1. American Hockey Coaches
2. Coaches Handbook High School

Attract and retain coaches of the highest personal and professional caliber. Provide ongoing educational opportunities for all coaches. Acknowledge and appreciate all organizations and individuals who donate financial assistance and volunteer time to support the Jr. Crusaders Youth Hockey Association. And above all.

The Marquette Junior Hockey Corporation (MJHC) was organized in 1958 with Harold Alholm elected as its first president. Working in conjunction with the Marquette Department of Parks & Recreation, parents and hockey fans organized to promote and expand junior hockey. By 1961, 225 youths were playing on 19 teams, while only five years prior there were but four teams. Alholm also was the principal organizer of the first-ever Bantam National Championship Tournament in the United States. In 1960 and 1961, the tourneys were hosted by the MJHC with the Marquette Elks Club finishing as national runners-up each year. Through the years, volunteers have been the backbone of MJHC with leadership provided by presidents Al McLain, Fred Steele, Les Pelto, John Vargo, Charlie Hill, Neil Nystrom, Dick Kortum, Norm Tuimala, Bill Chalfont, Sandy Bourgeois, Tom Beard, Bill Cooke, Dewayne Nygard, Bill Dupras, Frank Nettell, Darrel Sleeman, Jacki Lykins, Dean Manning, Dennis Robinson, Dean Manning, Larry Carey, Jacki Lykins, Scott Ely, Doug Anderson and current president Jeff Cornock. Expansion in 1966 allowed younger children to learn the sport with the development of Mite and Squirt Divisions.

By the 1969-70 season, a total of 400 players were participating on 25 teams, and three years later, enrollment exceeded 600 youths playing on 36 squads. With tremendous growth in the program and other ice activities at the Palestra, there was a community-wide effort to build a new facility. After 46 years of fond memories, the Palestra was replaced with the Lakeview Arena. The dual-surface arena saw its first use in January of 1974 as a puck was dropped for the first junior hockey game in the new complex. Hockey mothers have always been active in all phases of the program since its inception.

A highlight of these activities came in 1972, when the mothers played in a benefit game before a standing-room-only crowd at the Palestra. Over $2,000 was raised in this and subsequent games. The funds were used to purchase Plexiglas in Lakeview Arena’s Olson Rink and to help defray the cost of Plexiglas in its Russell Rink. Although the MJHC fielded strong teams throughout its history, it wasn’t until the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) adopted a new classification system for state tournaments that MJHC teams successfully competed at the state level. With the advent of three classifications of play (“Open”, “A” and “B”) in 1971, the Marquette Exchange Club promptly won the first Class “A” Squirt title.

It was the first state championship for a Marquette hockey team since 1952, when a Juvenile Division team called the Pied Pipers claimed the hardware. Previously, seven MJHC squads had finished as state runners-up. From 1971 through 1978, a total of eight MJHC teams won state championships, while another five squads finished as state runners-up.

A second reclassification for state tournament play occurred for the 1978-79 season, when MAHA divided the “Open” Class into “AA” and “AAA” In all, 73 MJHC teams have competed in MAHA State Championship title games since its inception in 1958. Marquette is the proud home of 32 State Champions and 41 State Runners-up. In 2014, our program saw two teams claim District 8 titles and 7 teams compete in the State Playoffs. The City Insurance 19U girls won their state tourney and advanced to the semifinals of the National Tier II championships. Most importantly, all players had fun and advanced their skills. We are equally proud of the efforts of all players, coaches and volunteers.

On the national level, a total of 20 MJHC teams have participated in National Championship Tournaments. Four teams have won national titles, while five others finished as runners-up and four reached the semi-finals. In 1984, the Marquette Electricians Local 1070 won the Midget Tier II National Tournament in Bricktown, N.J., shutting out defending champion Chicago, 3-0. In 1992, the Peninsula Sanitation Flyers topped Costa Mesa, Calif., 8-1, to win the Junior C National title in Affton, Mo., near St.

