As the 2013-14 season draws to an end, it is time to begin planning for next season’s recruiting efforts. To assist with the planning, Minnesota Hockey is conducting three “Growth Workshops” on April 6th and 7th. In addition to these three workshops, we will be conducting workshops in greater Minnesota and are working with the District Directors from those areas to schedule those. We are inviting association Growth Coordinators and/or Presidents to participate in the Growth Workshop to learn about exciting programs for next season and share ideas of what they have been doing to get more kids playing our great game.
The workshops are scheduled:
The hard work and commitment by local volunteers to growing the game at the youngest levels really paid dividends this past season as we reversed a slight decline over the past two years, with midseason reports projecting a statewide growth of 2% at the 8U level to approximately 16, 400 players. Together we achieved new record number of Try Hockey For Free events and participation for both the November and March dates.
Starting now, it is important that we work together to set the stage for another great season of growth in 2014-15. Traditionally, the year following the Olympics produces the largest increases throughout the country so we have an outstanding opportunity to capitalize and improve upon this past year’s success.
The workshop agenda will include valuable information about Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey growth programs as well as the opportunity to learn what other associations in your area are doing to get more kids playing the game. There will also be exciting door prizes to be awarded to attendees at each of the workshops.
Please RSVP your intentions to attend to Minnesota Hockey as soon as possible.
I look forward to meeting with you at a workshop.
Jeff Wright
Committee Chair, Membership Development Committee