Starting a new association

[BoogeyMan]

The city I live in is going to open a new high school within the next couple years.
The kids that live in my city play hockey for an association in a different city.

Our school district has just signed a contract to lease an arena from one of the local towns. There's also plans to build another rink on that site. In the future. Ice time should be readily available. Especially when Waconia is building a new rink.

How many sheets of ice in the new Waconia arena?

For the people that have gone through this in the past.

1) Do you suggest splitting the two cities and forming another hockey association right away?

2) Wait for a couple years?

3) Or try to keep it all in one association. And split them up when they get to the high school level?

Our current association is drawing kids in from 5-6 different towns.

I would think that after a couple years that we'd want our own seperate association. Start fresh and build a solid program.

I realize that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to start a new association.

[WayOutWest]

The city I live in is going to open a new high school within the next couple years.
The kids that live in my city play hockey for an association in a different city.

Our school district has just signed a contract to lease an arena from one of the local towns. There's also plans to build another rink on that site. In the future. Ice time should be readily available. Especially when Waconia is building a new rink.

How many sheets of ice in the new Waconia arena?

For the people that have gone through this in the past.

1) Do you suggest splitting the two cities and forming another hockey association right away?

2) Wait for a couple years?

3) Or try to keep it all in one association. And split them up when they get to the high school level?

Our current association is drawing kids in from 5-6 different towns.

I would think that after a couple years that we'd want our own seperate association. Start fresh and build a solid program.

I realize that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to start a new association.

What city are you talking about?
Waconia's rink will only have one sheet, and I know the Waconia association has really struggled to get decent ice time in the last couple of years. I don't know how much lift you are really going to see from just one additional sheet, if you are in the area, and Waconia will get the prime ice on that sheet.
How many kids would you have in your association, if you split off, now?
If you don't have a lot of kids, you will struggle to compete, which can actually discourage kids from getting involved.

[WayOutWest]

The city I live in is going to open a new high school within the next couple years.
The kids that live in my city play hockey for an association in a different city.

Our school district has just signed a contract to lease an arena from one of the local towns. There's also plans to build another rink on that site. In the future. Ice time should be readily available. Especially when Waconia is building a new rink.

.......

Okay, I read the High School board, and found the rest of the info.
You are talking about Chanhassen, and the Victoria FieldHouse.
Certainly, Waconia getting its own sheet opens up time at Victoria for Chanhassen. Still, with yet another association, ice time would remain tight.
From a purely emotional standpoint, you have to think those Chanhassen kids would rather play their youth hockey for their own association, rather than playing as "Chaska" until high school. But, that's not unusual. Nobody played as "Holy Family" until high school, right? You have to love the community pride aspect of starting your own association, but it will be a tough row to hoe, for a number of years. Good luck.

[BoogeyMan]

It would be nice for the Chanhassen kids to receive their own identity. I'd rather wait a couple years before rushing into starting a new association. Plan ahead and do it right.
If this is done right. The new association will stay away from continually paying off debt.
Hopefully the community of Chanhassen will embrace the new youth hockey association. Financial support is a must.

I can't imagine all the hard work it would take to start up a new association.
Like I said. The beauty of it? You're starting fresh. If you bring in a solid high school coach. Everything should trickle down to the youth teams. Solid people in the feeder program is a must. Get experience! Hopefully the school district will hire a good coach.

Like I always preach. Your association will only be as good as the people running it. Numbers are good. But not neccessary to build a successful association. Ask Roseau, Grand Rapids, Warroad, Coleraine ect...

Hats off to all the volunteers that make every association successful. Keep in mind. Everyone from top to bottom are all volunteers. If everyone works together. The end result will be a successful association.

Does anyone have any stories to share about being part of a start up program?

Pros?
Cons?
Suggestions?
Financial aspects?

[BoogeyMan]

Way out west- Have you had a chance to see the new Waconia Ice arena? I was at the Waconia vs Eastview PW games this morning. I was speaking with some parents from Waconia. They're really excited to get their new home up and running.
Will this be one sheet of ice? Any future expansion in the works?

[WayOutWest]

Way out west- Have you had a chance to see the new Waconia Ice arena? I was at the Waconia vs Eastview PW games this morning. I was speaking with some parents from Waconia. They're really excited to get their new home up and running.
Will this be one sheet of ice? Any future expansion in the works?

I drive by it frequently. It's still pretty much just the shell. It will only be one sheet, and there are no expansion plans in the works. It will most definitely help the Waconia association. I know they've had to settle for some pretty poor ice times in some distant arena's the last couple of years. This certainly wasn't sitting well with the parents, so it is no surprise that they are excited. Decent ice times, close to home........yeah......that makes life a LOT easier.
Anyway, the facility should be beautiful. Hopefully, it will attract not only more kids to the program, but a better association staff, as well.

