Doubling Girls Hockey in 2010.....

[joehockey]

So another thread asked what are people doing in their area to expand girls hockey?

It got me thinking about how great MN hockey is but especially for girls - so will or can we see a big explosion in girls skating in the next year? In 1998 girls hockey exploded in Minnesota and across the US with the Gold Medal win - so can we see that again in 2010?

Thinks about all we have yet only about 12,000 females are registered in MN - that leads the US but pales to 40,000 boys skating in MN - I don't have exact numbers but those are close I think - last number I saw we have slightly more girls than boys in MN so why aren't more girls playing. The numbers in girls playing soccer, basketball and softball dwarf girls in hockey.

We are the State of Hockey - we have 6 D1 programs close to our hockey centers - UM, UMD, SCSU, MSU, BSU and UND to cover the great NW powers. We have another 10 great MIAC D3 schools in MN and several more just over the border in Wisconsin in Superior, RF, Eau Claire..we have the MN Whitecaps the only Pro team in the US and we will be the home of the 2010 Olympic team. Last we have 123 HS teams.

I had a discussion with someone who grew up playing hockey in California and she is blown away with the community approach and HS hockey in MN - chance to play in your community for very small cost and the access to ice just minutes away.

So how do we collectively grow girls hockey to equal half the number of what boys hockey is or how do we double the number of girls skating? I don't ask for the sake of just doubling but for the benefit it will bring to the game and all the kids who learn the passion of hockey and the life skills that come from the game.

HS players have to play a large role in carrying the torch and helping with the youth teams but is it happeing? Some areas you see legions of youth hockey players at HS game - Stillwater seems to always have lots of future Ponies at every game I understand they do a lot with the young girls. I heard today Edina has more than 125 girl skating in mites - can anyone else compare - if not why not? There are many communities with far more young girls than I would percieve are in Edina?

[hockeya1a]

So another thread asked what are people doing in their area to expand girls hockey?

It got me thinking about how great MN hockey is but especially for girls - so will or can we see a big explosion in girls skating in the next year? In 1998 girls hockey exploded in Minnesota and across the US with the Gold Medal win - so can we see that again in 2010?

Thinks about all we have yet only about 12,000 females are registered in MN - that leads the US but pales to 40,000 boys skating in MN - I don't have exact numbers but those are close I think - last number I saw we have slightly more girls than boys in MN so why aren't more girls playing. The numbers in girls playing soccer, basketball and softball dwarf girls in hockey.

We are the State of Hockey - we have 6 D1 programs close to our hockey centers - UM, UMD, SCSU, MSU, BSU and UND to cover the great NW powers. We have another 10 great MIAC D3 schools in MN and several more just over the border in Wisconsin in Superior, RF, Eau Claire..we have the MN Whitecaps the only Pro team in the US and we will be the home of the 2010 Olympic team. Last we have 123 HS teams.

I had a discussion with someone who grew up playing hockey in California and she is blown away with the community approach and HS hockey in MN - chance to play in your community for very small cost and the access to ice just minutes away.

So how do we collectively grow girls hockey to equal half the number of what boys hockey is or how do we double the number of girls skating? I don't ask for the sake of just doubling but for the benefit it will bring to the game and all the kids who learn the passion of hockey and the life skills that come from the game.

HS players have to play a large role in carrying the torch and helping with the youth teams but is it happeing? Some areas you see legions of youth hockey players at HS game - Stillwater seems to always have lots of future Ponies at every game I understand they do a lot with the young girls. I heard today Edina has more than 125 girl skating in mites - can anyone else compare - if not why not? There are many communities with far more young girls than I would percieve are in Edina?

I believe a big part is cost! and also there are many communities that have large numbers of minorities that play other sports that do not cost as much.

[jumpstart]

In 2001, the youth organizations in Minneapolis (Washburn, Southwest and Edison) had a joint initiative to bring attention to mite hockey. [At the time, Minneapolis did not sponsor girls U10 or U8 teams, but some of these ideas could be adapted to a local girls hockey program.] The youth organizations prepared a Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet that was published in Let's Play Hockey. [If anyone wants a copy of this, email me directly and I will provide it.] There was a Youth Hockey Week declared by Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Extensive media coverage raised awareness. Every child in grades K-3 received a flyer. There was an opening event where a few representative skaters from each organization attended, along with the Mayor, Coach Don Lucia, Bob Naegle of the Wild, Joe Diedzic, and others. A "Skate with the Stars" was sponsored where Minneapolis mite-age boys and girls could skate free with representatives from the Minnesota Gophers (men and women), Goldy Gopher, and members of the Minnesota Wild. Skates were provided at the rink, and new skaters were paired up with older youth from the three organizations. Minnesota Wild tickets were given away to the first 75 new skaters to register, and one skater was chosen to drop the puck at the start of that Wild game. I don't remember the exact numbers of new skaters that were generated from this effort [my memory is not that good], but it was significant.

