Summer Tournament Update

Hello Hockey Players!

There have been some recent questions about the MGHA's 2008 summer tournament schedule. Last summer we duked it out with both the Twin Cities Gay Hockey Association and the Chicago Gay Hockey Association. Initial groundwork to pull similar games together for this summer proved a bit more of a time quagmire than we had hoped, however, and for a number of reasons the board decided unanimously to stop pursuing outside tournaments for this summer.

Why? Our enthusiasm for the league has at times led to a tendency for us to take on more than we can effectively handle. It has been challenging for such a new league, comprised entirely of volunteers, to pull off tournaments, banquets, new year's parties, skills clinics, fundraising, essay contests, etc, while also working to build the sustainability of our house league. We've struggled--not always successfully--to keep up, act planfully, and communicate effectively.

For these reasons, the board felt a strong need to take a step back, regroup and get ahead of the planning curve. We are currently focusing our time and energy on our top priority, the health of the MGHA house league. This is a only temporary reprieve, however. We're absolutely committed to providing opportunities to play teams from other areas and rest assured that we will be working with our neighbors to plan joint games again in the future. If you have any questions about this, or any other board matter, please don't hesitate to contact me at director@madisongayhockey.org.

AND, just because we're not able to organize it, doesn't mean it can't happen. Jane's fabulous scrimmages are a case in point. And here's another; Cory Moll was so eager to take on the TCGHA again, that he took the initiative to pull together a team to head up to the TC Pride in a few weeks. If you're interested in joining him, check out the details he supplied below. It's not an MGHA team so if you have any questions, please contact Cory directly.

Oh, and one last reminder...if you're planning to play with the MGHA this fall and haven't yet reserved your spot, contact the recruiting committee asap at recruiting@madisongayhockey.org.

Thanks everyone, and I look forward to seeing you on the ice soon!

Michelle

 

____________________

Hey all! Are you ready? It's time for Border Battle 2.0! You're
invited to join the team that will be playing against the Twin
Cities Gay Hockey Association during their 2008 Pride Weekend on June
28! * This team is being organized by Cory Moll (Team Maroon 07-08) and
is not associated with MGHA in any way. If you're interested in participating please fill out the form (you'll e contacted on Monday June 23 to commit) at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pmCvlOO9cwcsaWqw20nd_Rg

(For those without internet access please leave a voicemail [my phone
will not receive ANY text messages!] on Cory's mobile at
415-595-1091.)

More information is available on the madisongayhockey.org forums:

http://madisongayhockey.org/node/4618


The short and sweet:

* MGHA is not organizing a team this year. Cory Moll has graciously
stepped up to take on the challenge of organizing those that are
interested in participating in this amazing opportunity to make new
friends and play against another league!

* seeking at least 12-15 players. (2-3 lines of 3 forwards, 2 lines
of 2 defense, and one rockstar goalie).

* team vs team with referees. (tcgha is aware of the unevenness
that occurred last year, and so far those that have expressed interest
have been more from their beginner and intermediate level players. so,
we promise no first period slaughter like last year!)

* two potential locations. look for announcement next week:
- Breck School Anderson Arena (4210 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden
Valley, MN 55422
) (we played here last year)
- Parade Ice Garden (600 Kenwood Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55403)
(closer to pride grounds)

* FREE! TCGHA is graciously hosting us for what will surely be an
exciting Border Battle 2.0!

If you have any questions please EMAIL CORY at csmoll@gmail.com or
post on the MGHA forums.