[Neutron 14]

Use Rogers as a model.

[RobRay]

Boogey said,

"There's also some talk of keeping one youth association. I myself think Chanhassen needs to start their own association. Most likely in 2010. Start the fundraising in 2009 when the school opens."


Boogey, what are YOU going to do to get the ball rolling?
I suggest you contact Mr. McNiell and ask him if you can intern for awhile so you can learn the ropes. All talk and no action is wearing thin. I would get the ball rolling sooner rather than later like Lakeville did. Maybe tomASS would be willing to help ya. olive branch fellas.

But if Chaska chooses not to split and remain a strong youth association how long will the two HS coaches tolerate getting talent from one Bantam A team and one BB1 team?

If youth association hockey is truely the feeder system to the high schools a split would seem reasonable, sooner rather than later.

over and out.....

[flatontheice]

Boogey said,

"There's also some talk of keeping one youth association. I myself think Chanhassen needs to start their own association. Most likely in 2010. Start the fundraising in 2009 when the school opens."


Boogey, what are YOU going to do to get the ball rolling?
I suggest you contact Mr. McNiell and ask him if you can intern for awhile so you can learn the ropes. All talk and no action is wearing thin. I would get the ball rolling sooner rather than later like Lakeville did. Maybe tomASS would be willing to help ya. olive branch fellas.

But if Chaska chooses not to split and remain a strong youth association how long will the two HS coaches tolerate getting talent from one Bantam A team and one BB1 team?

If youth association hockey is truely the feeder system to the high schools a split would seem reasonable, sooner rather than later.

over and out.....

Follow the money. Hockey usually does.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mi ... ita_income

Looks like Chaska is gonna be a hurting unit if they split the associations.

[BoogeyMan]

RobRay- I'm not going to do anything to get the ball rolling. I will help out if needed.
The point of my post is to see what it takes to start a new association. Just because people are currently associated with a program. Doesn't mean they know how to start up a new program. Sure they'll have a better idea of what it takes. But to start a new program will take some good people working hard. Not to mention finding corporate sponsorships. They key is to be in the green not RED every year.

I know some people joke that we want our own identity. We'll YES! We do want our own identity. Nothing wrong with that. It sounds like the kids from Chanhassen and Victoria will all be skating for Chanhassen. If so, this will be a good group of kids from my sons age group. Majority of these same kids are skating at Minnesota made and upper AAA teams. I realize a lot can happen between now and then. Still exciting!

What ever happens is fine with me. I'm willing to help where needed. I don't think rushing into a new association is the best idea either. Wait 1-2 years.

Find good high school coach
Find community/corporate sponsors
Rink is already reserved for Chanhassen (another one on the way)
Find strong board members with solid hockey/business background
Start booster club before association starts

The worst thing that could happen is keep one feeder program for two high schools.

I know a lot of people are excited to start up a new program. With that said. It's my hope people step up to help. This is the key to a strong association. In return. I hope the new program will listen to the wants and needs of the parents.
After its all said and done. The kids need to have fun and learn the game of hockey.

Chaska will be fine if Chanhassen starts a new association. They're the ones with a program in place. They'll just have fewer kids participating.

[justletemplay]

It all starts with the district director, chaska association board, potential chan board. You will only "get involved" if you are a part of that group. The rest of the members are usually asked to vote on a split. You should read the MN hockey and USA hockey handbooks to understand the rules/regulations that everyone will be complaining about once they hear the rumors........

[tomASS]

Boogey, what are YOU going to do to get the ball rolling?
I suggest you contact Mr. McNiell and ask him if you can intern for awhile so you can learn the ropes. All talk and no action is wearing thin.

RobRay - thank you for my blog highlight of the evening with that bell-buster. It is much appreciated.

Shawn McNeil would be happy to get an assistant

[BoogeyMan]

tomASS- Once again. You bring so much positivity to the situation. Have you ever thought about being on the CCHA board? You would be a perfect fit.

I'm simply trying to obtain feedback. What will it take to start a new association?

Fresh start
Start in the green / low debt
New People
New identity
Our own arena with another one on the way

It is my hope that the new Chanhassen youth hockey association has it's own identity. It's own approach. It sounds like Chanhassen would have to work with Chaska to start a new association. Which is fine. This doesn't mean we have to do things the same way as the CCHA when we start.

Be happy for the Chanhassen community. As a leader in Chaska you need to stay positive. It all comes down to progression. The west metro is growing.

Fear the Storm! Storm is coming.

PEACE!

www.positivity.com

[blueblood]

Boogey aka Johnny Travolta:

tomASS ain't so bad, just an enthusiatic hockey dad who likes to keep us entertained once in a while we we read this message board at work (Oops, I wasn't supposed to let that one slip) or at home. Even i as a Tonka guy have come to appreciate his views, whether I agree or disagree.

As for starting a new association, Chanhassen Basketball is already up and running with some girls and boys teams this year. How do I know, I have a girl who shoots the rock and not the puck and have seen tham at some local tournaments this season. Try to get in touch with them and see what they did to "break away" from Chaska Hoops.

I'm all for creating new opportunities for today's players. Here's a suggestion -

Start off with the mites (boys and girls) of Chanhassen and build your assocaition. That way you're working from the ground up! Talk to local associatons regarding what works and doesn't work for mites. Try to get some funding from MN Hockey via equipment grants that are available. Getting your toes wet with the mites shouldn't create a financial burden.

As for volunteering and getting people to help out, get out an network. Talk to as many people as possible and line them up with reasonable tasks that they can handle. Don't pressure them. If they can handle a 2 hour job, thank them; if they can commit to a board level position, hug them!

Don't try to everything in one year just because Chaska, Tonka, EP, Edina or whoever does. Pick activities that focus on hockey first.

Hope this helps....

blueblood

[Northland]

A new association sounds like a good idea ... if the numbers are there.


.

[BoogeyMan]

All good ideas. Thanks for sharing.

I'm sure there has been some talk about starting an association from others within Chanhassen. I realize that this is something that you don't rush into. I agree. Maybe start with Mites one year. Then offer Squirts the following year. Build your program up a little bit each year.

Then you have to look at the new high school. I doubt the coaches would want to pull kids from the same Bantam feeder program.

What's the rule with open enrollment? If my son plays with the same program all the way through. Is that fair to each of the high schools? In the end the kids are going to play for the better team.

The high schools are about 1.5 miles away from each other. Location is not an issue.

Time to start the rivalry.

What conference will Chaska and Chanhassen high schools play in? Will Chanhassen be playing in the Lake conference? In 2009 Chaska and Chanhassen sports will really be hurting. Time to build everything up again. By the time we do that. Victoria will offer a high school. Then we start again.

As for tomASS. What can you say? We agree to disagree.

[tomASS]

As for volunteering and getting people to help out, get out an network. Talk to as many people as possible and line them up with reasonable tasks that they can handle. Don't pressure them. If they can handle a 2 hour job, thank them; if they can commit to a board level position, hug them!

blueblood- good to hear from the north part of the southwest.

Boy aint that the truth regarding your statement above!

After having spent 4 years on the Chaska Hockey board and 12 years on the CC United Soccer Board - of course doing everything that nobody else would step forward to help with and throwing in free coaching and refereeing (soccer) to boot (pun). The general membership have no idea how vital volunteers are. I actually would give hugs for the 2 hour job....or beers to the guys. And most of this was before the coming of volunteer credits. I think between my wife and I we put in twice the amount that we were required last year because someone had to help. It's always easier to help when there are good folks involved in running your local assocation like there are in Chaska.

There are a great many people that still "get it" and go above and beyond the call of volunteerism. There is one in our association that just amazes me with the dedication she shows.

Still, it is my experience that volunteerism, as a whole, seems to be down and the people who complain the most are the ones that do the least. Of course this just backs up the theory if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.

See you at the arena blueblood!

[greybeard58]

You might want to check with some of the areas where new high schools have opened. The new associations that were formed were in place when the new high school opened. If you start a new association there is a very good chance the boundaries will be stated as high school attendance area.
Find out what you need to comply with USA and Mn Hockey and also the I.R.S. and the Sec. of State of Mn. If you have gambling there are more hoops to jump through. You might want to search association web sites and look at their by-laws and policies and procedures and pick what fits your new association best. There will be some costs just to get started.
What I have seen in the past and not knowing the situation it probably would be best to split, and let the bantams chose where they want to skate and everybody else goes by the boundaries. While this might be the hard way it is done and over with, no complaining that the other school kids are getting the better coaching or ice time.

[Hockey Guru]

i would just keep it all in one association, then because you could keep most of the good players on one team, instead of spreading them out evenly on each team.

[Whatthe]

If you want to win a bunch of squirt, peewee, U10 and U12 trophies, then don't split. If you want to develop a strong high school program, then split now and field A level teams for each high school.

[BoogeyMan]

Thanks for the replies. Like I said. I'm not in the process of starting an association. I'm more than willing to volunteer and make things happen.

tomASS- Thanks for volunteering in the CCHA. Sounds like you're very didicated to the program and kids. Sounds like Chanhassen will have their work cut out for them.
I believe that seperating the two programs will benefit more in the future and hurt both programs short term.

Greybeard- Good idea to ask the Bantams where they want to attend high school. Then have Pee Wee's, Squirts, Mites and Mini-mites skate in their boundries.

Like I said. There are a lot of excited people waiting for the new high school to open.

Hear the Storm! Fear the Storm.

[Hockey Rapes]

i just have to say, that, that is a good idea for you to start a new association.