Youth

What tests are done if my child/athlete has a concussion?

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

Once the child/athlete has been concussed, he or she will make an appointment to come back to the facility for a post-injury evaluation by a physician and physical therapists and (if the physician recommends it) diagnostic testing in a balance lab. Once the results are received, additional tests may be recommended, such as an MRI and possibly an appointment with a neuropsychologist. From there, a team of specifically trained doctors and physical therapists will decide which program will better suit the child/athletes needs.

The National Dizzy & Balance Center will answer critical questions regarding concussions, baseline testing and return-to-play medical decisions all season long on the Minnesota Hockey page in Let’s Play Hockey. For more information, please visit www.stopdizziness.com or call 952-345-3000.

Minnesota Hockey Recreational League begins third season

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

The Minnesota Hockey Recreational League (MHRL) began its third season with a series of player/coach clinics in December and games in January.  The clinics provided an opportunity for Minnesota Hockey instructors to introduce USA Hockey’s American Development Model drills to eager participants.  Coach-run stations were set up in each zone to maximize ice use and keep players engaged and active.  The clinic ended with a scrimmage, in true MHRL fashion.   “There were lots of smiles on the ice,” said Tom Mickus, MRHL Director.

“Kids were happy to be playing hockey and parents were excited to find an option for their kids that allows time for other activities.  It’s truly a win-win.”

For the third season in a row, the MHRL experienced significant growth.  The league expanded from one division and four teams in the first year, to two divisions and 12 teams last year, to two divisions and 14 teams this year.

The league is designed to be a low-cost, low-time commitment alternative to travel hockey, for the player and family looking to continue playing hockey, or try it for the first time, in a more recreational environment.

The MHRL hopes to build on this success in future years by establishing more teams to serve more communities in the metro area.  With its threefold commitment to ensuring a great recreational hockey experience – promoting a fun experience over a competitive experience, providing a safe and encouraging environment, and providing a great value to families – the MHRL is sure to have an exciting future.

If you would like more information about the Minnesota Hockey Recreational League or if you want to get involved, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gear Up Minnesota! grant applications now accepted

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

Presented by Total Hockey and the Minnesota Wild Foundation, Gear Up Minnesota! provides starter equipment grants to community-based hockey associations.  In addition to Total Hockey and the Minnesota Wild Foundation, the program is made possible because of significant financial contributions from West Bend Insurance, Subway, RBC Wealth Management and other supporters.

The intent of Gear Up Minnesota! is to provide associations with a tool that will allow them to attract new players and make hockey more accessible.  In previous years, equipment grants from Minnesota Hockey have been used by associations across the state to significantly increase the number of new players an association has.  And these results didn’t happen because of luck.  They happen because of the creativity and hard work of many association volunteers throughout the State of Hockey!

Now is your association’s opportunity.  Please let us know what your association will do with an equipment grant. It can be a novel concept that has never been done before or it can be the same thing that worked really well at another association. What matters is whatever it takes to get more boys and girls involved in hockey. To apply for a grant, please visit www.minnesotahockey.org and click on the Gear Up Minnesota! logo.

• Grants will likely be for starter hockey equipment, however we will consider all requests.
• The granting committee will consist of representatives from Minnesota Hockey, USA Hockey, and the contributing sponsors.
• The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2012. Grants will be announced as soon as possible, likely in April 2012.  Equipment will be available in September 2012.
• If you would like to send any supporting documents along with your application, please email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail to Minnesota Hockey; 317 Washington St.; St. Paul, MN 55102
• Questions? 651-602-5727 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An open letter from Minnesota Hockey President Dave Margenau

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the hockey community and others for the tragically injured Jack Jablonski, Jenna Privette and their families. We encourage your continued support and prayers for Jack, Jenna and their families.

Additionally, we’d ask you to keep the other players and coaches involved in these incidents in your thoughts and prayers as well.

Minnesota Hockey and USA hockey with the support of coaches, officials and association leaders have worked hard at providing a safe environment for players. There are number of programs and resources that have been put in place and are available, such as the Hockey Education Program (HEP), Heads-Up Don’t Duck, progressive body contact checking training program, the STOP patch and  concussion education and protocol. Minnesota Hockey is committed to add and improve programs to ensure players safety in the future. However, this incident reminds us all to continue reinforcing these efforts to eliminate dangerous and illegal hits and to teach correct body contact and checking techniques.

With that in mind, we make the following recommendations:

Read more: An open letter from Minnesota Hockey President Dave Margenau