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Then in 1993, Jilbert’s Dairy claimed the Pee Wee Tier II National Championship by knocking off the host Winnetka (Ill.) Warriors, 6-3, before a standing-room-only crowd in the Chicago suburb. In 1996, American Legion Post # 44 returned to the Bantam Tier II National Championship for the fourth time in five years and beat defending champion Grand Forks South of North Dakota, 2-1, before some 3,000 fans at Marquette’s Lakeview Arena. In 2000, the thrill of the Nationals returned to the area as American Legion Post #44 hosted its second Bantam Tier II National Championship in four years. Legion reached the semifinals, prior to dropping a 5-2 decision to Littleton, Colo. Marquette has now hosted six national tourneys, including the Inaugural Bantam Nationals in 1960 and 1961. In 1977, the Electricians Local 1070 and the Marquette Blues took part in the Midget Tier I National Championship that saw Burlington, Mass., defeat Seattle, 3-0, to win the title.

In 1986, the Electricians played host to the Midget Tier II Nationals, eventually falling to the Royal Oak (Mich.) Golden Eagles, 2-0, in the title game. In 2004, Marquette hosted the National Midget Tier I Championships.

Playing before large, enthusiastic crowds, the Electricians reached the quarterfinals before dropping a 5-3 decision to the Buffalo Saints. The Boston Junior Bruins claimed the title.

In addition to hosting various local, regional, state and national tourneys, the MJHC has played host to teams from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Russia and Sweden. Marquette teams compete at girls 12U to 19U and boys “B”, “BB”, and “AA” levels of play.

Hockey continues to be the major recreational sport in the area. Many players have gone on to play at the high school, junior, collegiate, and professional levels, while others have remained in the area and volunteered their time to coach, referee or take on administrative duties in our program. Prepared By: Harry Purvis Revised By: Gene Desonia, Dennis Robinson. Marquette Junior Hockey is a non-profit Corporation under Article 501 (c) 3, of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and is governed by an elected Board of Directors. The Board of Directors normally meets in regular session the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Lakeview Arena.

Special Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time to consider special situations. Three members of the nine member Board of Directors are elected to three-year terms each year at the conclusion of the February Regular Meeting. Any voting member is eligible to run for the Board of Directors.

A voting member is any member who has attended and signed the attendance sheet at a minimum of four regular Meetings of the Board of Directors. The Officers (President, First and Second Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected by the Board of Directors prior to the first meeting of the new fiscal year (June). The Board of Directors shall hire the Marquette Junior Hockey staff.

The Marquette Junior Hockey staff are full or part-time employees of the Marquette Junior Hockey Corpora¬tion and is the active authority of the Corporation at the Lakeview Arena. The Marquette Junior Hockey staff are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Corporation. The Marquette Junior Hockey staff report to the Board of Directors, and is immediately supervised by the President. Skills Development Program –A USA sanctioned hockey program with structured lesson plans designed to be a low intensity, fun oriented program that teaches the youngster the fundamentals of skating: forward, backward, stopping and turning. It is presented in a non-competitive setting with very little emphasis on the actual game of hockey. The age range for this level is up to eight years old, although we will accept a non- skater of any age.

With players age two to five years old, there is a possibility that the child may not be physically or emotionally ready for this type of activity. If they do not like it, it is better to stop and try again the next year, rather than forcing them to continue and making it a negative experience. 6U - From October through February, the 6U group consists of players ranging in age from 4 to 6 years old. Practices are generally twice per week with cross-ice games on Saturdays. This assumes that the players have first followed USA Hockey recommendations and taken a basic learn to skate and learn to play program.

These two foundational programs will provide the rudimentary skills needed for the 6U program. 8U – From October through February, the 8U group consists of players ranging in age from 6 to 8 years old. Practices are generally twice per week with ½ ice games on Saturdays. This assumes that the players have first followed USA Hockey recommendations and taken a basic learn to skate and learn to play program. At this age large muscle groups and multiple joint movements should be incorporated into the practice sessions. Agility, balance and coordination (A, B, C’s) on the ice surface are at the foundation of Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) for 8U.

At the 8U age group, USA Hockey doesn’t recommend full time goalies. 10U – From October through February, 10U teams will generally practice twice per week with games on the weekends. This division is for players who have not reached their 11th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year.

10U is the first level that a Travel Team program is offered. MJHC currently fields a team in the 10U 'AA' division. These are competitive teams. There are tryouts and player cuts, and there are addi¬tional costs.

(Travel teams will be explained in detail in another section.) Girls 10U - The season starts in October for girls who have not reached their 11th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. 12U - From October through February, 12U teams will generally practice twice per week with games on the weekends.

This division is for players who have not reached their 13th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. Girls 12U - The season starts in October for girls who have not reached their 13th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. This is the first Girls Division that is eligible for National Competition. 14U - The season starts in October for players who have not reached their 15th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year.

