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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 four years old to adulthood, regard- less of skill or limitation. We are truly blessed to live and play here, but we must continuously challenge ourselves to pur- sue opportunities to become even better. This season we don't need to look far for challenges both on and off the ice. We are faced with an unprecedented foe off the ice that can have a significant impact on our season. If we all work together for the health and safety of our players as well as our families though, we, like any great team, will be able to have a success- ful season. We are already off to a great start as Minnesota, which led the country with over 57,000 players last season, is leading the nation in retention during this pan- demic. This speaks to the immense desire of the players to get back to the game. As coaches across the state preach, a crucial key to our success this season will be staying focused on the process and habits necessary to keep COVID- 19 at bay. Minnesota Hockey, in con- junction with the Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association, USA Hockey, Minnesota Depa r tment of Hea lth and the Minnesota A mateur Sports Commission, developed detailed return to play guidelines for this season. If you have not reviewed these guidelines, I ask that you do, as following them is impor- tant for our success. They are posted at minnesotahockey.org/covid19. 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 dedication of countless volunteers throughout the state has made Minnesota Hockey a leader in diversity and inclusion starting with girls'/women's hockey, and more recently, the development of thriving sled hockey, warriors hockey, special hockey and blind hockey programs are providing opportu- nities for many who previously would not be able to experience this great game. The Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors and I recognize we still have much work to do though and are commit- ted to taking the next steps in the inclu- sion and diversity of the game. 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. We must all lead by example and be willing to report incidents when the need arises. I have begun the creation of a task force to help the Board of Directors to develop policies and procedures to address issues of these types of abuse. I look forward to another great sea- son in 2020-2021 all the way to the MN Hockey State Tournaments! I thank all the volunteers, coaches, staff, partners of Minnesota Hockey and members who continue to make it the premier and respected hockey program it is. Have a GREAT and EXCITING 2020-2021 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 MHJ // 2020-2021 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER 14