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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 09 ATTRACTING SKATERS FROM NEAR AND FAR Thanks to a second ice sheet that's out- side, but covered and protected from the elements, the Virginia Amateur Hockey Association is able to provide 15 to 30 hours each week dedicated toward open, unstruc- tured hockey. "Ice time is not a problem, which is a huge benefit to the participants as they have virtually as much ice time as they want," Rabideaux said. "Being in northern Minnesota, it's very challenging with what the weather can present. To have that ice available to our program kids is fantastic." W hen players aren't practicing their shots or stickhandling, they 're preparing for one of two tournaments Virginia holds each year. The biggest event of the year—what originally began as a Mini-Mite and Mite Jamboree of 12 to 18 teams—was rebranded several years ago as the Matt Niskanen Mite/ Mini-Mite Jamboree. A 2018 Stanley Cup champion and for- mer Virginia Blue Devil himself, Niskanen donates time, money and memorabilia toward the event, which now attracts up to 32 teams from around northern Minnesota. "By the time teams are leaving, they're try- ing to register for next year's event to make sure they're able to come back," Rabideaux said. "The demand to participate is abso- lutely incredible." Virginia also hosts the Erik Marwick Squirt Tournament, named for one of the association's hockey players who lost his life several years ago, that features a traditional 16-team bracket tournament. In addition to a handful of Iron Range teams, nearly half the teams come from outside the area, including the Twin Cities. Rabideaux says there's still a great desire to play a 16-team bracket tournament, which has been a huge success over the years. A DRIVING FORCE OF VOLUNTEERS At the heart of each tournament and throughout the season, dedicated volunteers donate precious time to ensure everything runs smoothly. From its Board of Directors to coach- es a nd fa milies, the Virg inia A mateur Hockey A ssociation is comprised of 100 percent volunteers. "If there was one thing I would highlight in terms of our program's success, it's the level of commitment from our volunteers," Rabideaux said. "It's unreal. The level of commitment from them and the way they treat our guests is incredible. It's all being driven by volunteers." Those volunteers put in countless hours toward a program and community that's proud to do its part in motivating the next generation of hockey players—whether it's through ample ice time or providing a low cost way to jump into the sport. "Having that and promoting that the way we do, I think is what attracts kids," Rabideaux said. "Since I've been the presi- dent over the last four years, I've seen the growth in the program, as well as the desire to be an active participant through volun- teering. It's very special." "If there was one thing I would highlight in terms of our program's success, it's the level of commitment from our volunteers. It's unreal. The level of commitment from them and the way they treat our guests is incredible. It's all being driven by volunteers." –Dan Rabideaux 2018 Stanley Cup champion Matt Niskanen played youth hockey through high school with Virginia.