Below are the candidates for the 2024 Board Election.

Ballots will be sent to the email used to register your player this season.  There will be five open seats to vote for.

Please take a moment to review our candidate profiles, then cast your ballot! 

What’s working with EVHA?

What I believe is working is the USA hockey ADM model we are following with our mite program. The ground work with the ADM model is a proven winning recipe. We just need to continue on the journey.

What do you believe needs improvement?

What I believe needs improvement is the sense of community. We have a smaller program and would like to see the bonds our players make on the ice turn into life long friendships.

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

As part of my 3 term I would continue on with the growth that was set in motion with our mite program last fall.  Changes bring growth and with growth comes success.

I would like to improve giving coaches more resources and help if desired.

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

I would like to have a chance at helping our organization keep growing and moving the needle in a positive way.

What else would you like EVHA to know?

I grew up playing hockey and I love the game.   I have two children in the program that both love it. I would like the chance at making our association great by putting our kids in the best place to succeed.

I am always willing to have a constructive conversation, and  I am very open minded and like hearing others opinions.

(Incumbent)

What’s working with EVHA?

I believe that the dedication and passion of our families, coaches, and of course our players, is one of the most valuable strengths within EVHA. As a coach and a parent, I have seen the joy that hockey brings to the players, and it is a constant reminder of our purpose; to share the love of hockey with our kids, and to guide them as they learn and improve their skill in the game.

As a current board member, I have worked to find a more efficient process for the equipment for our new Mites, and have broadened our apparel through new online stores and a re-designed away jersey (and potentially a re-designed home jersey soon too!).  I also have worked to improve our recruitment of new players through multiple Try Hockey events and connections with our local elementary schools.

What do you believe needs improvement?

I feel that communication and player development are areas that can be improved upon within our association. I would like to see stronger communication within our board, as well as with families and coaches. This collaboration would provide for a more streamlined and robust program from the newest of players to the most experienced. Feedback from families will allow us to make the changes needed to continue to grow as an organization. An intense focus on player development is also essential in order to bring all of our teams to a more competitive level.  The recent realignment of Mite levels is a move in the right direction, however, there is still a tremendous amount of progress to be made in this area. I also would like to continue developing the girls program, as I have seen many positive changes over the last several years, and would like to see that growth continue.

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

I would listen. Listen to families, to other board members, to coaches, and to the players themselves. This can provide a tremendous amount of insight into what is working and what elements could benefit from change, and is imperative for the continued development of our program.

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

I want to be able to give back to the community that had a tremendous impact on my life when I was young, and continues to influence the experiences of my own children today. I believe that my experience as a coach, educator, and current board member will allow me to contribute to the development of all levels of the program, as well as to lend my expertise in organization, communication, and planning.

What else would you like EVHA to know?

Both of my sons, Bryce (11), and Logan (9) have been playing hockey with EVHA since they were in preschool, and I have had the opportunity to coach them since their first year. (Yes, I'm the coach with the pink helmet! :-P) I have loved watching not only my own children, but also their teammates, grow and excel in their skill and confidence. As a member of the EVHA Board of Directors, I would be honored to continue leading these amazing kids in their hockey journey!

What’s working with EVHA?

I love the first year free hockey concept and reduced fees for mites which is lowering the barrier of entry for new incoming interest in hockey. Some of the more recent Jersey changes and logo adjustments aligning with a Tampa Bay style has improved the team aesthetic. Our training center is stylish and well stocked for skill development. The high school coach Aaron Fulton and his involvement at the association level is an amazing contribution to this association. I also love the focus on player development.

What do you believe needs improvement?

I believe the branding and blue pride found at the Training Center should not be hidden from the world. We need to improve Eastview branding at Hayes, on social media, on the website and even on apparel. We need to stoke the fire of Eastview pride. This will attract new move-ins and retain our young new-comers. We also need to improve our focus on the most fundamental skill of Hockey, Skating!

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

Growth of a program really comes when the association starts to see success on the ice at all levels including the highest levels. This takes time but it starts with a combination of improvement of the skill development and effective branding and marketing. I see opportunities for improvement in each category. Terrence Reilly is the CEO who single handedly made crocs and Stanley Cups the thing that everyone needs even though both products existed long before he came around. I'm not Eastview's Terrence Reilly but I'm determined to find him or her. We need social media and a more dynamic website. We need to be aware of all the successes and fun times happening in our association. I'm also determined to work with Apple Valley Parks to bring some color and pride to our home rink, Hayes. When a new player is thinking about playing hockey, having a rink that makes you feel a part of something can make all the difference!

