Getting More Exposure

As we enter into the Fall / Winter season of adult hockey, we are always looking for ways to grow the sport.

Our efforts with creating the Novice League has fueled the growth of the C League. This week 10 C League Adult teams will start their season and play on 2 nights. This expansion was made possible by the interest in the Novice League which gave these players a place to develop their skills.

Since a significant number have moved up the ranks, we have been left with a Novice League that will consist of 3 teams. On the surface, I was disappointed that this league was not 6 teams going into the Fall / Winter, but I realized how far we have come.

Approx 2 years ago, there was no D League. No place for beginners to practice or play among similar level players. One could join the C League, but after seeing some of those games, players could be intimidated with even that level. Now, 2 years later, we have moved 20+ skaters through the Novice ranks into the C League world. Even with this, we still have 30 players going into our 3rd official season of the Novice League. The Silver Bullets won the inaugural season's championship, with the Green Team winning season #2.

Our focus on this Novice session will be better than ever.

First, with only 3 teams, we have designed a format that will have 2 teams face each other in the first time slot, and the team not playing will have the 2nd time slot to work on skating, teamwork & other drills. Players from the first game are encouraged to join the practice as well.

Second, new players can join at any time. We will prorate the game remaining and place them on a team. Players unsure about playing also have an opportunity to skate at just the practice. You can do this up to 3 times before deciding if you will like it (there is no doubt players will stay).

Next, we are getting exposure through current players in all leagues recruiting their friends, neighbors & family to play. There are 7 new players to the sport and most have been brought in by an active adult league player. We have submitted info to Juice which has us listed as an activity. http://events.dmjuice.com/eventdetails.php?eventID=58602
We also have 2 days reserved to play a game during intermission at an Iowa Stars Game. This could be huge exposure in front of thousands of potential players who may be say "I think I can do that" after watching these players.

Finally, its the current players that make this league a success. Its can be very intimidating to join what I consider a difficult sport to play if never having played. The current players suit up in all their gear, come late nights, and often times play short handed because they love the sport.

So a note to ALL players: Tell everyone you know that we have a league for them. Whether its, A, B, C or D, there is a place for anyone to feel comfortable.