MORE TO COME
In year one of the program, without much time to
market the details, just five youth hockey associations
participated. However, with a full offseason to promote,
solidify sponsorships and generate word of mouth, that
number has tripled for 2019 and Andresen expects expo-
nential growth in the years ahead.
"We always talk about our community-based model
and when you're playing within your community it
means something special," said Andresen, who esti-
mates around 300 total families are currently involved.
"But it doesn't mean as much if you don't feel like you're
truly a part of it. It can be particularly intimidating if
you don't have connections going in. The Family Mentor
Program lets new families know there's a way for you to
get over that initial hump of anxiety and cultivate some
new relationships."
One thing is clear: hockey's version of "Minnesota
Nice" is flourishing, and the opportunity to introduce
new families to the sport in an inclusive way is avail
-
able for those who want to take advantage of it.
"Our associations want their families to have the
best experience possible," Andresen said. "We're
excited about this first full season and how much the
associations have embraced the opportunity."
21
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M
Chaska Chanhassen 10U
Sydney Kerkman and her
parents are mentoring
8U Avery Stapleton's
family this season.
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