This is the youngest division that body checking is allowed. Girls 14U - The season starts in September for girls who have not reached their 15th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. Girls 16U -The season starts in October for players who have not reached their 17th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. 18U - The season starts in September for players who have not reached their 19th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year.

Girls 19U - The season starts in September for players who have not reached their 20th birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. The President shall appoint individuals to be Division Directors for the Skills Development Program, Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget and Girls Divisions. These are one-year appointments and are non-voting positions.

The Division Directors are responsible for coordinating, in conjunction with the Marquette Junior Hockey Director, the pre-season evaluations and player drafts, monitoring league play for compliance with league rules, assisting with player discipline problems when requested by a coach or parent and being the liaison person between the players, coaches and parents in their division and the Board of Directors. Division Directors may also be asked to help with tournaments involving their Division. All house teams starting with 10U, in MJHC are drafted in accordance with guidelines set up by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA). The players will skate in 'pre-season' evaluation sessions. In these sessions, the play¬ers will participate in various hockey drills and scrimmages so that the coaches can become familiar with the players. Teams are drafted to insure the most equal distribution of talent. There will be mid-season playoffs (10U Division and higher) starting the first weekend in January.

These playoffs determine who will represent Marquette Junior Hockey in the Region I Playoffs, which lead to the District 8 Playoffs and ultimately to the State Championship. No awards are pre¬sented to mid-season playoff winners. The house league also participates in year-end playoffs to determine the Association Playoff Championship. The winners of the Association Playoff Championship receive individ¬ual awards at the year-end Awards Program. House league teams may also enter Invitational Tournaments.

House league teams owe first allegiance to their house league schedule and should make prior arrangements with league teams before accepting any other games. Permission must first be received from the Division Director, and any League games that would be missed, must be rescheduled. All costs for Invitational Tournaments must be paid by the team par¬ticipating. MJHC, will however, provide entry fees for all Regional and District Playoffs.

State playoff fees will be paid upon board request and approval. House League coaches are volunteers and as such are not allowed to be reimbursed from the team for any expenses related to coaching. Travel Teams are competitive programs. 10U, 12U, 14U, Girls and Split Season U16/U18 Division tryouts are held in late summer or early fall and the coach selects his/her team from the players that try out. Players must be registered with MJHC for the current season, USA Hockey and have no outstanding financial obligations to MJHC or any other MJHC Team in order to try out for a Travel Team. There is a try out fee charged to any player trying out for these teams. Not all players that try out are selected for Travel Teams.

'A' Travel Teams are restricted to residents of Marquette County or players who were members of MJHC the previous season. Players in their last year of eligibility may not play on an “A” team. 'AA' Travel Teams have no age restrictions except Girls teams which can only play 2 levels above their age.

Players competing on Travel Teams are required to pay team fees in addition to the MJHC registration fees to cover additional practice time, coach's expenses and tournament fees. Travel Team players are also re¬quired to pay for their own travel expenses, including transportation, lodging and meals. All coaches in the MJHC must be approved by a vote of the Board of Directors and must submit to a back¬ground check of his/her criminal record by the Michigan State Police.

This is to provide as many safeguards as possible when selecting the people that will be interacting with our children. The Board of Directors will solicit coach applications, consider the applications and review the applicants.

Each Division Director recommends House league coaches to the Board of Directors. Volunteers may sign- up to be house league coaches by contacting a Division Director or the MJHC Di¬rector. The coach or division director must present assistant coaches for approval to the Board of Directors. Coaches are approved pending submission of proper application and background check.

Together with players and coaches, referees are the third element that is necessary to play the game of hockey. All referees must attend an annual USA Hockey Officiating Seminar, must complete a test corresponding to their certification level, and must be registered and insured through USA Hockey. Referees are independently contracted and paid by MJHC. MJHC also employs timekeepers to keep score and run the penalty box during MJHC scheduled games. In order to be contracted by MJHC, an individual should be at least 13 years of age, must have attended the USA Hockey Officiating Seminar, and must be registered and insured through USA Hockey.

It is also recommended that anyone that is employed as a timekeeper also attend the Officiating Seminar, but it is not required that timekeepers register with USA Hockey. Officials working MJHC games utilize both the 2 man and 3 man systems. In an effort to make hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, the USA Hockey Youth, Junior and Adult Councils have instructed the Officiating Program to adhere to certain points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. This campaign is designed to require all players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey‐sanctioned games. Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all On‐Ice Referees and Linesmen. A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player: 1) Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2) Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.

3) Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a Misconduct Penalty. A Game Misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach: 1) Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2) Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time. 3) Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators.

Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a Game Misconduct penalty. The game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game.

The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume.

American Hockey Coaches

Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further dis¬ciplinary action by the local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include: Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard. It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no sexual abuse of any minor involved in any of its Member Programs by an employee, volunteer, independent contractor or another participant.

Sexual abuse of a minor occurs when an adult employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant touches a minor for the purpose of causing the sexual arousal or gratification of either the minor or the employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant. Sexual abuse of a minor also occurs when a minor touches an employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant for the sexual arousal or sexual gratification of either the minor or the employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant, if the touching occurs at the request or with the consent of the employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant. Sexual contact between or among children also can be abusive if there is a significant disparity in age, development, or size, rendering the younger child incapable of giving informed consent, if there is the existence of an aggressor, or where these is an imbalance of power and/or intellectual capabilities.

The sexually abusive acts may include sexual penetration, sexual touching, or non-contact sexual acts such as exposure or voyeurism. Neither consent of the minor to the sexual contact, mistake as to the participant’s age, nor the fact that the sexual contact did not take place at a hockey function are defenses to a complaint of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may also occur between adults or to an adult. Sexual abuse includes sexual interactions that are nonconsensual or accomplished by force or threat of force, or coerced or manipulated, regardless of the age of the participants. Sexual abuse may also include non-touching offenses, such as sexually harassing behaviors; an adult discussing his/her sex life with a minor; an adult asking a minor about his/her sex life; an adult requesting or sending nude or partial dress photo to minor; exposing minors to pornographic material; sending minors sexually explicit electronic messages or photos (e.g. “sexting”); deliberately exposing a minor to sexual acts; or deliberately exposing a minor to inappropriate nudity. Without limiting the above, any act or conduct described as sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or child sexual abuse under applicable federal or state law constitutes sexual abuse under this Policy.

Any USA Hockey member who engages in any act of sexual abuse or misconduct is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no physical abuse of any participant involved in any of its Member Programs by any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant.

Physical abuse means physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes or has the potential to cause the participant to sustain bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse also includes physical contact with a participant that intentionally creates a threat of immediate bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse may also include intentionally hitting or threatening to hit an athlete with objects or sports equipment. In addition to physical contact or the threat of physical contact with a participant, physical abuse also includes the providing of alcohol to a participant under the age of consent and the providing of illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications to any participant.

Without limiting the above, any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under applicable federal or state law constitutes physical abuse under this Policy. Physical abuse does not include physical contact that is reasonably designed to coach, teach, demonstrate or improve a hockey skill, including physical conditioning, team building and appropriate discipline.

Coaches Handbook High School

Permitted physical conduct may include, but is not necessarily limited to, shooting pucks at a goaltender, demonstrating checking and other hockey skills, and communicating with or directing participants during the course of a game or practice by touching or moving them in a non-threatening, non-sexual manner. Any USA Hockey member who engages in any act of physical abuse is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The safety of its participants is of paramount importance to MAHA & USA Hockey. This includes not only on-ice safety, but also off-ice safety in any part of our programs. MAHA has long had systems in place to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players.

These include without limitation Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators. An Important part of our SafeSport program is the volunteer background screening, which has been in place for many years. MAHA & USA Hockey’s screening policy includes set criteria for which a person may be disqualified and prohibited from serving as an employee or volunteer of MAHA/USA Hockey. Under the policy, MAHA will not authorize or sanction any employee or volunteer who has routine access to children unless that person consents to be screened and passes a criminal background screen conducted by the Affiliate or USA Hockey. The Coaching Ethics Code is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to cover most situations encountered by coaches. It has as its primary goal the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom coaches work. This Code also provides a common set of values.

