Feb news: Alexandria tourney, National Disabled Hockey Festival Apr 1-3, End of Season games March 6, Change in board and presidency

Lots of news this month ...

1.       Alexandria Tourney Mar 12-13
2.       National Tournament Disabled Hockey Festival Apr 1-3
3.       End of Season Celebration March 6th
4.       Changing President of MN SH and 11 Who Care

1.       Alexandria out of town tourney is on for Mar 12-13! Be sure to book your rooms. Since this is our first tournament, and many have vacation plans already, our teams will be small so we will merge teams together as needed. Next year we plan to schedule our tournament during the season and hope to have a much better turnout.

• March 12-13 Alexandria, MN (Calendar entry)
• Games: Saturday Afternoon & Sunday Morning.
• Hotel Rooms Reserved at Holiday Inn Alexandra $101.99 + tax 320-763-6577 Block: MN Special Hockey
• Questions? Call Susie at: 612-325-3392

2.       Disabled Hockey Festival April 1-3 – At this point you should all know about the tournament and that we are part of the hosting committee. Each family should plan to volunteer 3-4 hours during this tournament. We will be in touch soon with specific volunteer opportunities. This tournament will be staffed 100% by volunteers from various organizations including ours.  Remember, the success of every tournament is dependent on its volunteers.

Lastly we all know about the Disabled Hockey Festival April 1-3 (calendar).  There's more information on the official site. We are sending 4 teams including many Eagles. We'll have more information closer to the event. Jane Cashin writes:

3. Our end of season games, celebration and team photo will be March 6th.

All families should plan to be at this event from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. (First game starts at 1:50pm)
Please print out the Picture order form 2011 and be ready to order your pictures that day.  Bring cash/checks.

• What: End of the year celebration! And, Team Photos
• When: Sunday, March 6, 1:30—4:00 p.m.
• Where: Fogerty Arena, 9250 Lincoln St., Blaine
• Please invite family, friends, and even potential new players! This would be a great opportunity for your friends to watch and see if this is something they would like to do.

Schedule

• 1:50 ~ Polar/Singers  Individual Pictures – off ice, please be ready for pictures with jerseys on
• 1:50 ~ 2:25 Raptor Vs Wildcats
• 2:30 ~ 3:00 Total Organization photo and individual team photos on the ice!
• 3:00 ~ Raptors/Wildcats  Individual Pictures – off ice
• 3:00 ~ 3:30 Polars Vs Merged Team of Players from the other teams
• 3:30 ~ 4:00 Eagles VS Stingers

4.       Board position change over – Last fall, Susie completed her 3 year volunteer position as President/Executive Director of MN Special Hockey (MSH). Not wanting to give up total participation in MSH, Susie reran as a Board Member and will continue an active role with the MSH program. Jane, who has also been volunteering with this program since it started, agreed to take on even more responsibilities and become the new President of MSH.

Note from Susie Miller

As the outgoing President I can honestly say I have never been involved with such an amazing program and such an amazing group of people. Every time I am able to attend the Sunday afternoon games or practices I am thoroughly impressed with the active participation of the players, parents and other volunteers. On the ice, the skill development is so impressive, off the ice, the relationships that are developing are awesome! I have had the pleasure of getting to so know so many players and I LOVE to hear all of the stories of their reasons for playing.

I recently found out I am a recipient of the 11 Who Kare award. Bill Marshal (Becky’s ideaJ) nominated me for this award for founding MN Special Hockey. I am incredibly honored to receive this award, but it is also an award that should be going to all of the other volunteers and quite frankly, the entire program. Everyone here cares about their fellow teammates, coaches, and even opponents. This is what MN Special Hockey is and why I am so proud to be a part of it. For those that had known, I promised I would send out the times.

The show will air this Sunday during the 10 pm extra, Monday at 5:15am and the following Saturday morning between 8-10 am. Thank you again for being such an amazing group to be a part of. I am proud and I hope all of you are too. I am grateful to Jane for her willingness to step forward. We are lucky to have her lead us for the next 3 years!

