This article in the NE Hockey Journal reads like a how to book for shrinking or struggling hockey associations. Prior to last season, the New Bedford, Mass., hockey association was on the verge of folding. That is, until some parents managed to stumble from the Learn to Skate program to the Hetland Panthers Mite C hockey team. Here is their version of Growing Hockey Associations for Dummies:
- Leadership by the coach
- Team participation in community events (food and toy drives in this case)
- Involvement by the parents
- Investment in time and resources by the community
And hey, winning the league championship is a great way to top it all off! The Hetland Panthers made some headway last season on retaining some of their more talented older players as well. The issue that really stands out to me is the poor hand off from the Intro to Hockey/Learn to Skate programs to the first team. This is a concern that every hockey association should spend a great deal of energy on solving. The great programs make it feel seamless.
To the struggling clubs:
I've found the place you should start.
You should follow me on twitter here.
The Chargers should take some of this advise. The club is dying a slow death.
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