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WELCOME TO THE 2015-2016 SEA- SON and the rich tradition of ice hockey in Minnesota. We continue to be the leader in providing players with the opportunity to learn to love the game, develop their skills and have fun because of the strength of our community-based hockey associations. Our success would not be possible if it were not for the dedication and tireless efforts of thousands of volunteers that are the lifeblood of Minnesota Hockey. For all of the volunteers, we have the deepest appreciation and extend a big "Thank You." Our priorities continue to be Growth, Player Development and Safety. Growing the Game by introducing children to the great sport and providing programs to keep them playing into adulthood. Maximizing Player Development by providing age- appropriate training so they will learn to love the game and achieve their goals. Improving Safety by providing the safest possible environment on the ice by teaching players the correct techniques and enforc- ing rules to discourage dangerous play on and off the ice by protecting all participants from abuse and misconduct through the SafeSport program. In 2014-15, we grew the base of Mites/8U Girls for the second consecutive season and as a state led the nation in the number of participants in those classifications. The Minnesota Hockey Pass the Puck Grants, Gear Up Minnesota! and Little Wild Learn to Play programs, in collaboration with USA Hockey's 2 and 2 Challenge and Try Hockey for Free, assist local hockey asso- ciations in attracting new participants to experience the fun of playing hockey. It is through the tremendous efforts of our local associations which make it possible to con- tinue to grow the game. Our player development model, based on the principles of long-term athlete devel- opment and age-appropriate training, has produced more players going on to play at higher levels of hockey than any other state. In May 2015, we held our first Hockey Director Symposium, where local hockey association player development leaders had the opportunity to learn from player devel- opment experts from around the world and exchange ideas on how they could improve their own program. The Minnesota Hockey Hard Divider program, where local associations can pur- chase the dividers at a reduced cost, is enter- ing its third season. During the first two seasons, more than 40 associations partici- pated. Cross- and half-ice games for Mites and 8U Girls is becoming the standard of play, providing more ice time, puck touches, and fun for the participants at that age. The CCM High Performance Programs provide the opportunity for more than 4,000 players, 14 and older, the opportunity to practice and play with and against the best players in our state. Minnesota Hockey has also been proac- tive in encouraging good sportsmanship and fueling players' all-around development by establishing a partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to conduct parent, coach and leader workshops with local asso- ciations. The principles of the Double-Goal Coach, Second-Goal Parent, Triple-Impact Competitor and Single-Goal Leader will establish a positive culture where partici- pants can grow as hockey players and peo- ple. Every association can benefit from these workshops so we hope you will encourage your association to establish a partnership with the PCA. Minnesota Hockey, local hockey asso- ciations and programs provide everyone the opportunity to experience the excitement and fun of playing hockey, from 4-year-olds to the adult player, the recreational player to the elite player, as well as athletes with disabilities. Hockey is indeed for everyone. Again, I wish to thank our volunteers and partners who make it possible for Minnesota Hockey to be the premier development model in the United States. Best wishes for an exciting, rewarding and fun-filled 2015-16 hockey season. See you at the rink, Dave Margenau President, Minnesota Hockey PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 10 MHJ || 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 M I N N E S O TA H O C K E Y S E A S O N P R I M E R