There are exciting times ahead for Minnesota Hockey as we continue to provide the leadership, education and programs to make significant strides in growing the game, teaching players to love and excel at the game and providing the safest possible environment on and off the ice. This would not be possible if not for the wonderful efforts and dedication of our staff, thousands of volunteers, officials and our corporate sponsors.

Growth

Minnesota remains the largest USA Hockey affiliate with the greatest number of youth players by a significant margin and thus far this season we have grown 2% over last season. The number of hockey players we have is a direct result of efforts at the grassroots level to invite and provide a positive experience for new participants to join in the fun.

In addition to the many events local associations conduct to invite new players into the game, this past fall Minnesota associations held 75 Try Hockey for Free events in conjunction with the National THFF day, more than any other USA Hockey affiliate. Minnesota Hockey provided 385 sets of starter gear valued at $77,000 to 44 associations through the Gear Up Minnesota! program and awarded monetary grants totaling $17,300 to 12 associations to help defray the cost of growth initiatives.

The Minnesota Hockey “Rec League” is in its fifth season and has grown to over 340 players who are looking for a lower time commitment and cost experience. Our Adult Men’s and Women’s hockey programs are strong and continue to expand. Minnesota Disabled Hockey, which boasts the largest numbers in the nation, continues to grow, a testament that hockey is indeed for everyone.

Player Development

Minnesota Hockey continues to be the premier developer of hockey players, from taking their first step onto the ice to those nationally recognized for their skills. Minnesota is a leader in using the age appropriate skill model, providing young players the foundation of basic skills, with the objective of helping every participant regardless of ability to reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of the game.

More than 3,000 players, ages 15 through 18 (high school), are provided the opportunity to train, compete, develop and get exposure through our High Performance programs. This past season a “Parent Summit” was added to the HP Festivals, giving parents the opportunity to hear from the experts as to the best path for their child to develop and advance. The HP 14/15 program and festival were also added this fall, providing players of that age an opportunity for preseason training.

Safety

Providing participants with the safest experience both on and off the ice is of the highest priority.  We are in the first season of full implementation of the USA Hockey SafeSport policy and have in place SafeSport coordinators for every association and letters of compliance from each of them that the requirements of SafeSport have been completed.

Safety on the ice is equally critical. Minnesota Hockey has been a leader in initiating programs to drive player accountability, going back to Fair Play nine years ago. Programs and increased penalties for aggressive play are part of the solution in a culture change for respect for the game, opponent and rules. Players continue to be taught to avoid dangerous situations on the ice.

Minnesota Hockey is unique as compared to other hockey programs in the United States because of our community based structure, which provides us with the advantage of affordable hockey for all who want to experience the fun and excitement of playing the game. With this as a foundation, exciting times lie ahead as we focus on growing the game, developing players and providing a safe environment in which to participate.