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ers are able to experience the fun of games. Keep in mind that coaches and volunteers are taking time out of their schedules to mold and shape our kids as players and people. And most importantly, let the kids have fun. This is THEIR game, and some- times as adults, our best intentions can get in the way. If we let them figure things out and enjoy being on the ice, hockey will give them what they need. Lastly, I challenge everyone to invite a new family into the game. Hockey can be an intimidating sport to try for those who haven't experienced it. So extend a hand to someone new, and invite them into the rink. Let's welcome people from all backgrounds to be a part of the 75th season of Minnesota Hockey! To all, HAVE A GREAT 2022-2023 HOCKEY SEASON! Steven Oleheiser President, Minnnesota Hockey Welcome to the 75th Minnesota Hockey season! It boggles my mind to open with that. Minnesota Hockey has been creating hockey players for 75 years! To think about how far hockey has come in that time certainly is eye-opening. But even more amazing to me is how much things have stayed the same in Minnesota. While it's been fantastic to see the growth of hockey in other areas of the country, I can't help but notice how different the sport is managed in those parts. In most states, hockey is a club sport. It's commonly played in private arenas. There's often more time spent in the car (or a plane) than there is on the actual ice. And…it is VERY expensive. We are so fortunate that things are dif- ferent here. Not only is our game played in a community-based model that was estab- lished 75 years ago, but it's played in pub- licly owned rinks. We have great players and great competition in every corner of our state. And while hockey in Minnesota can get expensive, it is a small fraction of what it costs to play elsewhere. Not only do we have these advantages, but the important thing to remember is that it works. Over these last 75 years, the community-based model not only gets the most players in the game, it produces by far the most high-end players every year. I am always amazed when I see the number of Minnesotans in the NHL or Division I Men's and Women's hockey teams. We con- tinually lead the country and set records, which we should be proud of. But what I'm most proud of is that last season—our 74th season—we had more than 19,000 registered players at the 8 & Under level. That is a national record I wouldn't have thought possible 10 years ago, and especially two years ago following the pan- demic season of 2020-21. To me, that shows how much families across the state want to be a part of this truly unique sport in this amazing model. More and more children are joining their friends and classmates on the ice, and that just makes me smile to think about the joy and laughter they are experiencing together at the community rink. In looking ahead to our 75th season, I am confident that it will be our best season ever. We continue to have the best volunteers, the best coaches and the best officials. Let's keep hockey in Minnesota the best. How can we do that? And how can we be even better? We always want to keep improving. Let's start by being mindful of how we are treating each other at the rinks. We have to put respect of opponents and officials at the top of the list. Please remember that offi- cials are human and are the reason our play- Steven Oleheiser Last season, Minnesota Hockey set a new state and national record with more than 19,000 PLAYERS registered at the 8U level! PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 16 MHJ // 2022-2023 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER