About three years ago, Matt Dawson got together with a group of about ten people to discuss the future of the Willmar Hockey Association. Numbers were low and they needed to make some major changes to turn things around.

They’ve done exactly that. And the numbers are continuing to climb.

In 2011-12 season, WHA had just 35 players at the Mite level. Two seasons later, in 2013-14, that number has swelled to 70.

“We’ve addressed the time and cost commitment and just created a better culture of leadership with people that have really stepped up,” Dawson said. “It’s been a team effort.

“That’s opened the doors.”

Their growth has been a direct result of multiple initiatives they’ve put in place. For example, first-year skaters skate for free as the WHA pays for the USA Hockey registration fee and waves other dues, though the players are responsible for getting their own gear. But even when it comes to gear, the Willmar Hockey Boosters are also available to help. Overall the initiative helps get kids on the rink and a chance to experience the game.

This is just one way they’ve attempted to demonstrate that hockey isn’t as expensive as it is notoriously known to be. Dawson noted they’ve addressed the cost issue head on, letting families know what the costs truly are to play and that it’s not as expensive, particularly compared to other sports, as it is believed.

“The perception out there is that it’s too expensive,” Dawson said. “It can be if you want to spend money, but you don’t have to.”

Another program they’ve put in place is a co-ed 4th-6th grade in-house rec league. If players don’t feel ready for traveling hockey, they can join the rec league which practices once a week and plays games once a week.

Through both initiatives, the WHA is working to make hockey a more family-friendly sport. When a child tries it, the hope is to bring the family back and have another sibling get into the game.

That concept is also helped by their annual pool party, which serves as an information night for those interested in joining the association. The association rents out a local pool and everyone in the community is invited to have fun and swim for free. Board members and coaches are available to answer any questions, and help register players if they want.

While the WHA has initiated much of the change that has taken place within their hockey community, they have also been supported by the city. With three outdoor rinks that are constantly busy in the winter to a city park with outdoor dryland area, the city has helped make playing hockey more accessible to anyone who wants to play.

Overall, Dawson feels the changes they’ve put in place have helped change the hockey culture in the Willmar community, but they still have work to do.

“We still have a long ways to go,” Dawson said. “But kids are having fun and that’s what matters.”

The Willmar Hockey Association (WHA) was recognized by Minnesota Hockey with one of Total Hockey’s Grow the Game Awards for 2015 at their annual awards banquet.