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"It's an exciting time," said Grolla-Scholl. "The commu- nity has really gotten behind it and there's a special feeling of ownership. Everyone in the association puts time into the rink to make it special and that makes a difference. It's really helped to grow our program." IT TAKES A VILLAGE How has this small commu- nity blossomed? A Learn to Skate program, supported by the high school teams, and the Intro to Hockey program gives players time on the ice to learn the game and get a high number of touches with real coaches. This year, early registrants were allowed to participate for free in clinics with Minnesota State University players. There's a sig- nificant emphasis put on the girls' program, which has led to their recent success. Because their home ice is melted for the Martin County Fair each summer, Fairmont hockey also partners with facilities in New Ulm, Albert Lea and Mankato to ensure kids have a place to skate all year long. It takes the whole Fairmont hockey village to make it work and prosper. "If we didn't have volunteers, we couldn't function," said Grolla- Scholl. "Each family volunteers at least 20 hours but I would say there are many that go above and beyond that. We have volunteers coaching. Some coaches are paid, but often they take the money and use it for pizza parties with the team. We have high school players showing edge work to little kids. Right now, we have someone sitting in a fair booth, promoting the pro- gram. We really try to be part of the community, so we partici- pate in parades and every event in the arena to spread the word." "We're not all about winning, it's about providing kids an oppor- tunity to be active with friends while learning lifelong skills and allowing everyone to play," said Grolla-Scholl. "We offer 'first year free' through the association, scholarships and supply rental equipment for anyone. We buy sizes outside the norm so all kids can play. We want to make sure we're as inclusive as possible." ALL THE MOMENTUM Older generations of hockey players in Fairmont spent most of their days skating outside. In fact, the area didn't get its first indoor rink–Martin County Arena– until the late 1980s. The FYHA honors that tradition with its annual Southern Minnesota Pond Hockey Championship, an impactful association fundraiser typically held on Lake Sisseton over the third weekend in January, just prior to Hockey Day Minnesota. The event empha- sizes camaraderie and fun, and brings the entire community together, with local players, volunteers and sponsors driving the many activities. "Having an outdoor tournament can get really nostalgic for our older members of the community," said Grolla-Scholl. "People can sit at the bar and watch the kids skate or watch from their cars. Friday night we have a 'Rock on Ice,' with music and concessions open. It's a great event." With all the momentum in Fairmont, it feels like a trip to Xcel Energy Center for the state high school tournament may not be that far off. "It would be crazy," Grolla-Scholl said. "You wouldn't think it's a hockey town, but it is. In a city of 10,000 people, we've had many more than that come through our arena in a season. The town did such a big sendoff for the 12U girls. It doesn't happen every year, so for us it was a big deal. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens." 25 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M