Congratulations to Susan Gustafson of Orono Youth Hockey! Susan has been selected as the Total Hockey Volunteer of the Month in recognition of her hard work and dedication in support of hockey in Orono!

A consistent contributor as a team manager for several years, Susan stepped up this season to help fill two key roles that were created through new initiatives.

This year Orono Youth Hockey formed a Grow the Game committee to help generate more new players. Susan volunteered to, not only be a part of the committee,  but spearhead their efforts on Try Hockey For Free events and work with the local Community Education office to establish and promote learn to skate and learn to play programs.

Another program that Susan took the lead on was adherence to the USA Hockey Safesport program. Susan’s experience as a team manager and knowledge of District 3 rules enabled her to effectively instill the new policies and protocols within the association, greatly improving the on- and off-ice safety for all participants.

In addition to those new positions, Susan continued to ensure the team manager duties were handled correctly by helping teach other first-time managers what the job entails and acting as a reliable resource for questions throughout the season.  She also helped ease the work load for one of the new managers by serving as the Scrimmage Coordinator for one of her daughter’s teams.

“Orono Youth Hockey is honored to have someone of Susan's caliber helping us with so many facets of our program,” said Jacqueline Ricks, who currently serves on the Orono Hockey Boosters Board. “Her commitment to Orono Youth Hockey has been reflected in the success of our program in both the number of players and the integrity of our program.”

Thank you Susan for the countless hours you have spent ensuring everyone in the Orono community has the opportunity to play hockey!  It is volunteers like you that make our community based model so successful.

Do you know someone that should be considered for the Total Hockey Volunteer of the Month award?  If so, nominate him or her now!  One volunteer will be featured each month.  That volunteer will also receive a $50 Total Hockey gift card.  In addition, five sets of starter hockey gear will be contributed in his/her name to their association, courtesy of Total Hockey.