1. MN Wild Game Program Sales - December 23rd

MN Special Hockey players and families have the opportunity to sell programs at a Wild game in St. Paul the Saturday before Christmas! This is a terrific opportunity to fundraise and spread the word about Special Hockey. 

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, December 23rd.   Arrive no later than 4:00 pm.  The game starts at 6:00 pm.
Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN.
What: MN Wild vs. Boston Bruins

Who:  Program Sellers - 30 People

Selling programs is a lot of fun!  We need a combination of players and non-players (including adults).  To maximize the number of players who can participate, we are limiting one parent/guardian per player at this time.  Please indicate names of those who would like to sell programs in the registration.  Registration does not guarantee your spot.  If more than 30 volunteers register, we will draw names.  Everyone will be notified by email whether you are selected to sell programs.  

Program sellers will not have tickets to the game but will receive Event Passes which get you into the arena and allow you to watch the game when your sales period ends.  You'll still get to watch some great MN Wild hockey!

Players should wear their MN Special Hockey jerseys.  Volunteers should wear MN Special Hockey apparel if they have it.  There will be a quick training session before you start selling.   

The deadline to register is Tuesday, December 6th.  Everyone will be contacted with more information by Saturday, December 9th.

Please register here: https://mnspecialhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/722878213

2.  Chairs On Ice 

A reminder to our players and families that wheelchairs (both power chairs and manual) are not allowed on the ice.  This is not allowed under the USA Hockey rules.  It is a liability for the organization and a safety issue for everyone on this ice.  Information on the USA Hockey Special Hockey rules is found here:  https://www.usahockey.com/specialhockey  

MN Special Hockey makes accommodations for players in non-wheel chairs when it is possible and safe to do so.  There are a few things that are important in these situations: 

• The volunteer that is pushing the chair must always have complete control over the chair
• A player in a chair or walker should be playing with the lowest level of players so that the volunteer is not moving at a very fast speed

3. Neck Guard Recommendation

Last week, the USA Hockey Board of Directors voted to direct its safety and protective equipment committee to require protective neck gear for all USA Hockey registered players (this would include MN Special Hockey players).  This proposed requirement may be in place as early as January 2024.  

MN Special Hockey encourages players and families to begin looking for neck guard options now and find one that works for players.  This could be the collar-type of neck guard, or the shirt with the built-in neck protection.  MN Special Hockey will communicate more on this proposed rule when/if it is enacted, but for now please begin looking for neck guard options.