Note from Jane Cashin  –

As the new President I am very happy that Susie is remaining very involved.  This program would not be what it is without all the hard work she has done over the years.  I am very proud of this program and proud that I have been involved with it since the very beginning.  I get emotional when I think about all the wonderful players, parents and volunteers that have made Minnesota Special Hockey the best hockey program in the State of Hockey!  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or suggestions.

Minnesota Recreational League - a consideration for some MNSH players

Some Special Hockey players have played mainstream hockey, including Peewee C. Beyond Peewee level the physical game, and the complexity of play, are often limiting factors.

For some of these players (currently 14 and under), a new league may be a consideration. With one Saturday game and one practice a week it could fit well with MN Special Hockey (emphases mine) ...

League Details | Minnesota Hockey Recreation League | Minnesota Hockey Affiliates | Minnesota Hockey:

The MHRL plans to offer two age divisions for the 2010-11 season.  The U11 division is for players age 9 through 11.  The U14 division is for players who are 12 through 14 (this is your age as of July 1, [of the season start year]...though younger players may register and play up a level based on ability).  Both divisions will be  NO-CHECK and are for boys and girls.
COST:   $340 for U11 and U14.  Cost will include ~25 hours of indoor ice, referee fees, USA/MN Hockey fees, liability/excess medical insurance, game jersey/socks, and player medals.  There is NO fundraising requirement.  
*Full-time goalies pay only half price for the league fee ($150) plus the USA/MN Hockey Registration fee ($40).  
GAME/PRACTICE SCHEDULE:  Each team will play about 12 indoor games (typically on Saturday) and 12 shared indoor practices (generally mid-week evenings).  There will be an opening season clinic for players and coaches.
TEAM LOCATIONS:  The MHRL is planning to have six teams in each division, based on location (see below).   Teams will typically practice near their home location.  There will be some travel within the metro area to play other teams in the MHRL.  Please note the locations are subject to change.
REGISTRATION:  Due November 1st ...  (registrations will be accepted after this date if space is available...see registration page)."

Registration is expected to be Nov 2011. I don't think my son Ben would go for it, but Tim might.

Hockey Monkey - clearance for good deals

I've never tried it, but Nick of the Eagles tells me that Hockey Monkey Clearance Outlet is a good source for low cost equipment. Even better is the pre-season equipment donation site we do every year.

National Sports Center for the Disabled - summer and winter recreation in Winter Park, Colorado

Susie and Mark Lindeberg tell me Colorado's National Sports Center for the Disabled is an amazing resource.

... Founded in 1970, the National Sports Center for the Disabled's mission is to positively impact the lives of people with any physical or mental challenge through quality adaptive recreation programs in over 20 sports. The NSCD’s impact on lives is direct, immediate and visible. Over 23,000 lessons are provided annually...

The NCSD is located in Winter Park Resort, Colorado (map info - route 40 west of Denver). They serve our community and they offer scholarships ...

ADD, Amputation, Arthritis, Autism, Behavioral Health, Bone Disorder, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness, Developmental Disabilities, Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Fragile X, Hemophilia, Learning Disabilities, Little People, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Disorder, Muscular Dystrophy, Nerve Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Paraplegia, Post-Polio, Quadriplegia, Respiratory Disorder, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Substance Abuse, Vision Loss/Blindness...

Of course the winter activities (2010 brochure) are amazing. It's the place I'd take my family for a snowboarding or skiing vacation.

There are summer options too (2010 brochure)...

... NSCD Sports Camps, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, special camps, horse pack trips, therapeutic horseback riding, mountain biking, overnight river trips, fishing, camping, and rock climbing...

Larger groups can make "NCSD Broome House" condo reservations.

There is a specific weekend for kids with autism, and Suzy Lindeberg is working with them to develop a weekend for all kids with developmental disabilities. She tells us ...