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

Most importantly my impact will be felt on the ice. Playing in the association at all 4 levels this year, we've seen a tremendous amount of talent, but one thing that's lacking at all levels is a foundational skill of hockey, Skating! Aggressive physical play to get a loose puck only happens with a strong foundation of skating. Kids only become strong on their edges when they are forced to do edge drills correctly. This only happens with extensive one on one encouragement and praise. I coached Bantams this year and found that there are players who have coasted through 6+ years of practices without ever focusing on the edge that's hard for them. This can be corrected relatively quickly with some focused effort. I have more initiatives associated with Body Contact at all levels and time and space as it relates to teamwork. With your support I'd happily start contributing from a player development standpoint.

What else would you like EVHA to know?

I grew up in Minneapolis and played 3 yrs varsity at South High in 95-98. I then played club hockey at BYU. My family of 6 moved to Eagan this past summer. I'm excited to try to contribute to the success of our new home, Eastview! I have a Mite, a Squirt, a Peewee and a Bantam. I coached for 6 years in Minneapolis and participated on the board there as an assistant registrar and assistant scheduler while coaching 3 teams. I also set up and ran some skills clinics each summer. You could say I'm very motivated to bring Eastview to the next level and I won't be leaving the association anytime soon. My experience inside a more robust association improves my understanding of what works and what doesn't from an administrative standpoint. I'm excited to contribute to the association as a whole.

What’s working with EVHA?

The offseason collaboration between the varsity and youth program is great as is the parent support for the hockey program. The number of parents willing to help on and off the ice is fantastic.

What do you believe needs improvement?

The number one thing we need to do is merge with the Apple Valley/Burnsville program. The second thing we need to do is right-size our teams. A large number of our teams right now are operating with just 11 skaters, while this may afford the kids a bit more ice time, it comes at the expense of the team as a whole. This year (and past years) we have run far too many teams with too few players. It hasn't worked. The majority of our teams are not competitive in their leagues. This is because we have two few players at each age level, and too few skaters on each team.

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

The number one goal of me joining the board is to help get our program combined with the Apple Valley/Burnsville program. I would like to open this discussion to include the parents and coaches in this decision. We have a co-op at the Bantam level, what I'd like to do is FULLY combine the programs, not co-op, fully combine into a single program. Our numbers aren't there to support a stand alone programs for either association. Unless we were to triple in size in the next few years our teams will continue to struggle against other local teams as we simply don't have the numbers. We had a TOTAL of only 158 Mites this year, that’s Mites 1, 2, 3, and 4 boys and girls. Many of the communities programs we play against that are of a similar size have 350+ mites. Many of our most elite players at all levels are finding ways to leave our program. While we have a few bright spots on teams here and there, as a whole, our organization does not have the number of players necessary to compete. Might this mean that your child doesn’t make as “high” of a team as they made last year? Yes. But I think we can all agree that once they got past that initial disappointment of not making the team they hoped for, they will enjoy playing on a team that is competitive. I for one would much rather have my kids on a high energy, competitive C team, than a B2 team that struggles to win a single game all season. Our program does not exist solely for the benefit of our highest level teams, our program exists for our kids at all skill levels, and we owe it to them to provide each of them the opportunity to grow as a person and player on a team that is in line with their current abilities.

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

I want to join to board to make the issues I mentioned above front and center. This is not something that we can afford to continue to be indecisive on.

What else would you like EVHA to know?

If we are able to successfully combine the two associations, it will require a consolidation of the two organizations boards. If we get to that point, I will happily give up my seat to help expedite that process. Next season we will have a mite, a squirt, and a peewee in EVHA hockey. I’m committed to the long term success of our communities hockey program.

(Incumbent)

What’s working with EVHA?

Since we’ve been involved in EVHA we’ve had great experiences every season, which means our kid is having fun.  All along we’ve enjoyed the overarching philosophy of teaching the game and having fun over competition and winning.  And I think this is at the root of what Eastview does well.  The environments are inclusive and inviting.  We’ve felt there is good sense of community that Eastview creates.  Being part of the board I’ve seen a concerted effort to improve the focus on and delivery of skill development and make this appropriate at each level.  I believe this will only continue to get better  

The organization continues to be innovative and inventive in finding ways to finance and support the community in order to help families have the best opportunity for kids to be involved in sports.

What do you believe needs improvement?

Our efforts to streamline, create structure, and improve how we deliver skills and coaching will continue to get better, and our kids will get better. 

The recent referendum brought to light potential needs to find creative ways to help support our hockey community and venues financially.  In the future this organization may need to find ways to fundraise to contribute to broader improvements 

We will need to continue to need to find new ways to recruit new players and retain players.  Our boundaries are somewhat in flux and our neighborhoods change.  But we are not expanding and building new homes like some of our neighboring communities.  Being contained as we are we will need to keep reaching our community to drive involvement. 

