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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 Minnesota Hockey! To all, HAVE A GREAT 2024- 2025 HOCKEY SEASON! Steven Oleheiser President, Minnnesota Hockey WELCOME TO THE 2024-2025 MN HOCKEY SEASON! Summer has come and gone. Kids are returning to school and look- ing forward to reuniting with their friends. With that, we look forward to the beginning of a new season of the sport the players love and we enjoy watching them play. As they say, "LET'S PLAY HOCKEY!" We are so fortunate that things are different here. Not only is our game played in a non-profit com- munity-based model, but it's played in publicly owned rinks. We have great players and great competition in every corner of our state. And while hockey does have expenses, it is a small fraction of what it costs to play in Minnesota compared to elsewhere. To me, that shows how much families across the state want to be a part of this amazing 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 on the ice. 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 the respect of opponents, coaches and officials at the top of the list. Please remember that officials are human and are the reason our players 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 children as players and people. And most importantly, let the kids have fun. This is THEIR game, and sometimes 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 S teven Oleheiser MHJ // 2024-2025 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER 14 Minnesota continues to produce the most NHL, PWHL, Division I men's and women's players than any other state! PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE