St. Paul, MN – August 22, 2013 – Minnesota Hockey today announced a premier partnership with Rink Systems, Inc. of Albert Lea, Minn. Known for creating some of the most technologically sound arena and rink equipment in North America, Rink Systems, Inc. will be a presenting partner of the Minnesota Hockey Hard Divider Program.

Through this partnership, Minnesota Hockey will be able to offer a one-time $2,500 subsidy to 20 Minnesota Hockey affiliated associations that register to purchase a “hard divider” system for the 2013-14 season. Associations will now be able to purchase a set of boards, valued at $7,900, for just $5,400.

The Minnesota Hockey Hard Divider Program is designed to aid community based associations and their home rinks in promoting the growth of ice hockey through the implementation of cross-ice hockey.

Not only a major component of player development through the American Development Model, cross ice hockey also provides a more efficient way to use ice time and space. Most importantly, the smaller playing surface gives children a greater sense of enjoyment when playing hockey. Cross-ice hockey allows players to increase the number of times they touch the puck, their puck possession time and overall speed in playing situations – all of which translate into quicker development of individual skills and a passion for the game.

In June, the Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors adopted a rule to allow for sanctioned cross/half ice tournaments at the Mite/8U Girls level. The rule is intended to promote play on a smaller ice surface while introducing competition at the Mite/8U levels and the experience of playing in a tournament.

“It was important to Minnesota Hockey to find a partner that understands the value of providing a fun, game-like experience for our young hockey players,” said Dave Margenau, President of Minnesota Hockey. “Rink Systems has provided boards to USA Hockey and has supported the game in other parts of the country. It’s outstanding to be able to work with a committed partner that understands the Minnesota Hockey culture and is based right here in the State of Hockey.”

Rink Systems, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business based in Albert Lea since it was founded in 1993. The goal of Rink Systems, Inc. has been to increase the popularity of skating and hockey in this country and throughout the world. In order to accomplish this objective, it has developed and gathered products of the best technical specifications available in the industry. Rink Systems, Inc. is a proud member of STAR: Serving The American Rinks.

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.