Madison Special Hockey Tournament: March 15 and 16, RSVP by Feb 28

We now have official notice of the tournament!

Tournament dates are Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th.

Hotel Info: Homewood Suites, 608-271-0600. Ask for the Hockey Festival block of rooms Rate $99/per night - unfortunately this rate expires Feb 21st so it probably won't be active when you see this (we just heard). Ask anyway, sometimes you get the rate. This is for a King Studio Suite which has one King bed and a full-size pull out.

Players will be assigned a team grouped by ability level. We are not participating as Minnesota Special Hockey.

Instead of a group dinner (as in years past) they are planning on a group lunch on Saturday.

We'll get more details, but tentatively ...

• Organizer is shooting for the first game Saturday to start somewhere around noon Saturday (based on our request to save on a night of hotel cost). The last games Sunday should end mid afternoon to allow time to drive home.
• Organizer is trying to organize a group outing which may be something like going to the Women’s NCAA Tournament hockey game at the Kohl Center in Madison.

If you plan on attending here’s what you need to do right now:

• E-mail jkelly@schererbros.com and give your players name and home team. I need this by Friday, February 28th please. The Madison tournament organizer needs to know the player count so they can organize.
• Book your room!

MNSH scholarship opportunity, and Sam Cashin is first Hendrickson Foundation Athlete of the Month

Toni Gillen (our representative at MN Hockey/USA Hockey) forwarded a scholarship opportunity: Minnesota Hockey is happy to announce they will be awarding a $1000 scholarship to a player to either further their education or to continue/improve their opportunities for their health and wellness (i.e. adaptive equipment, program fees, etc.). Deadline for applications is March 10th and will be awarded at the April Minnesota Hockey annual meeting. A link to the information is at: http://www.minnesotahockey.org/page/show/872455-disabled-hockey-scholarship.

In other news Sam Cashin was awarded the very first Hendrickson Foundation Athlete of the Month. MN Special Hockey would love to hear and publish stories about all our athletes. If you wish to have your story shared, send an email to Jane Cashin at jocashin@comcast.net with information similar to one published on the Hendrickson Foundation site. Please send a picture too. Sharing your hockey story will also help us promote our program and make sure everyone knows that "Hockey is for EveryBody"!

Fun skating opportunity with Minnetonka Bantam A team

Last year we had a great time skating with the Minnetonka PeeWee AA team. Those players are a year older and are playing Bantam A. They have invited us to skate with them again!

Ice time is on Saturday, February 1st at 11:30 -1:00 at Victoria Recreation Center (west rink). This is SuperBowl Sunday weekend, we do not have events scheduled. Come and skate on Saturday and watch football on Sunday!

The Minnetonka families are also planning a lunch and socializing after. It will be a real "typical" hockey event!

Wewant to make sure we have enough skaters for this event. Please let Jane Cashin know if you can make it: jocashin@comcast.net.

Hockey Day Minnesota - Elk River and Lake Nokomis January 18th

Hockey Day Minnesota 2014 will be January 18th in Elk River.

Minnesota Special Hockey will participate in two events. If you are interested in either or both email Jane Cashin at jocashin@comcast.net.

The first one is in Elk River at the main site for Hockey Day Minnesota. We will have players represent on the ice at this site!  Players will need to come to the event fully dressed in their gear and just put skates on when arriving. The time details have not been determined yet. There has been a bit of confusion, but it is getting worked out.

Please respond with your interest in skating at this event by Sunday the 12th. No one will be allowed to skate unless they responded in time. Passes for a player and guardian will be handed out at the event, your name must be on the list for access. Coach Dale Veer of the Wildcats has volunteered to help organize this event. Let's all help make this go smoothly!

The second event is at Lake Nokomis for the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. Again we will have players represent on the ice for an exhibition scrimmage!

Special Hockey will be skating from 1:30-2:30 at the Championship Rink. Parking here will be a challenge, but players can be dropped off at the tent (east side of the lake). Please respond with your interest in skating at this event by Tuesday the 14th. For this event our players are not required to wear their full gear, just helmets. But I highly recommend wearing shin guards and elbow pads too. Goalies are not allowed in pond hockey, so everyone must skate out.

We are looking for some volunteers to work at the Famous Dave's Tent. They need help handing out food to the players. If you can help from either 10:00-1:00 or 1:00-4:00 on the 18th, please let me know. Your volunteer time would be greatly appreciated.

Please plan on cold weather! Both of these events will really promote our program, there is likely TV time involved!

Hockey Jersey orders: we can only do replacements as part of pre-season signup

Many of us had thought it was possible to order replacement hockey jerseys during the season. It turns out that this is quite expensive -- our supplier charges a different rate for a small number of jerseys than for a standard order.

So we can't order replacement jerseys other than during initial registration.

We are looking into recycling some older jerseys (changing names), but those are mostly smaller sizes.

Spring Tournaments - We have two choices in 2014. RSVP by 12/27 (MA) or 2/1 (MI)

It is time to start thinking about the end of season tournaments. MN Special Hockey is going to participate in 2 tournaments this Spring.