Any effort that is done should be targeted at the U8 and U10 levels. It also needs to be an ongoing effort year after year. One year alone will not boost numbers over the long haul. It is important to get the parents of the new skaters involved as well so they continue on with the recruiting efforts.

[Media]

Interesting topic , and first let me say all and any idea's are good . Perhaps a more complexing problem that staggers the growth of girls hockey is on the top end. where before almost unlimited opportunities existed for players to continue playing following highschool , those slots are drying up fast now days.The quality and quanity of players have exceeded in many cases available spots on both D-1 and D-3 teams. Because of the continual progress of players abilities even a player who is recruited will find themselves year in and year out fighting for and often times losing a spot to an incoming freshman because the quality of player gets better each year.Look at the number of players that are recruited yearly for D-3 schools , look at there rosters, In order for the bottom end to expand the top end needs expansion as well in both D-3 and D-1 catagories. That is why I feel our program at this point in time can serve as a buffering /shock absorber for this issue. just my thoughts

[joehockey]

Agree totally and hope that with growth in the game we may see another expansion in college programs.

An interesting note and danger is keeping girls in the game - we need female coaches to pass along what they have learned.

Also woman should continue in U22 or senior competition - not sure if these levels have grown equal to the game. WHAM has not expanded and you would think it would be an outlet for top players who want to continue skating.

[Night Train]

Many children take field trips to local ski areas to increase exposure to skiing. I don't know if the schools get financial support from USA Skiing, in terms of discounted rates, or not. It may just be the ski areas wanting to promote the fun and their areas. Very smart and all the kids have a blast, especially the kids that have never done it before.

MN Hockey, USA Hockey, or your association, should make sure that they develop a similar program and have a field trip to the arena every year for every elementary aged school child. For sure the kindergartners and 1st graders. Recruiting is all about 4-5-6 year old kids.

As for the girls specifically, a lot of associations do a bring a friend day as girls like to do stuff with a friend. Pizza, pop, balloons and fun! USA Hockey has a one time allowance for having non registered kids on the ice with a team and actually cover them with insurance for the one time a season event. That should be better promoted by USA Hockey and every association should make sure they're doing it. Every association depends on new recruits, boys and girls, for their continued health.

I'll add that Minnesota Hockey has just started a new recruiting committee that has a member from each District that will get together and share their best ideas and then take them back to their Districts and member associations.

[joehockey]

Hey just recieved this showing the number of girls teams in MN (I think UND maybe in college number) thought it was interesting - seems like a lot of room and need to grow the girls game.

Total Woman/Girls Skating in MN: 15,492

Woman WHAM: 1400 - 80 Teams

College (D1 & D3): 332 - 16 Teams

HS Girls: 3,267 - 126 Teams

19 & U A: 51 - 3 Teams (SSM, Thoroughbreds, Crunch)

19 & U B: 119 - 7 Teams (Twin Cities Based)

16 & U A: 18 - 1 Team (SSM)

14 & U A: 540 - 36 Teams

14 & U B: 195 - 13 Teams

12 & U A: 855 - 57 Teams

12 & U B: 1425 - 95 Teams

6 & U - 10 U - 7290 players - 498 teams/groups

So I think this says Minnesota has:

1,732 - Women are playing on organized teams post HS

3,455 - HS Age Girls

3,015 - U12-U14 Girls (Less than High School)

7,290 - 10 & U Girls (If Half of Girls Play to HS Numbers Stay Equal or Slightly increase over current)

[gmom29]

Hey just recieved this showing the number of girls teams in MN (I think UND maybe in college number) thought it was interesting - seems like a lot of room and need to grow the girls game.

Total Woman/Girls Skating in MN: 15,492

Woman WHAM: 1400 - 80 Teams

College (D1 & D3): 332 - 16 Teams

HS Girls: 3,267 - 126 Teams

19 & U A: 51 - 3 Teams (SSM, Thoroughbreds, Crunch)

19 & U B: 119 - 7 Teams (Twin Cities Based)

16 & U A: 18 - 1 Team (SSM)

14 & U A: 540 - 36 Teams

14 & U B: 195 - 13 Teams

12 & U A: 855 - 57 Teams

12 & U B: 1425 - 95 Teams

6 & U - 10 U - 7290 players - 498 teams/groups

So I think this says Minnesota has:

1,732 - Women are playing on organized teams post HS

3,455 - HS Age Girls

3,015 - U12-U14 Girls (Less than High School)

7,290 - 10 & U Girls (If Half of Girls Play to HS Numbers Stay Equal or Slightly increase over current)

Seeing this double would be awsome- but with the Economy the way it is will make it hard.

quick question - How many HS teams have girls that help out at the youth level? and if they do are there classes that have to be taken?

[keepitreal]

Seeing this double would be awsome- but with the Economy the way it is will make it hard.

quick question - How many HS teams have girls that help out at the youth level? and if they do are there classes that have to be taken?

A high school player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered with USA Hockey may serve as a student coach under the following conditions:
• Must attend a training session conducted by the local hockey association.
• Must always be under the supervision of a carded, screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, try-outs, and in the locker room.
• May help out at practices, clinics, try-outs only. (May not play during scrimmages or games).
• May not act as the head coach or assistant coach during practices or games.
• Must wear a helmet with full face shield, gloves, and skates while on the ice. Must wear helmet during games while on the bench.
• May only work with players at least one full playing age level down.
• The organization that is using the student coach must provide a form indicating on what team he/she is participating as a student coach, and, if applicable, what team he/she is properly registered/rostered as a player. A model form can be found here.
• Upon reaching the age of 18, the student coach must comply with all USA Hockey coaching and screening rules and regulations

[keepitreal]

Minnesota is the state that registers the largest number of female hockey players - 10,702. This number does not include the 126 varsity teams & 75 junior varsity teams (although a number of players who participate in USA Hockey sanctioned events ARE USA Hockey registered).

How other states compare:
1. Minnesota 10,702 (9,467 under 19, 1,235 over 20)
2. Massachusetts 7,780 (6,844 under 19, 936 over 20)
3. Michigan 4,612 (3,132 under 19, 1,480 over 20)
4. New York 4,562 (3,744 under 19, 818 over 20)
5. Wisconsin 3,313 (2,879 under 19, 434 over 20))
6. Connecticut 2,129 (1,855 under 19, 274 over 20)
7. Colorado 2,031 (1,012 under 19, 1,019 over 20)
8. Illinois 1,961 (1,542 under 19, 419 over 20)
9. Alaska 1,685 (898 under 19, 787 over 20)
10. California 1,349 (574 under 19, 775 over 20)

[keepitreal]

Hey just recieved this showing the number of girls teams in MN (I think UND maybe in college number) thought it was interesting - seems like a lot of room and need to grow the girls game.

Total Woman/Girls Skating in MN: 15,492

Woman WHAM: 1400 - 80 Teams

College (D1 & D3): 332 - 16 Teams

HS Girls: 3,267 - 126 Teams

19 & U A: 51 - 3 Teams (SSM, Thoroughbreds, Crunch)

19 & U B: 119 - 7 Teams (Twin Cities Based)

16 & U A: 18 - 1 Team (SSM)

14 & U A: 540 - 36 Teams

14 & U B: 195 - 13 Teams

12 & U A: 855 - 57 Teams

12 & U B: 1425 - 95 Teams

6 & U - 10 U - 7290 players - 498 teams/groups

So I think this says Minnesota has:

1,732 - Women are playing on organized teams post HS

3,455 - HS Age Girls

3,015 - U12-U14 Girls (Less than High School)

7,290 - 10 & U Girls (If Half of Girls Play to HS Numbers Stay Equal or Slightly increase over current)

Breaking this down further into the younger levels, according to MN Hockey-- in 2008-09 there were:

10U -- "147 teams"
8U -- "team counts are not included, projected at 80-100 additional teams"
6U -- that would leave numbers approaching 250 team groups (assuming much smaller team sizes) based on the 498 number quoted above.

I think it's pretty striking the number of players at the 6U and 8U levels once you subtract the 147 10U teams (I assume they account for girls in mini-mites, mites and squirts in their math). This is a significant increase over numbers we saw when the current crop of high school players were at that age. While team counts are misleading because of small sizes at those levels, the number of girls entering hockey in K-3 is easily the largest growth in recent years. It has helped to have 8U and now 6U teams dedicated to girls only instead of what many did by waiting until their daughters were 10U to start hockey.

Even with attrition, these stats indicate there are big numbers headed upward toward the high school programs in the next 6-7 years.

[girlshockey]

The Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota has added 10% to their numbers almost every year. They had 80 teams this past season and register the most adult women players in the United States. The Minnesota Blue Js won the USA Hockey Women's National Championships at the A level, the Minnesota Blue J Hawks won the USA Hockey Women's National Championships at the B level, and the Minnesota Lady Slippers won the USA Hockey Women's National Championships at the 50 and Over level. Minnesota did not enter teams in the C level or 30 and Over level. WHAM registered over 1300 females this year and will continue to grow for years to come.

[joehockey]

The Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota has added 10% to their numbers almost every year. They had 80 teams this past season and register the most adult women players in the United States. The Minnesota Blue Js won the USA Hockey Women's National Championships at the A level, the Minnesota Blue J Hawks won the USA Hockey Women's National Championships at the B level, and the Minnesota Lady Slippers won the USA Hockey Women's National Championships at the 50 and Over level. Minnesota did not enter teams in the C level or 30 and Over level. WHAM registered over 1300 females this year and will continue to grow for years to come.

It is a great achievement and by any measure MN has the best talent......when you consider we have had about 3200 in girls HS hockey we need to find ways to keep girls skating post HS - only a limited number go on to play college hockey. The future of the game depends on the women Pioneers who have played the first 11 or so years of HS. MN should lead the Nation in Women skating but MI is actually number one but only has about a 1300 at HS age. If you used the same correlation the State of Hockey should have 3200 women skating and maybe will someday soon.