This week is packed with exciting updates! Training Center Hours for tonight have changed to make sure we can all make it to the AVBH Youth Night game TONIGHT. Want to get involved? Join the AVBHA Board and help shape the future of our community. Looking for fun off-season training? Try Lacrosse Free on 1/19 or check out new E-TRAIN sessions. Save the dates for our Mainstream Boutique Fundraiser (1/31-2/2), Celebrate the season with Apple Valley's Mid-Winter Fest (2/1), and Burnsville's Polar Fest (2/8). And do not miss the HE Double Hockey Sticks Release Party on 2/8. Read on for all the details and more!
In this week's issue:
TRAINING CENTER HOURS CHANGE TONIGHT
BE A PART OF THE FUTURE: JOIN THE BOARD
AVB BOYS HS YOUTH NIGHT 1/16
TRY LACROSSE FREE
NEW ETRAIN SESSIONS
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE 1/31-2/2
WINTER FESTIVALS
WE DID A THING… H E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS RELEASE PARTY 2/8
FORTIS ON-ICE TRAINING
MORE DATES TO SAVE
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Get ready to elevate your game with off-ice training led by the incredible Brandon Steege! As an exceptional coach and athlete, Brandon brings unmatched energy and expertise to every session, and we’re lucky to have him. Check the updated BVTC schedule for this week and come prepared with your gear: stick, gloves, helmet, and water bottle. Mites must be 6 years or older to participate. Let’s make it a fantastic week of dryland training!
There has been a change in the schedule for TONIGHT at BVTC to accommodate for YOUTH NIGHT at BIC, but Friday’s schedule remains the same:
Thursday - SCHEDULE CHANGE
3:30 - 4:30 5:30 - squirt, peewee, bantam, 10u and 12u
4:30 - 6:30 - Mite floor hockey
5:30 - 6:30 - boys mites
6:30 -7:30 - girls mites
7:30 - 8:30 - open to all ages
Friday
3:30 - 5:30 - squirt, peewee, bantam, 10u and 12u
4:30 - 5:30 - mites
5:30 - 6:30 - mite plus
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Exciting news for the AVBHA community! With March fast approaching, we’re preparing for five open seats on our Board of Directors—and we’re inviting YOU to get involved. If you’re passionate about youth hockey and dedicated to helping AVBHA thrive, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference.
How to Get Involved:
Ready to take on a leadership role? The application form is LIVE and can be accessed through the link on our homepage at www.avbhockey.com. Don’t wait—applications close on February 9! Elections will take place in late February, with the new board members announced in March.
Here’s a glimpse of what we ask on the application:
Why do you wish to become an AVBHA Board member?
What are you hoping to contribute during your tenure on the board?
Are there any conflicts that might prevent you from attending meetings or fulfilling your responsibilities?
Share your past experiences in AVBHA (e.g., as a volunteer, manager, or coach).
Highlight your involvement in other youth programs.
Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of AVBHA and help build an even stronger hockey community. Your voice and leadership matter, and we’re excited about the possibilities we can achieve together!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Get ready for an unforgettable night of hockey! Join us at the Burnsville Ice Center (BIC) as we celebrate Youth Night and the 40th anniversary of Burnsville High School’s legendary 1984 State Championship win.
All Eagles youth players who wear their Eagles or Valkyries jerseys get in FREE—so come show your pride and support the AVHS Boys Hockey team! Let’s pack the rink and honor this incredible milestone in Minnesota hockey history. See you there!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
The Valley Lacrosse Team (a co-op made up of Apple Valley, Eastview, and BAC) is hosting 2 Try Lacrosse Free events, Sunday Jan 19th, 2:30-4pm, and Sun Feb 16th, 10:30-12pm. These events are staffed by high school players and coaches, and are a great way to get introduced to the sport of lacrosse. For hockey players that are looking for great off-season training, this is your sport. There are many skills and principles that hockey and lacrosse share, which makes these two sports compliments of each other. Get signed up today by registering here!
Looking for an exciting off-season sport? The Valley Lacrosse team, a co-op of Apple Valley, Eastview, and BAC, is hosting two Try Lacrosse Free events, perfect for kids in grades 1–8! High school players and coaches will be there to guide participants and introduce them to the sport.
Hockey players—this is a fantastic way to cross-train in the off-season, as hockey and lacrosse share many similar skills and principles. No equipment is needed—just come ready to have fun!
Event Details:
Location: Savage Sports Center, 13450 Dakota Ave S, Savage, MN 55378
Session 1: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2:30–4:00 PM
Session 2: Sunday, Feb. 16, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Why Attend?
Boys & Girls Grades 1–8
Equipment Provided
Guided by High School Players
A Perfect Way to Explore Lacrosse
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Exciting news, AVBHA players! We’ve added more E>TRAIN sessions to give you extra opportunities to sharpen your skating skills on our off-ice treadmill. E>TRAIN is the perfect tool for improving speed, stride, and endurance—all in a controlled environment designed to enhance your on-ice performance.
Why E>TRAIN is a Game-Changer for All Players:
Improve Skating Mechanics: Fine-tune your stride for maximum efficiency and power.
Boost Endurance: Build stamina to stay strong through every shift on the ice.
Increase Speed & Agility: Develop quick bursts and sharper turns to outpace your opponents.
Controlled Repetition: Practice your form without distractions, focusing on precision.
Updated Schedule & Easy Booking:
Check out the updated schedule online and take advantage of our new app-based booking system for quick and hassle-free reservations.
Strap on your skates, grab your gear, and get ready to push your skills to the next level. Let’s keep honing those hockey abilities and having a blast!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Looking to refresh your wardrobe for the new year? Here's the perfect opportunity to treat yourself while supporting AVBHA! From Friday, January 31, through Sunday, February 2, visit Mainstream Boutique in Apple Valley and mention "AVBHA" at checkout, or use CODE: AVBHA for online orders. A portion of the proceeds will go directly back to our association!
Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you’ll find trendy, high-quality styles that will have you looking and feeling your best—all while giving back to our hockey family.
When: Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2
Where: Mainstream Boutique: 15322 Galaxie Ave, #115, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Online: Mainstream Boutique Website
Grab your friends, shop ‘til you drop, and make sure to spread the word. Thank you for supporting AVBHA—we’ll see you at Mainstream Boutique!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Bundle up and join us for one of the most cherished winter traditions—Mid-Winter Fest—happening on Saturday, February 1, from 3–7:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park West!
This festival has been a community favorite since 1978, and it’s easy to see why. With Mite hockey games starting at 9 a.m. and running throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of chances to cheer on our youngest skaters while soaking up that magical mid-winter vibe we all love as Minnesotans.
But that's not all! The festival also features fun activities for all ages, delicious food, live music, and a stunning fireworks display to cap off the evening. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season with friends, family, and neighbors!
Location: Johnny Cake Ridge Park West: 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley
Admission: Free! (Food and beverages available for purchase)
Fireworks: Launched from the south side of Johnny Cake Ridge Park-West
Bring your warmest gear and your biggest smiles—we’ll see you there for a day of fun, community spirit, and winter magic! For more details, visit AVBHA Events.
Get ready for a day of frosty fun at Polar Fest, happening on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North River Hills Park!
This family-friendly winter celebration has something for everyone—horse and carriage rides, ice bowling, music, sledding, and more. It’s the perfect way to embrace the season and enjoy some outdoor adventure with your community.
Location: North River Hills Park: 19th Ave, Burnsville
Admission: Free!
Mark your calendars, bundle up, and join us for a day full of winter magic and unforgettable memories!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Get ready, hockey fans! AVBHA board members, coaches, and parents teamed up on December 15 to brew something special—a Helles Lager named H E Double Hockey Sticks—at Boathouse Brothers Brewing Co.
Join us for the official launch party!
Date: Saturday, February 8
Time: 12–8 PM
Location: Boathouse Brothers Brewing Co., 16211 Main Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
This is your chance to snag a Crowler 3-pack of our AVBHA beer, H E Double Hockey Sticks, with 10% of proceeds benefiting AVBHA programs.
A huge thanks to Emmett Swartout, owner of Boathouse Brothers, for partnering with us on this exciting project.
Come celebrate, enjoy some fantastic brews, and show your support for our hockey community! Cheers to hockey and camaraderie!
DIBS are also available for this event!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Looking for a way to shake up your team’s regular practice and learn new tactics? Teams can now contact Stephanie Cossette to arrange for a Fortis Trainer to run an on-ice practice for your team. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights and coaching tips to enhance your team’s skills. Fortis recommends that all team coaches attend the session to make the most of the guidance provided. The cost is $125 per hour for one trainer or $175 for two trainers, to be covered by team fees. At a cost of $10-$15 per player, this is a great investment for your players' development. For more details, visit our Fortis page.
Coaches, if you have not yet received your Weekly Scenarios Booklet, don’t worry! There’s still plenty of time to incorporate it into your practices this season. Just contact Ginger Lemke to arrange a time and place to pick it up!
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
January 31 - February 2: Mainstream Boutique Fundraiser
February 1: Mid-Winter Fest
February 8: Polar Fest
February 19: AVB Night Out: Raising Canes
February 22: Try Hockey for FREE
→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→
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.
CONNECT WITH US
To UNSUBSCRIBE, please log in to your Sports Engine account and remove yourself from AVBHA email list. Instructions can be found here:https://help.sportsengine.com/en/articles/2528254-unsubscribe-from-messages
Unfortunately, we are not able to remove names from email lists due to permissions and privacy, so you must remove yourself from any list you do not wish to be on.