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With Marshall's new Red Baron Arena and Expo, players get more ice time and a better opportunity to hone their hockey skills. MARCH.2017 // M I N N E S OTA H O C K E YJ O U R N A L . CO M 07 FUNDING THE GAME In Marshall, anyone that wants to play hockey, can, regardless of cost. As Meyer put it, MAHA has an aggressive scholarship program that is accessible to anyone. "The program is never out of reach to play," Meyer said. "We have the ability to help kids and families. You know the old 'it's too expen- sive to play hockey.' Well that's just not true in Marshall, Minnesota." The scholarship program helps cover any and all aspects of the game. From association fees, equipment needs and even skills train- ing, Marshall has the resources to help cover the cost. MAHA also has equipment available to lend to players, which it updates as needed to meet safety standards. While families do need to apply, Marshall tries to keep the program simple: if somebody wants to play hockey and they need financial sup- port, the association will help. "At the end of the day we're trying to get as many kids to play and we don't want any hurdles in the way," Meyer said. INVESTING IN THE PLAYERS With a new facility, Marshall has also started to focus on investing more in its players through specialized trainings and camps. They have begun to bring in goalie coaches or schedule skills camps to give kids an opportunity they might not have had otherwise. Instead of travel- ling to Minneapolis, Fargo or Sioux Falls, the players can lace up the skates on their home ice and get the same experience. MAHA has also put a focus on its young players, trying to grow the game through hockey clinics and learn-to-skate programs. It also par- ticipates in Try Hockey For Free Day in conjunction with USA Hockey to introduce the sport to new families. As a result of its initiatives, Marshall has seen steady growth in its numbers over the last few years. Meyer anticipates significant growth in the coming years due to its continued investment and new facility. With that said, Marshall hopes to continue to provide a positive experience for its players. "We want to make sure that they have fun, enjoy the game and continue to get better every single day," Meyer said. "At the end of the day, that's what matters." There's the people, the parents, the kids welcoming, engaging, committed. It just makes the association, and quite frankly our community, just an outstanding place."