Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1051298
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 11 "We want to get them going as soon as they can, and get that skill level up a bit, so they can find success with it," Rader said. "If we can build those skills early on—during that first day when they're really trying—now they're more open to building those fundamentals." The beginners are keen on asking for advice, especially from experienced players they can look up to. The older skaters are just as enthusiastic to help, as they remember how they learned to skate in much the same way. "On the girls' day, we not only have Mankato East and West, but we get a good representation from the Mavericks wom- en's college hockey team," Rader said. "Head coach John Harrington came down with the girls when we hosted the event this year." LOCAL CONNECTIONS Especially in recent years, the Mankato Area Hockey Association has witnessed an uptick in its registration numbers, thanks in part to successful Division I men's and women's hockey programs just down the road. "It doesn't hurt having the Mavericks down here," Rader said. "Our numbers seem to get better and better as the Mavericks do. … We get Stomper the Maverick out there, and the kids love that." Minnesota State University has been a significant component in the association's success, whether it's through supporting an annual fundraiser or offering advice. "The connection to the University has been really big for us," Rader said. "Boy, if we need anything, it's one phone call and someone's meeting us at the rink to get us whatever we need, lend some support or bring some play- ers. It's nice, because all we have to do is ask." Rader is pleased to see that partnership work in both directions. As the Minnesota State Mavericks influence kids in the associ- ation, they're building a fan base and growing the game across the region. There's something about that region and the hockey culture in the Minnesota River Valley that attracts many to stick around. "We get Mankato Mavericks that graduate and aren't from the area, but they end up staying down here," Rader said. "We're able to start pulling them into the association to help coach." PROMOTING GROWTH While hockey is woven into the lives of many Minnesotans, some are jumping into the sport for the first time. From cultivating sportsmanship to devel- oping knowledge of the game, the Mankato Area Hockey Association is passionate about fostering an opportunity for kids to mature. "A lot of people we see down here are first generation hockey players," Rader said. "They get it. They understand it. There are some really good partners in this association where they understand that if they've got a Squirt level kid, it's not make or break if they don't make the top team. This is an opportu- nity for them to develop." Rader is optimistic about the growth of hockey in Mankato, citing a driving force that's as strong as ever. "It's just the people with the passion for the game down here," Rader said. "The ones that go the hockey direction seem to be really passionate about it, and that's what's going to help us grow." "We want to get them going as soon as they can, and get that skill level up a bit, so they can find success with it. If we can build those skills early on— during that first day when they're really trying—now they're more open to building those fundamentals." –Rob Rader From high school and college students to first-year players, hockey is a community sport in Mankato.