Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1546920
ranging from 10U to 15U, Mankato offers a place for players at nearly every level. "Our mission is to grow the game and make it available for everyone in our community," Bohm said. "We want to develop players and teams from all levels, give them the opportunity to be on the ice and make it affordable at the same time. Not every kid is going to make an A-team every year, but we have a place for everyone to play." That commitment extends beyond the rink. MAHA partners with local schools, while youth nights and the "Little Pints" program with Minnesota State give young players opportunities to connect with the sport. Local businesses and volunteers also provide critical support. The Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Tournament raises money to fight childhood cancer and pro- vide scholarships for youth players. FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT M A H A is proud that nearly all players selected to Mankato-area high school teams developed through its youth pro- grams. The association follows the A DM model, emphasizing sma ll-g roup, sta- tion-based teaching, lots of repetitions and limited standing around. A turning point came about five years ago, when MAHA's hockey development committee established a six- to eight-week preseason program for Squirt players. They took the ice four to five times a week to focus on skating, puck handling and hockey sense while building relationships with teammates and coaches. Rather than immediately separating players into travel teams following try- outs, MAHA divided players equally into development teams before placing them on their season-long teams, engaging more than 30 coaches. Bohm says the teams that reached the state tournament this past season were all part of the first group to go through two years of the Squirt in-house model. "We've really seen this model impact not just the skill level of our players and the depth of our teams, but the camaraderie across all teams," said Darren Blue, a former MSU defenseman, longtime assistant coach and current member of MAHA's hockey operations committee. "These kids get to know each other and be teammates for a couple months at the start of the season. The support for one another in Mankato has grown along with the talent of our players." SKATING ON RINKS OF DREAMS Mankato's variety of ice facilities, both inside and outside, is another part of what makes the community unique. Players have access to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, All Seasons Arena, the UNRL Rink at the Pond on Madison and the outdoor rink at Spring Lake Park. But perhaps the coolest back- drop is the legendar y Schulz Rink of Dreams, a regulation-size rink built inside a huge farm machine shed. Managed by the family of late farmer Paul Schulz and sustained by community dona- tions, the rink offers free ice time during the winter months for area kids. "That this is a local family giving back, and all the volunteers it takes to get folks out there, the Rink of Dreams really brings you back to the historic roots of the sport," Bohm said. "It's such a fun atmosphere. Kids and parents always come away with big smiles on their faces." Mankato got another major boost from Hockey Day Minnesota in 2022, which brought the State of Hockey to Blakeslee Field. The community continues to reap the benefits through a permanent "Grow the Game" fund created at the Mankato Area Foundation. A Grow the Game grant later helped fund a new dryland training room as part of the 2025 renovations to All Seasons Arena. Despite its variety of facilities, MAHA shares ice with several groups, including the Mankato Figure Skating Club, meaning ice time can still be tight. That may be one of the better problems to have. "This sport runs deep in a lot of people here, and there are so many behind the scenes who are investing their time and talents to allow for these kids to play this game we all love," Blue said. "I think we have a lot of great people pulling the rope in the same direction. We want to keep as many kids involved in the game and enjoying it for as long as they can." O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 13 SCHOOLS: High school players read to elementary students, and youth nights bring young players to games. LITTLE PINTS: Minnesota State hockey players give MAHA kids the chance to skate on the Mavericks' ice between periods. TRY HOCKEY: Try Hockey for Free and Bring a Friend events introduce new players to the sport. GIVING BACK: The Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Tournament raises money for childhood cancer research and youth scholarships. COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Local businesses provide sponsorships, while volunteers power MAHA's board, fundraising and tournaments. CRE ATING COMMUNIT Y CONNECTIONS: