This week’s newsletter is packed with exciting updates and events! From locker room guidelines and volunteer opportunities to our highly anticipated AVBHA Night Out, there’s something for everyone. Keep scrolling or click the headline links below to jump directly to all the details and ways to join in on the fun—let’s make this season unforgettable!
In this issue:
LOCKER ROOMS FOR TRAVELING PLAYERS
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION & SAFESPORT CERTIFICATION
INTRO SESSION 2 TOMORROW - HELPERS NEEDED
PRE-ICE-SEASON PARTY
FORTIS PARENT AND COACH MEETINGS
EAGLES SOCIAL
AVB NIGHT OUT IS BACK
CALLING ALL FUTURE COACHE
USA HOCKEY LOCKER ROOM & GENDER RULESS
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LOCKER ROOMS FOR TRAVELING PLAYERS
Just a quick reminder to please keep the lobbies and benches outside the rink clear and make sure to use the locker rooms for changing. You can find your assigned locker rooms displayed on the screens. If you have any questions or need help finding your way, feel free to ask someone at the check-in table or a coach—they're always happy to help!
Thanks for your cooperation and let’s have a great time on the ice!
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VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION & SAFESPORT CERTIFICATION
Attention all volunteers! Whether you're a Locker Room Monitor, Team Manager, Coach, or filling any other volunteer role, it's essential to complete your Volunteer Registration before your first shift. This includes anyone signing up to fill DIBS! Make sure to register at:
www.avbhockey.com/volunteerregistration.
Additionally, if you're planning to claim any DIBS that involve working with or being in the same room as our athletes, you must have an up-to-date SafeSport certification. This applies to all volunteers, including coaches, managers, and locker room monitors, etc... SafeSport certification is required by USA Hockey and must be renewed annually. Don’t delay—get certified today:
https://www.usahockey.com/safesportprogram.
Thank you for your support and for helping to keep our players safe!
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INTRO TO HOCKEY SESSION 2 – TOMORROW - HELPERS NEEDED!
We’re excited for our second session of Intro to Hockey tomorrow, September 28, at Hayes Arena!
With over 60 new skaters in attendance, we could use a few more helpers.
Does your player want to help out? We have a few more shifts available for players 14-yrs and older:
Group 1: 12:50–2:20 PM
Group 2: 2:00–3:30 PM
Group 3: 3:10–4:40 PM
Volunteers are asked to start 30 minutes before ice time is scheduled so they can help new players with their gear, etc... That extra time is reflected in the shift times above. They can sign up for one or two shifts, but we recommend they avoid signing up for all three since the groups run back-to-back, making for a long afternoon on the ice. Shifts are listed on our DIBS page, so please sign up online or reach out to Ginger Lemke with any questions.
A few reminders: This is a great opportunity for your player to build leadership skills and connect with younger players. However, it is important that they stay focused during their shifts—this is should not be viewed as "extra ice time." To ensure everyone's safety, fast skating and hard shots are not allowed while the little ones are on the ice.
There will be some downtime between sessions where our helpers can scrimmage and show off their moves—but during their shifts, we need them to stay on task, keep everything low and slow, and be role models for our future hockey stars!
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ICE SEASON KICK-OFF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Mark your calendars for this THIS Sunday, September 29th from 2-5 PM at the Apple Valley Sports Arena because we’re kicking off the ice season in a BIG way!
Come join the fun with bounce houses, yard games, and obstacle courses—there’s something for everyone! It’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of a new season, meet fellow hockey families, and have a blast before hitting the ice.
Don’t miss out—bring your friends and family for an afternoon of fun!
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FORTIS PARENT/COACH MEETINGS MONDAY, 9/30
We are thrilled to welcome you to this year’s Fortis Parent/Coach Meetings! This collaboration between AVBHA and Fortis Academy is designed to equip our hockey community with the knowledge and tools necessary to elevate our athletes' performance and strengthen our collective bond. Whether you're a parent or coach, these meetings offer invaluable insights into both hockey development and leadership building.
Why Fortis?
Fortis Academy's innovative sports performance training goes beyond the physical aspect of the game. Their mission is to mentor athletes in a way that enhances their athletic abilities, mental toughness, character, and leadership. This partnership aligns with AVBHA’s goal of creating not only successful athletes but also strong leaders in life. With Fortis, we’re ensuring our youth hockey community thrives both on and off the ice.
Date: Monday, September 30
Location: Community Room, Apple Valley Community Center
PARENT MEETING
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
For: Parents of Mite, Squirt, 10U, and New-to-Hockey Athletes
Join us for an essential informational session where we will cover crucial topics on navigating youth sports and supporting your child's hockey development. At least one parent from each family should plan to attend.
Key Discussion Points Include:
Hockey Development Principles: Learn about optimal training volume and windows of trainability.
Dispelling Common Hockey Myths: Gain clarity on widely believed but incorrect notions.
Leadership and Character Development: Discover how to foster these qualities in your athlete.
Featuring Special Guest Speaker:
J.P. Delaney, M.D.
Hand, Wrist, Elbow & Shoulder Surgeon
Former D1 Hockey Player at Colorado College
Dr. Delaney will provide unique insights into athletic development and how to guide young athletes in their hockey journeys.
COACH MEETING
Time: 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
For: Mite, Squirt, 10U, and 1st/2nd-year Coaches
This meeting is designed to equip coaches with critical tools and strategies for developing young athletes. All Mite and traveling team coaches are encouraged to attend, with at least one coach per team required.
Topics Covered Include:
Practice Principles: Best approaches for practice planning and execution.
Early Specialization Effects: Learn how specializing too early impacts young athletes.
Athletic Development: Key principles that should guide your coaching.
Edge Work and Skating Mechanics: Techniques to improve player movement and efficiency.
Passing Techniques and Small Area Games: Practical strategies to develop tactical creativity and improve skills.
Skill Development Priorities: Focus areas to ensure your players' growth and success.
Sign-in for DIBS and Prizes!
Upon arrival, make sure to sign in with your name, your athlete’s name, and their team to be entered into an exciting prize drawing. DIBS will also be credited for attending.
About Fortis Academy:
Fortis Academy is a leading sports performance training facility that focuses on improving athletic abilities, mental toughness, and leadership through innovative training programs. The Fortis Leaders program is a character development initiative aimed at empowering both coaches and administrators to create transformational change in the lives of their athletes.
Train Hard. Lead Well. Live Fortis.
We look forward to seeing all parents and coaches there for an evening of learning, growth, and community building!
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ONE WEEK AWAY: AVWH EAGLES SOCIAL - OCTOBER 5
Time to get excited! The Inaugural Eagles Social is just ONE WEEK AWAY on Saturday, October 5th at Panino Brother’s in Apple Valley.
Join the Apple Valley Women’s Hockey team from 2:00-5:00 PM for an afternoon full of fun, raffles, and great company. Here’s what’s in store:
• Registration Fee: $20
• Includes: Unlimited beer from 2-5 PM* and automatic entry into the Blackstone Grill drawing!
• Additional raffle tickets available for purchase on-site!
Don’t miss out on the fun—grab your spot now!www.applevalleyhockey.com/social
*Must be 21 and over to participate
**All proceeds benefit the Apple Valley Women’s Hockey team
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AVBHA NIGHT OUT IS BACK - SAVE THE DATES!
Why cook when you can let the pros handle it AND support AVBHA at the same time? That’s right—AVBHA Night Out is back, and we’ve got some delicious evenings lined up for you. So, mark your calendars and let your taste buds (and hockey spirit) do the work!
11/20/24 – 5-9 PM at Raising Cane’s
1/11/24 – 4-8 PM at Chipotle
2/19/24 – 5-9 PM at Raising Cane’s
Whether you’re in the mood for some crispy chicken or a tasty burrito, these nights are the perfect excuse to skip cooking and support AVBHA. Gather the family, grab your friends, and come out for some good eats while helping our teams hit their goals!
Details will be added to www.avbhockey.com/fundraisers as the events get closer.
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Do you love hockey and want to make an impact in our community? We’re looking for enthusiastic coaches to join our team, and we’d love to have you on board! Whether you’re a seasoned coach or new to the game, there are exciting opportunities waiting for you.
Important Reminder: Only certified coaches are allowed on the ice, so if you’re interested in coaching, be sure to get your Coaching Education Program (CEP) certification scheduled soon! Don’t miss out on the chance to guide our young players.
If you’re ready to lace up your skates and help lead the next generation of hockey stars, we want to hear from you!
Learn more about coaching requirements and fill out your Coaching Application
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USA HOCKEY LOCKER ROOM & GENDER RULES
USA Hockey has published updated guidelines regarding locker room policies, multi-gender teams, and transgender athlete eligibility. You can read the full guidelines here:
USA Hockey Transgender Athlete Eligibility Policy.
AVBHA will be following these USA Hockey rules and guidelines. Given that we have multi-gender teams, it is recommended that all players arrive dressed in their base layer and finish putting on their gear in the locker room with the rest of the team.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us follow these important guidelines!
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Big thanks for being a part of the Apple Valley Burnsville Hockey crew. Let's make hockey epic, together!
Catch you on the ice,
Apple Valley Burnsville Hockey Association
The mission of the Apple Valley Burnsville Hockey Association is to create a fun, fair, and safe hockey environment that develops respect for others, self-confidence, leadership, competitiveness, and teamwork in our student-athletes.
We will strive to provide the best competition at all levels while maintaining the highest degree of sportsmanship.
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Apple Valley Burnsville Hockey
http://avbhockey.com
Apple Valley Burnsville Hockey
P.O. Box 240504, Apple Valley, MN
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