The New Family Mentor Program is designed to provide new players and parents a personalized introduction to the sport of hockey and the local youth hockey association. The goal of this program is to ease concerns that new families may have with entering an unfamiliar sport and to educate them on best practices when playing hockey in Minnesota, and for their community association. Associations that choose to participate will determine active established hockey families in their community who will serve as volunteer mentors to first-year families in the association’s program. Mentor families can be from any level within your association, but should at least be in their second year within your association.
The first ten associations to have at least five families sign up to be mentor families will receive a $500 Pass the Puck grant to offset costs for welcome gifts or for a New Family Orientation event!
The mentor families will meet their new families within the first few practices of the season. The established player is encouraged to join the newcomer on the ice and help teach him/her basic hockey skills. Meanwhile, parents of both players will sit in the stands together. During this time, mentor families can answer questions and introduce new families to other established families in the association.
Associations can also choose to host a New Family Orientation night to welcome new members, and introduce mentor families as well.
Throughout the season, mentors should check in with their new families to see how they are enjoying hockey and provide insight on any questions that may arise.
Participating associations are also encouraged to have the following information on their website for new families:
Associations or families interested in participating in the New Family Mentor Program should contact Akua Tieku or register below.