Director Conference.
