The Minnesota Hockey Hard Divider Program, presented by Rink System’s Inc., is currently offering associations a one-time $2,500 subsidy to purchase a “hard divider” system for the 2013-14 season.  The Hard Divider Program is designed to promote the growth of our community-based associations through the implementation of cross-ice hockey.

With the subsidy, 20 Minnesota Hockey affiliated associations will now be able to purchase a set of boards, valued at $7,900, for just $5,400 plus shipping. Minnesota Hockey will work with approved associations and Rink Systems on coordinating the delivery of the hard ice dividers. A free clinic will also be provided to assist coaches in setting up practice plans that take advantage of the association’s new dividers. As of October 1, seven Minnesota Hockey associations have been awarded grants.

The main benefit of hard dividers is offering participants with a more realistic playing area. They are very comparable to the boards surrounding a typical rink.  They are about the same height, give similar bounces, have rounded corners, can fit standard or Olympic ice sheets and even come with the option for nets. By providing a better look and feel, the Minnesota Hockey Hard Divider Program gives all of our associations an opportunity to improve their players’ cross-ice experience.

“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 on partnering with Rink System, Inc. “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.”

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. 

This season associations will also have the ability to use cross-ice hockey at the Mite/8U levels to introduce competition and the experience of playing in a tournament, as the Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors has adopted a rule to allow for sanctioned cross/half ice tournaments at the Mite/8U Girls level.

The Minnesota Hockey Hard Divider Program is currently accepting application online or by mail.  Interested associations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as these grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Apply now!

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.