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GROWING THE GAME Seasoned players also make time to attend events like the annual Try Hockey for Free Day and the One Goal program, which allows kids to try the game of hockey while keeping the cost down. "With the One Goal program, we supply the kids with all the equipment," Burud said. "They come out there and see if they like it. If they like it, they can sign them up for Intro to Hockey, and then they keep that equipment until they grow out of it. It helps lower the cost to get started in hockey." Through the Intro to Hockey program, kids take part in 12 sessions throughout the season. They learn the fundamentals of skating and hockey, while taking part in age appropriate drills. Van Bergen has had the opportunity be a part of these programs as both a parent and a coach, and he's seen firsthand just how much of an impact they're making. "The One Goal program has been great," van Bergen said. "We had at least 10 high school guys out there volunteering their time and helping out. The ability and the opportunity for guys to serve in those ways is so important. Between One Goal, Intro to Hockey, and Try Hockey for Free, getting our guys involved in that is just a chance for them to give back to our brotherhood as a hockey community." STRONG SUPPORT While many hockey rinks throughout the state are city or school-owned, the Delano Arena Sports Arena is instead fully owned and operated through its own hockey com- munity—fueled by registration fees, fund- raising and sponsorships. "There are only a few in the state that are all by the board," Burud said. "We have a board for the hockey association and we have a board for the arena." That ownership breeds enthusiasm and dedication from volunteers, players, coach- es and families. "There are so many families and individu- als and coaches that are big into the associ- ation that help out," Burud said. "They vol- unteer a lot of hours, which is very helpful." LIFELONG SKILLS Off the ice, members of the Delano Area Youth Hockey Association make time to give back. "Part of our mission statement is develop- ing their lifelong skills, and the biggest one is respect," Burud said. "We do a lot of giving back through various foundations. Starting at the Squirt level, we have that whole team work together to give back to some sort of foundation. We want to provide our kids an opportunity to develop lifelong skills, and we want them to have fun." Van Bergen also knows there are opportuni- ties for other sports in addition to hockey. He's thrilled that many high school players set an example by playing two or even three sports. "Any time you're getting stronger or faster or more athletic—if you're becoming a bet- ter teammate or becoming more tactically aware—you're becoming better in all of your sports," van Bergen said. Delano is proud to be able to provide kids with those opportunities for growth, along with valuable connections they can cherish. "That development elsewhere is so valuable to the overall person they'll become," van Bergen said. "Because eventually, you start to find what you really enjoy, and what you're good at can change from when you're a little kid. Having those options and seeing our high school players be mentors and role models for younger kids—it's really special." M A R C H 2 0 2 0 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 11 "Whether they're on the pond or on someone's backyard rink—you'll see high school kids out there... and before you know it, there are a couple of other little kids out there getting to know them and trying to keep up with them."