The USA Hockey Disabled Festival is April 11th through April 13th in Marlborough Massachusetts (3 game tournament). MN Special Hockey will NOT be providing transportation to this event. But, will be offering $200 to each player that attends to help cover the transportation cost. If we have enough players that are interested in attending, we will form a team. If we do not have enough players to form a team, we will help the players find a team to play with. A few players have played with other teams over the years and made some lifelong friends.

The early registration deadline for this tournament is coming close, because of that we need a response from all players interested in attending by Friday, Dec. 27th. In order to receive the $200, you must respond by this deadline. 

The Special Hockey International (SHI) Tournament is May 1st through May 4th in Fraser Michigan (4 game tournament). MN Special Hockey will be providing a bus to this event. Each player and one parent/guardian/guest can ride the bus at no cost. Additional riders will be charged $150 each. Players that choose to fly to this event can send their hockey bags on the bus and ride the bus at no cost. We anticipate that we will have enough players for at least one team.

Because this tournament starts on a Thursday, the bus may have to leave on Tuesday evening (April 29th), it will be will leaving from one of our local rinks. It will likely return the morning of May 5th (after the last game on Sunday). Because of the organization effort for the bus and hotel, we need a response from all players interested in attending by Saturday, February 1st. If you do not respond by this deadline, there may not be room for you on the team, or on the bus. 

If you are interested in attending either or both of these tournaments, please respond to Jane Cashin (jocashin@comcast.net) with the following information: Which tournament? If Michigan, traveling by bus or flying? If bus, how many people will be riding?

Update on SHI in Michigan - Feb 1, 2014

The Special Hockey International (SHI) Tournament is May 1st through May 4th in Fraser Michigan (4 game tournament). We will play 4 games in 3 days, just don't know which 3 days (starting on Thursday or Friday). MN Special Hockey will be providing a bus to this event. Each player and one parent/guardian/guest can ride the bus at no cost. Additional riders will be charged $150 each. Players that choose to fly to this event can send their hockey bags on the bus and ride the bus at no cost. Because this tournament potentially starts on a Thursday, the bus may have to leave on Tuesday evening (April 29th), it will be will leaving from one of our local rinks. It will be returning after our last game.

Right now we do not have enough players to form a team. Without more players attending we may have to cancel the event, it would be the first time since we started traveling to a national tournament.

The registration, bus and hotels need to coordinated as soon as possible. Because of this, we need a response from all players interested in attending by Saturday, February 8th. If you do not respond by this deadline, there may not be room for you on the team, or on the bus. http://shidetroit2014.com/

Expect that the hotel costs will be around $400. Staying at the hotel for a total of 4 nights (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Players can share rooms to split the costs if they want. More hotel information will follow, we need to know how many will be attending before selecting the hotel.

If you are interested in attending this tournament, please respond to Jane Cashin (jocashin@comcast.net) with the following information: Traveling by bus or flying? If bus, how many people will be riding?

Alexandria Tournament: Dec 28 and 29 2013

Coach Joe Kelly invites all MN Special Hockey teams to the 2nd Annual Alexandria Tournament taking place Saturday, December 28th and Sunday December 29th.

I highly recommend coming as I can personally say this event was the highlight for me last season. If you decide to come here’s what you need to know: 

• Location is Runestone Community Center and Ice Arena located at 802 3rd Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308. Phone: 320-763-4466.
• We have two hours of ice reserved both days from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
• The play will be “Jamboree” style which means players will be grouped by ability level and not by their home teams.
• For those who want to spend the night we have reserved a block of 20 rooms at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria. Call the hotel at 320-763-6577 and ask for the “MN Special Hockey” block. You will then receive the discounted rate. Very important... the reservation deadline is Friday, December 6th. Any unclaimed rooms will go back to general inventory after that date. Rates are 109.99 standard rooms with poolside costing an addition $20.00.
• We will not be providing transportation (a bus) to this event.
• Please let Joe Kelly know if you will be attending this event at jkelly@schererbros.com. Joe will also be able to answer any questions you might have.

Update 12/27/2013

• Please be dressed and ready to go at least 15 minutes before the 12:00 PM game time so we can assign players to the teams and put on the penny jerseys.
• We are expecting to have two levels (so four teams) playing, rotating every 20 minutes for three games at each level over 2 hours -- so six games Saturday and six Sunday. We may mix things up as needed depending on who shows up.

Shock Doctor to donate mouth guards (first practice)

Message from Tom Schuneman (dad/board member/volunteer):

... Shock Doctor, the leading company in protection products for athletes and the manufacture of the #1 mouthguard in the world, has come forward with a generous offer of sponsorship to MN Special Hockey. They will be providing each of our athletes a Shock Doctor String Backpack gift bag! Each gift bag will include a Shock Doctor Mouthguard and an Anti-Microbial Mouthguard carrying case! I have seen the string backpacks and they are very cool. This is a very generous gift that I am sure our athletes will be excited to get. All thanks to the Shock Doctor company!

