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Welcome to the 2021-2022 Minnesota Hockey season! With tryouts occurring throughout the state, a new season of hockey is upon us. The start of this season has brought me a special level of excitement as I am sure it has for all the players, coaches, officials and parents, after what all of us went through last year. Because of the efforts of passionate volunteers from the grassroots of local associations to the Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors, Minnesota Hockey continues to be one of the most respected hockey organizations in the country. Our unique community-based hockey model continues to provide opportunities for participants to experience the game, from 4 years old to adulthood, regardless of skill or limitation. We are truly blessed to live and play here, but we must con- tinuously challenge ourselves to pursue opportunities to become even better. As you may be aware, this past year was a rule change year for USA Hockey. There have been several changes to the playing rules that affect most levels of play in Minnesota Hockey. I encourage you to review the changes in this season primer or online and make yourself knowledge- able of these changes. Please be aware that the officials on the ice will be adjust- ing to these new rules as well as the play- ers and coaches. Minnesota Hockey is committed to providing ALL players the opportunity to play this game without the fear of being the subject of racial, sexual or any type of abuse or discrimination both in the game and in the arenas. The dedica- tion of countless volunteers throughout the state has made Minnesota Hockey a leader in diversity and inclusion start- ing with girls'/women's hockey, and more recently, the development of thriving Sled hockey, Warriors hockey, Special hockey and Blind hockey programs are providing opportunities for many who previously would not be able to experi- ence this great game. The Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors and I recognize we still have much work to do. One year ago, I urged everyone to report incidents of discrimi- nation, and you did. We received far more reports than ever before and are confident this was the result of shining a light on this extremely inappropriate and damaging behavior, not any notable change in actual incidents. While it was very disheartening to see and hear more of these reports, we must continue to report and address these incidents. There is no place in this or any other game for racial, sexual or any other type of discrimination towards a player, coach, official or fan. Lastly, our off-ice opponent from last season has not been totally defeated. Minnesota Hockey is hoping and antici- pating a mostly normal hockey season. To help ensure we have as few issues as pos- sible, I ask all to do their part and follow any local mandates, rules or protocols. Let us do our part to beat this opponent and have a very successful 2021-2022 season! To all, HAVE A GREAT 2021-2022 HOCKEY SEASON! Steven Oleheiser President, Minnnesota Hockey Steven Oleheiser Word of mouth & social media are the top two ways new families hear about hockey. Invite a friend to Try Hockey For Free! PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 16 Drop The Puck! Drop The Puck! MHJ // 2021-2022 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER