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Ten Communities Join Model Association Program

By Minnesota Hockey, 01/18/22, 8:45AM CST

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Minnesota Hockey today announced ten community associations have been approved as members of the Minnesota Model Association Program for 2021-22. The Model Association Program is designed to encourage, recognize and reward hockey associations who implement age appropriate skill development as outlined in the Minnesota Development Model (MDM) of best practices, leading to greater skill development and retention of players. 

The MDM, which was adapted from the American Development Model, provides the blueprint and the Model Association Program guides associations in progressively implementing the MDM.

“Minnesota has been a leader in developing hockey players for decades, and the Model Association Program is designed to aid our youth associations in continually striving to raise our standard,” said Jacob Mars, Hockey Director Coordinator for Minnesota Hockey. “It rewards association’s hockey operations efforts and guides them in the planning and execution of their player and coach development. We encourage all of our community programs to take advantage of the resources and grants available through this program.”

The Minnesota Model Association Program features four levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) of accomplishment with the intent of promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Each level of achievement will result in a series of rewards and recognition including starter equipment grants, arena banner, recognition by Minnesota Hockey and priority for skill development clinics.

“Minnesota Hockey’s model for player development thrives because of the outstanding coaches and leaders in our community-based associations,” said Steve Oleheiser, Minnesota Hockey President.  “The Model Association Program will provide local leaders with an additional tool to set goals and measure progress in targeted areas of player development, and we’re confident it will help them provide an even more engaging and exciting hockey experience to their players.”

Participants in the Model Association Program for this season include Bemidji, Cottage Grove, Eagan, Hastings, Marshall, Mounds View-Irondale, North Branch, Rosemount, South St. Paul and West St. Paul.

Associations interested in joining the Model Association Program should work with their District Hockey Director Coordinator to complete the application for the desired level. The District Hockey Director Coordinator will review, audit and approve the application in coordination with the appropriate District Director and Minnesota Hockey’s Hockey Director Coordinator.

For complete details on the Minnesota Model Association Program and how to get started, click here.

Minnesota Hockey, a USA Hockey affiliate, is the governing body of youth hockey in Minnesota. With over 67,000 registered players and coaches, it is the largest state governing body for hockey in the United States. Minnesota Hockey surpassed 18,800 8 & Under players and 50 alumni in National Hockey League for the first time ever during the 2017-18 season, setting new records for participation and elite players in the same season.

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