Communication and transparency with the organization can improve.  As parents we all want to know how things work when our children are participating.  I’ve seen Eastview get better at this, and as our structuring gets better, I’m sure we can improve on including everyone in how the processes work.

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

As with all volunteer organizations, a big challenge is continuing to progress through transitions of different people, and having processes evolve with those transitions. As we’ve been able to make some strides in my areas, I want to continue to push forward myself and see these efforts through further, rather than leave them behind to others to figure out. 

We’ve figured out our tournament processes better and I believe we can keep our tournaments as highly sought after events and keep it as a source of pride for our own kids to play in.  Our partnership with Play for Patrick is unique and is an amazing cause, and promoting their cause via our tournament puts Eastview in a positive light, and connects us to other hockey communities in an uplifting, communal, and still competitive, environment.   I am excited to keep making this tournament a premier attraction.  

I’d like to do more for our inclusivity efforts and make more resources accessible to the entirety of our families.   Recruitment of players will always be important to our organization, and we can reach further into our community to bring kids into Eastview hockey.  At every Try Hockey event, and every first mite weekend I’ve been a part of, I’ve been inspired by the families showing up for the first time. We have so many kids in our community that would jump at the chance to play hockey. We just have to open our arms and show them how. 

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

I continue to want our family to be connected to the hockey community here and be able to contribute to the organization and evolution of Eastview hockey as our children progress through the program.

I think I can still help to make a difference and contribute to guiding youth sport in a healthy and positive direction.

I have a unique connection to hockey at elite levels, and I hope to channel that experience and connection to our organization. 

Our daughter is playing in the Valkyrie program, and having representation on the Eastview board for the matters and concerns of the girls co-op program is important.  Our girls are still Eastview girls and this co-op is a partnership.  Having the needs of our girls still front and center in the Eastview organization is a priority we should maintain. 

What else would you like EVHA to know?

I have a unique perspective to offer as my career as an athletic trainer in D1 collegiate and professional hockey, including a stint with the Minnesota Wild, has shown me the end goal what of youth hockey development should be. I also now work with hockey players at all levels from high school to juniors to college and pros.

I have seen the positives and negatives that youth hockey can create. I currently work in a setting where I see the injury repercussions of over specialization and excessive participation, all of which is preventable. And while I want to provide a good environment for my own children to develop, my career path is also naturally designed to promote healthy athletic development. I believe my perspective in the sport continuum as well as sport injuries can add value to the planning of our youth hockey community.

What’s working with EVHA?

Having a smaller association has some challenges. However, it also provides skaters opportunities and a closer community of great families. The support & inclusion of all kids, along with great coaches, managers & parents are what makes EVHA a great association.

What do you believe needs improvement?

The ice facilities could use improvement. I'm aware of the changes coming from the referendum that passed. It will be hard to come up with funds for other large improvements. We could focus on some smaller items like logos, banners, trophy cases, concessions, etc.

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

While I have other thoughts and ideas, I realize that taking action and working together to complete items that the board already needs help with is important. A new board member would be looking for direction from existing members, and more leadership can come during the 2nd & 3rd years.

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

After spending a couple of years on the ice during Mites and getting to know the other kids, I realize how interested I am in seeing those kids grow and enjoy hockey. Being on the board will give me more exposure and the ability to participate in their youth hockey journey.

What else would you like EVHA to know?

Hockey is in my blood. Born and raised in Minnesota, playing hockey for Cottage Grove from Mites-Bantam. My Dad has had tickets to the Boys State Hockey tourney since 1970. I've attended every year since I've been able to walk.

What’s working with EVHA?

From my point of view, I believe EVHA is in a fairly good position.  I feel like we have a lot of coaching involvement and quality people within the organization.

What do you believe needs improvement?

I think what concerns me is the lack of overall development and not being able to field "A" level teams.  I think as an organization there are things we can be doing to emphasize areas of concerns.  I think one area we are really behind in is our skating ability.  I'd like to see a stronger emphasis on skating especially at the younger levels.

How will you add to what’s working and address what’s needed as part of your 3 year term?

I think that with my experiences I will be able to bring some ideas to the table on how we can improve our organization from top to bottom.

Why do you want to be an EVHA Board Member?

I have a passion for hockey and most importantly I care about the kids and want to help the organization be successful.

What else would you like EVHA to know?

I've been involved in hockey for over 30 years from playing to coaching at various levels.  As a player I grew up in Eagan, going from youth hockey to highschool to juniors before finishing up as a D1 player at Robert Morris University.  I've been a D1 assistant coach, coached U16 AAA in Pittsburgh and Eagan Bantam AA.  I have helped out coaching both of my kids throughout Mites.  Next year, I will have a 1st year Squirt and a 3rd year Mite.