The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association held its annual Summer Meeting in Grand Rapids this past weekend to assess the past season and to continue its work in growing and supporting the hockey community.

In the 2023-24 season, MAHA membership numbers increased above the national average in every category for the third straight season. Youth hockey participation numbers increased by 2 percent, while 8-and-under participation numbers increased by 1.2 percent. Meanwhile, MAHA saw a 43.9 percent increase in adult participation numbers, as the adult section continues to rebound from the impacts of COVID-19.

Additionally, and just as importantly, the number of officials increased by 5 percent again this year season. One emphasis throughout the weekend was for associations to preach patience and understanding for new referees, as USA Hockey is changing its officiating seminar requirements, and new officials may not have any on-ice experience before working games at the start of the season.

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers throughout the weekend were on-hand both to educate the membership and answer questions. Dr. T. Sean Lynch of Henry Ford Health introduced himself and his new content partnership with MAHA. Under the name "MAHA's Hockey Health and Wellness," the sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and hockey player/parent will share his expertise on how to keep hockey players healthy and ready for success on and off the ice.

Rico Phillips shared the latest on MAHA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, one of his many volunteerism roles in the Flint native’s quest to make hockey accessible for all. The former Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award winner inspired the Summer Meeting attendees with his story of building the Flint Inner City Youth Hockey Program, and then provided updates on some of the initiatives he, MAHA and other partners have implemented in Michigan.

Tom Garavaglia of NHL STREET Michigan gave a presentation about his company’s simple-yet-effective way of introducing hockey to new potential players and fans. The NHL and RCX Sports are working together for the NHL STREET initiative, which has staff across North America helping implement fun-filled street hockey leagues to introduce hockey to players ranging from 6 to 16 years old. Operators who partner with NHL STREET receive resources, guidance, and support to easily provide first-class programming that keeps families coming back season after season. New MAHA partner InstaRaise Fundraising was in attendance, as well, as chief development officer Jay Burnham discussed his company’s easy-to-use and streamlined fundraising platform that offers the most return possible for teams and associations’ fundraising efforts.

Bob Mancini, assistant executive director of hockey development, spoke on Saturday, conducting a question-and-answer session alongside MAHA president George Atkinson. Mancini updated the MAHA membership base on some of the latest coming from the USA Hockey braintrust, and encouraged associations to utilize the support offered by USAH. The first USA Hockey American Development Model regional manager for Michigan back in 2009, Mancini’s roots in the Great Lakes State go much deeper, as he was a head coach for Ferris State, Michigan Tech and the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, while also an original head coach and founder of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor and now Plymouth.

Planning for the Future

The Board Development Committee is working towards building smooth transitions for new leadership in key positions throughout MAHA, as the organization looks to the future and keep developing the next generation of leaders for amateur hockey. The MAHA voting members also agreed to send a proposed new bylaw structure for the organization to a special committee, so that representatives from each of MAHA’s districts could give input and feedback before voting on the proposed changes at the 2025 Winter Meeting.

Awards

At the Awards Banquet, a series of individuals were recognized for their contributions to the sport. MAHA vice president Dan Pozdol was the 2024 recipient of the Kellogg Award, presented annually to a member of the board of directors for outstanding achievement and dedication to amateur hockey. The Royal Oak Hockey Club was named the winner of the John Stansik Award, which is given to a MAHA association that excels in growing the game. Livonia’s Tommy Cerne was presented with the Wes Danielson Award, presented to a player who overcomes a major handicap or diversity to continue participating and inspiring the hockey community. 

For a look at all of the winners, click here.