The 2021 Association Leader Excellence Conference (ALEC) hosted representatives of 35 community associations on August 6-7 in St. Louis Park, Minn. The conference provided attendees with best practices and opportunities for networking with leaders from the national, state and local levels as they prepare for the start of the 2021-2022 season.

The conference started Friday, August 6 with a series of roundtable discussions on key topics in youth hockey including: recruitment and retention of referees, responding to incidents of discriminatory conduct, USA Hockey’s new playing rules, and growing the game.

On Saturday, association leaders attend breakout sessions on a variety of topics. The sessions included diversity and inclusion, membership development, finances, local discipline, player and coach development and much more. For a full list of topics, click here.  

“It was great to observe the leaders of associations so engaged in obtaining best practices from all the presenters as well as networking with other leaders from throughout the state,” said Minnesota Hockey president Steve Oleheiser. “This conference is one of the most significant things Minnesota Hockey provides back to our membership, and this year’s event really set the tone for a great 2021-2022 season!”

At the end of the conference, Minnesota Hockey randomly awarded three grants to attending participants to aid their associations in growing the game. Troy Woltman was selected to receive a $500 grant for Inver Grove Heights Hockey Association. Darren Heutmaker, on behalf of West St. Paul Hockey (formerly Sibley), was picked for the runner up prize of $1,500, and Jacub Kaliszewski, representing Woodland Hockey in Duluth, was selected for the grand prize of $10,000. All grants will be paid to the association in support of learn to play initiatives.

Long time Wayzata president and current Junior Gold High School League representative Greg Gibson, was inspired by the energy and content at this year’s event.

“It was by far the best one I have attended to date,” said Gibson, who has attended four of the five ALEC events held in person since 2016.

Minnesota Hockey would like to thank all of the partners and vendors who help make the conference possible and provide such great resources to youth hockey associations in Minnesota. Presenting partners of this year’s event included Dick’s Sporting Goods, JLG Ice, IntelliGym, Signature Concepts, SportsEngine, TRIA Orthopedic and Viking Trophies. Supporting partners and vendors included CoachThem, GameSheet and Youth Sports Plus.