We have a limited number of gift bags, but expect that all of our registered players will be able to receive one at their first practice. Because these bags need to be organized and distributed, all players must be registered by Sunday, Nov. 4th to receive one. MN Special Hockey registrations received after Nov. 4th will not likely receive this cool and generous gift from Shock Doctor.

Eagles: First Practice is with Polars (Blaine) Nov 10

Our first practice is with Polars on Nov 10, Blaine Super Rink 7 from 4:50pm CST - 5:50pm. [1]

We are doing pretty well on registration but if you haven't registered yet and are interested please let me know (jfaughnan@gmail.com). This year Nick U will be coaching!

Our calendar is up to date [2] with our games and practices. We will be playing and practicing out of Bielenberg arena. We've had problems in the past with that arena canceling our practices, John F will call ahead to confirm for each event there.

The Alexandria tournament is Dec 28/29. Jan 4 is a special event with Minnehaha Boys High School hockey. Our season ends March 2nd. March 15/16 is the Madison Tournament and the USA Disabled Hockey Festival is April 10-13. This year it will be in Marlborough Massachusetts.

Volunteers: Please complete the USA Hockey portion of the registration and the MN Background Check Form before the season begins. (thanks!)

See you all soon!

[1] http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/57891781

[2] http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/page/show/990919-eagles-2013-2014-

The 2013-2014 Calendars are online

Our team calendars are online -- for example, this is the Eagles calendar. The first practices are Nov 10 (all day event, more details soon I expect).

The first Eagles game is Dec 8.

For all calendars: http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/page/show/196809-calendar

Gopher hockey skate drills - Nov 2, Mariucci RSVP by 10/25.

The Men's Gopher Hockey Team and the Hendrickson Foundation have invited us back! We will again skate drills, skate around, and the Gophers will sign autographs.

The event is Saturday, November 2 from 11-12:30pm at Mariucci.

Please RSVP your interest by Friday, October 25 to jocashin@comcast.net. We will then contact everyone by Sunday October 27 with who is able to participate. 

As usual priority will be given to those who volunteer to help out with other events throughout the year and to those who were not a part of this event last year. However we are able to accommodate many skaters, so please express your interest if you are interested!

You must be registered for the MN Special Hockey 2013-2014 season to participate.

Annual meeting and season kick-off skate is this weekend at Mariucci Arena

The annual meeting and season kick-off skate is this weekend at Mariucci Arena. The meeting will run from 2:00 - 2:30, we will skate from 2:30 - 4:00.

Everyone that skates must wear a helmet and have a signed Waiver of Liability form.

Proof of USA Hockey Registration is the same as the Waiver of Liability.

Remember... no sticks and pucks... just skates and helmets and FUN!

MN Hockey Used Equipment Distribution this Sunday morning, Xcel

There's a notice about a MN Hockey Used equipment drive distribution on our calendar today:

http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/56610687

It's 9:00am CDT - 12:00pm CDT, October 13th, 2013 at Xcel.

Sorry for the short notice, I just saw this. Here's a news article:

http://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_article/show/293717?referrer_id=80470

... Sunday, Oct. 13^th with a public distribution taking place from 9 a.m. to noon at Xcel Energy Center.... . The equipment will be available to individuals and hockey associations at no cost.... 

MNSH: Summer news - 7/10 picnic, 8/24 golf, 10/13 kickoff.

Announcements will now go to everyone registered at www.mnspecialhockey.org. If you're not registered, please sign up. John F will also post them here.

 There are 3 big events coming up

Friday, July 19th, 6:00 - 8:00 by Edina Aquatic Center Park (Rosland Park)
Information: http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/48923354
Join us for our Summer Get Together!  We will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.
Please RSVP to Jane Cashin with the number attending. jocashin@comcast.net
The Edina Aquatic Center is located at this at this park.  It might be a nice opportunity to spend some time at the pool before you join us for dinner.

The Section 108 Golf Tournament is coming up, Saturday, August 24th. http://www.section108golf.com/
Ways to participate in this event:
1. Golfers, please send this link on to everyone and anyone you know.  Golfers may still register today as an individual or as a foursome.  They are always looking for more golfers.
2. Volunteers, we will need volunteers for registration, serving lunch, player interaction, raffle sales, video taker at hole-in-one, etc... we will need lots of help.

Please email Tom Schuneman to volunteer Thomas.Schuneman@MichaelFoods.com.

What is Section 108? Section 108 is a group of guys who are MN Wild Section 108 season ticket holders. They have teamed up with Eagle Street Grille to put on a great tournament for us.

Thank you in advance for supporting this program. This tournament is vital to MN Special Hockey as an organization. Without the financial support from this tournament we would be unable to have such a successful program.

Season Kick-off Event and Annual Meeting
http://www.mnspecialhockey.org/event/show/51025362
Sunday, October 13th from 2:00 - 4:00 at Mariucci Arena.
Annual meeting will run from 2:00 - 2:30, skating will start at 2:30.
As always, everyone must be registered with USA Hockey or have signed a Waiver of Liability form and MUST wear a helmet.  No sticks or pucks allowed.