... they see kids with developmental disabilities as having physical needs ... they know that our kids need physical and teaching method adaptations so they too can be successful ... I could go on and on about how great the instructors and volunteers were, how much fun our family had and the big smile John had on his face the whole trip but I am sure Mark shared that.  This is a great resource that anyone who is looking for outdoor activities for their family should look at...

Definitely a resource worth remembering.

Update: Suzy sent me additional information. I've updated and corrected the post.

End of season events: Celebration, Tourney Mar 12-13, National tournament

It's a busy end of season for MN SH. Here are a few things to keep track of

Our end of season games and celebration will be March 6th. Trophies will be given to all that day. There will be team pictures and cake.

Flyer: End of season celebration

What: End of the year celebration! And, Team Photos

When: Sunday, March 6,

1:50—4:00 p.m.

Where: Fogerty Arena, 9250 Lincoln St., Blaine

Please invite family, friends, and even potential new players!

This would be a great opportunity for your friends to watch and see if this

is something they would like to do.

http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/17085776?referrer_id=196809-calendar

Following the Mar 6 games and celebration we have just learned that there will be an out of town tourney in Alexandria Mar 12-13

Flyer: Alexandria Tourney

March 12-13 Alexandria, MN

Games: Saturday Afternoon & Sunday Morning.

Hotel Rooms Reserved at Holiday Inn Alexandra $101.99 + tax 320-763-6577 Block: MN Special Hockey

Questions? Call Susie at: 612-325-3392

http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/21443349?dy=12&mth=3&yr=2011

Lastly we all know about the Disabled Hockey Festival April 1-3. (See calendar: http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/18165653?dy=1&mth=4&yr=2011).

The disabled festival needs volunteers, so please ask around for friends and family who might help. Jane Cashin writes:

As a representative of MN Special Hockey, I think all of us need to spend time volunteering for this event.  In many typical hockey organizations everyone has volunteer hours that they must fulfill.  Please find the time to volunteer for this event.  We want to make this special for our players and the other players traveling from all over the country. Thanks,

Jane Cashin

Please ask your friends and family to help support our Disabled Hockey Festival -

The 7th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival is being held April 1-3rd, 2011 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.  Over 50 teams representing Sled hockey and Special Hockey will be coming from across the country to compete in this three day tournament. To make this event a success we need many volunteers! Volunteers are needed for game announcers, score keeping, rink managing, registration and more.  Many times people ask how can I help your program; this is a great opportunity to support Disabled hockey and see some great games in action. Please consider asking your family and friends to volunteer tournament weekend. Many of our local players will be playing in the tournament so this will be their chance to see them play and give to a program that has become an important part of Minnesota Hockey.  If you, your friends or family are interested in volunteering and would like more information please contact Volunteer Coordinator Suzy Lindeberg at slindeberg@comcast.net.

(We need many volunteers to announce the players and keep the score of each game! Please help us fill all these volunteer positions!)

Local Hockey Teams and Association volunteers needed

Do you know of a local hockey team looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity?  Minnesota Hockey is excited to announce that the 7th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival is being held April 1-3rd, 2011 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.  Over 50 teams representing Sled hockey and Special Hockey will be coming from across the country to compete in this three day tournament.  We are looking for boys and girls hockey teams/players who would be willing to volunteer to be a “buddy team.” This buddy team would be responsible for providing fan support to the playing teams. We would like buddy teams to be groups of 5- 10 players willing to commit to a 3 hour volunteer period on one or more of the tournament days.  We want all of the visiting teams to have plenty of fan support provided by our local hometown teams cheering on the games.  If your team would like to put together a group(s) to volunteer as a buddy team, or for the many other volunteer positions, for the Disabled Hockey Festival please contact Volunteer Coordinator Suzy Lindeberg at slindeberg@comcast.net.

Corporate Support

We are looking for corporate support for the Disabled Festival. If you have a contact with a business who may be interested in financially sponsoring the event please contact Tournament Director Toni O'Brien at tonio@dakcom.org.