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Hard Divider Program Continues to Grow

By Minnesota Hockey, 04/20/17, 12:00PM CDT

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In August of 2013, Minnesota Hockey and Rink Systems, Inc. of Albert Lea, MN joined forces to offer the Minnesota Hockey Hard Ice Divider Subsidy Program. The partnership, which is designed to aid community based associations and their home rinks in promoting the growth of ice hockey through the implementation of cross and half-ice hockey, has assisted 60 communities in securing hard ice dividers over the past four seasons.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with how successful the partnership with Rink Systems and the number of associations that have utilized the subsidy,” said Dave Margenau, President of Minnesota Hockey. “To see more than a third of our associations take advantage of the program and use the boards to host cross and half ice tournaments at the Mite/8U Girls level is exciting. The boards offer a realistic playing experience for the kids and the fans while promoting small area games and practices.”

Not only a major component of player development through age appropriate skill development, cross and half-ice hockey 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 and half-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.

The demand for the program continues to grow too. The allotment of subsidies for the 2016-17 season were awarded faster than any year in the program’s history.

Much of the increased desire for the hard dividers is likely attributed to associations, such as Moorhead, implementing in more cross ice games and programs for all age levels. At a recent event, ADM Manager and Minnesota native Roger Grillo said purchasing a set of hard dividers would be his first move if he became a rink manager because there are so many ways to use them for your players.

Minnesota Hockey, through this partnership, will once again be able to offer a one-time $2,500 subsidy to Minnesota Hockey affiliated associations that register to purchase a “hard divider” system for the 2017-18 season. As was the case the past four seasons, Minnesota Hockey associations will now be able to purchase a set of boards, valued at $7,900, for just $5,400. Associations that take advantage of the hard ice divider subsidy will also be able to purchase the junior goal frames at the following prices: two goal frames for $440, four goal frames for $880 or six goal frames for $1,320.

Associations interested in securing a set of dividers for next season can submit their application and deposit at any time. All submissions will be reviewed in the order received and approved associations will have their hard dividers delivered in the fall of 2017. Applications submitted after Sept. 1, 2017 should expect to receive their boards approximately 45 days after approval. 

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