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HOME ICE: Waconia Ice Arena DISTRICT: PRESIDENT: Joel Knorr 6 Wildcats NICK NAME: 333 2021-22 REGISTRATION NUMBERS: M H J ON L I N E . C O M | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 08 of STATE HOCKEY Waconia State of Hockey Spotlight WHY THEY'RE AWESOME When Joel Knorr looks at the new construction around the Waconia commu- nity, he can't help but imagine a hockey stick inside each garage. As the president of the Waconia Hockey Association, Knorr has seen first- hand how many kids are flocking to the rink. "Hockey is really growing in Waconia," Knorr said. "We're averaging about a 10 to 15 percent increase in our association each year. There are also new major housing developments being built in our community right now, so we anticipate really explosive growth not only in the community, but also for our association." In a span of just 10 years, registration has doubled—with 333 kids now play- ing hockey in the community. With that growth comes opportunities for mentoring new families, growing the girls' program, and celebrating all who put in the work to make Waconia a flourishing hockey community. "We're excited, we're energetic and we're passionate," Knorr said. "We real- ly try to put the joy of hockey at the forefront of our decisions." LEARNING THE ROPES As more and more new players show up to the rink, Waconia is doing its part to welcome them with open arms. New this season—fueled by a grant from Minnesota Hockey—the asso- ciation implemented a mentor program to pair new hockey families with seasoned families. Photos / Waconia Hockey Association P R E S E N T E D B Y by Elizabeth Boger