It is the individual responsibility of each coach to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. Coaches should respect and protect human civil rights, and should not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

In order to be eligible to coach or instruct in any MAHA/USA Hockey activities (practices, clinics, games, tournaments, tryouts, etc.), all coaches (head, assistant, Student Coach and instructors) must agree to abide by the USA Hockey Coaching Ethics Code. It is the considered judgment of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey that consumption/use/abuse of mood altering substances is detrimental to a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit in an athletic participant. This is especially true for those participants aspiring to develop their talents in the furtherance of their playing, or coaching, or officiating careers in the sport of ice hockey. Therefore, with the best interests of its participants in mind, USA Hockey prohibit use by any participant of mood altering substances during active participation in its programs, and, upon discovery of any violation, shall take action to remove the participant from participation in its programs for a reasonable period of time. Further, USA Hockey hereby recommend that each and all of its teams, associations, programs and affiliates adopt reasonable regulations concerning the prohibition of consumption/use/abuse of mood altering substances, and a reasonable enforcement procedure thereafter, in order to maintain the health of our athlete participants, the integrity of our programs, and the eligibility of all of our competitors for national, international, and collegiate competition. For purposes of this policy, the words “mood altering substances” shall include the following: 1.

Intoxicating beverages, including, but not limited to, alcohol. Non-prescription or prescribed controlled substances. Prescription or prescribed controlled substances when used to an excess in violation of doctors orders, or to produce the state of intoxication in the participant. Further, a participant shall include players, coaches, referees, and all persons involved in the conduct of an ice hockey contest. Everyone must register online and everyone will be prompted to set up a SPORT NGIN account if you do not already have one. The system will ensure each player has been registered with USA hockey and it will handle all registration payments.

The system has a full pay and a payment plan option. Any MJH player not registered through the online system either by full pay or by the payment plan option will not be allowed to participate in the MJH hockey program, starting with evaluations at the end of September. Registration and more information can be found at http://www.mqthockey.org/page/show/249582-registration-information. Applicants needing financial assistance must at least register under the payment plan and pay the initial $75 payment and the September 28 payment.

This amount ranging from $110 at the 6U level to $200 at the 14U level will be the base amount required to receive assistance. Once the total financial assistance funding is known, MJH will modify the payment plans of financial assistance recipients to account for any grant received. Financial assistance will not be available to travel players. Also skill development players must have a very unusual circumstance to receive assistance since registration costs are only $95 and 6 discounts cards are given to each player. If you would like to fill out a financial assistance application please choose the 'Financial Assistance' heading on the left side of the MJH homepage. Financial assistance applications must be turned in by September 20. Travel teams may have up to two fund-raisers.

The MJHC board of directors must approve all fund‐raisers in advance. Fund rais¬ing money is not to be credited to individual players, coaches or managers. The team manager should contact the Board President, before fundraising begins, with the request for a fund¬raiser. If additional discussion is required, it will become an agenda items at the monthly board meetings.

Types of fund-raisers approved in the past include: bottle drives, candy sales, pancake breakfasts, bake sales, chuck-a-puck, pick-a-puck, clothing sales, etc. Raffles of any type are prohibited.

All MJHC players with the exception of Skills Development Players must wear full equipment at all times. That equipment includes: a HECC certified helmet with a HECC certified facemask, colored mouth guard (12U and above), shoulder pads, an athletic supporter with cup (or corresponding female protection), hockey pants, shin guards and hockey skates. Players in the Skills Development Program should have a good fitting pair of skates, a helmet with a facemask, optional knee pads and elbow pads, a heavy pair of mittens, and a hockey stick that is cut to the player’s size. All of this equipment is available from local sporting goods stores. MJHC provides a game jersey for Mites and above, and game socks for Mites and above. Game jerseys are to be worn for games only. They shall not be used for practices, spring hockey, street hockey, postseason “3 on 3’s” etc.

MJHC also provides goalie equipment for all goaltenders through squirts that do not have their own. Players and parents are responsible for the return of all equipment and jerseys belonging to MJHC or you will be held financially responsible for its replacement. The playing season begins in late summer/early fall with Travel Team tryouts. Travel Team games can begin as early as the middle of September. The house league teams begin in October. Squirts through Midgets participate in House League Mid‐season Playoffs beginning the first Saturday in January.

These playoffs determine which team will represent MJHC in Region I Playoffs, which lead to District and State play. MJHC House and Travel Teams that qualify, play for the District 8 Championship on the first or second weekend of February, with the District winners advancing to the State Championships. State Championships are usually held the first or second weekend in March. House League year‐end Playoffs usually begin on the first weekend in March, if budget allows, and conclude by the third weekend in March. The 6U, 8U and Learn to Skate programs runs through the last weekend in February. At the 12U 'AA', 14U'AA', 18U 'AA' and Girls “AA” Divisions, the winner of the State Tournament advances to the USA Hockey National Championships.

MJHC will provide the entry fee for any MJHC team that qualifies for National play. Teams entering National play may request additional funds from the Board of Directors. These funds, if granted, may only be used for transportation, housing and meals for players and coaches. The MJHC sponsors several Tournaments at various levels throughout the season. Marquette Junior Hockey Corporation sponsors an annual Holiday Tournament featuring 10U House through 14U House leagues that is usually one or two weekends before Christmas.

The annual Betty Beckman 6U & 8U Tournament is usually held in the last weekend of February or the first weekend of March and has been called the best Tournament in Northern Michigan. MJHC usually hosts at least one District 8 Playdown, the first or second week end in February. MJHC may also host State Championships as assigned by the State Playoff Committee. There are several other awards presented at the awards program. They recognize individuals or groups for certain accomplishments and are selected by committee. Included are: PETER BARTANEN MEMORIAL AWARD: Outstanding dedication and leadership.

JOE BEERMAN MEMORIAL AWARD: The Volunteer of the year. PAUL BERGLUND MEMORIAL AWARD: The Coach of the year. IRWIN BRASSARD MEMORIAL AWARD: Outstanding Goaltender. TIM RICE MEMORIAL AWARD: Outstanding Defenseman. THE FRED DAHL PRESIDENTS AWARD(S): -Presidents’ choice. JOHN VARGO SCHOLARSHIP: A graduating high school senior, currently in our program, either as a player, referee or timekeeper, who has played the majority of their career here, displays a love of the game of hockey or meets a minimum grade point.

AARON WINSLOW MEMORIAL AWARD: PeeWee Goalie Award. Recipient will be a house league goalie in the 12U division, exhibits a “Play at any cost” attitude, has a strong work ethic, is a team player, and does it for “FUN, FUN, FUN” of playing hockey. OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: Exhibits Honesty and Integrity, Pursuit of Excellence, Enjoyment of the game, Acts in professional and businesslike manner, takes role seriously, Strives to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills. Knows all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application, is fair and impartial at all times. They keep emotions under control, shows Dedication to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills. They are Prompt and Conscientious. NICK KRAUSE MEMORIAL AWARD: The recipient of the Nick Krause Memorial Award is the athlete who best exemplifies values of citizenship, sportsmanship, and ethical play during athletic competition.

He or she also serves as a role model for our youth and demonstrates self-respect and respect for others. He or she continuously promotes a positive and competitive environment regardless of the game’s outcome, and consistently strives to play to the best of his or her ability. Selection criteria: Preferably a 18U level player. TRACY RICHARDS MEMORIAL AWARD: Best Defenseman in the 14U House League. ROBERT DEPETRO MEMORIAL AWARD: The recipient of the THE “ROB DePETRO” MEMORIAL AWARD shall be a female player at least 13 years of age. The recipient has demonstrated a positive influence which is displayed to parents, coaches and other players through the game of hockey as well as everyday activities. She is an example of an outstanding role model for other female athletes.

The recipient demonstrates leadership, sportsmanship, a positive attitude and strong work ethic, in both her on-ice and off-ice activities. She may be involved in mentoring younger players, contributing to community based organizations, serving as a student coach for a younger team, being an on or off-ice official, helping with fundraisers in the community, or providing community service. THE FOLKER AWARD: This award is presented to the Marquette Junior Hockey Corporation Sponsor who best exemplifies the true meaning of giving to the organization and its members and who helps promote the stabilization of, or the growth of youth hockey. AMY HENDRICKSON MEMORIAL AWARD: For HOCKEY MOM OF THE YEAR. The recipient of this award exhibits a positive and cheerful attitude at games and team activities. She offers non-critical support to her player and her player's teammates and coaches.

By example, she reminds everyone that youth hockey should be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. The Kathi Sommers Scholarships are awarded annually at the MJHC awards night to house league players. This scholarship was created in memory of Kathi Sommers a supporter and volunteer in our hockey pro-gram.

The funding of this scholarship is provided by the selling of MJHC programs at MJHC sponsored tournaments. The scholarships are provided for hockey camps in the Marquette area only. The scholarship applicants must fill out and mail the application by April 1st to the address provided. The application forms are available in the MJHC office and/or on the web site.