Allen Park Hockey Association

15024 Englewood Allen Park, MI 48101

News Letter

Greetings one and all!   I hope that you have all been enjoying your summer.  Welcome back to all the current members of the Allen Park Hockey Association and a sincere welcome to all the new members of Michigan’s best hockey association.  We are gearing up for another exciting and competitive season of hockey!

 

This year, the APHA has entered an agreement with the new management group at the Lincoln Park Civic Arena.  This means that most of the additional ice needed will be at Lincoln Park.  We will still use Melvindale to a limited extent during the week (Monday thru Thursday) to help accommodate ice requests, but a majority of our ice will be scheduled between Allen Park and Lincoln Park.  The new agreements worked out between Allen Park, Lincoln Park and Melvindale will keep our ice fees the same as they were the previous two years which means no increase in our hourly rate.  This is big, considering today’s economy.  Lincoln Park rink management has also agreed to have the Huskies Logo added to the rink surface so it will make our teams feel more like the home team when they are there.

 

The APHA hosted the 2009 MAHA Bantam AA State Championships.  This was the first time in over a decade that the APHA hosted a state tournament.  This is a major undertaking for any association, and the APHA executed on it perfectly.  It truly was an association accomplishment and something we as APHA members can all take great pride in.  There were many volunteers involved to pull this off and I thank each and every one of you.  In addition, we were able to have our own Bantam AA Huskies win the State Championship in front of their home crowd.  For those that were able to make it to this tournament, they witnessed a spectacular event and some great hockey.  The four day event included a Color Guard, Parade of Champions, team dinners, gift bags and banners the likes of which had not been seen in any state tournament in decades.  The arena was a sea of green for the championship game and it was packed to near capacity, and the HUSKIES WON!!!!  It is no exaggeration when I tell you that the MAHA District 2 Tournament Director-at-large was in tears when she thanked me (on behalf of the APHA) for hosting the tournament.  The MAHA State Tournament Directors have told all of the associations in Michigan that Allen Park set the standard to which all other state tournaments will be judged. 

 

Last year, the Allen Park Hockey Association was represented exceedingly well. Seventeen times Allen Park teams were crowned tournament champions in various tournaments throughout the mid-west and Canada.  Of the 22 teams that made up the APHA last year, 3 were LCAHL Playoff quarter-finalists, 5 were LCAHL Playoff semi-finalists, 2 were LCAHL Playoff finalists, 2 were LCAHL Playoff champions and 5 were LCAHL division champions.  In addition, 1 team made it to the MAHA District 2 quarter-finals, 2 to the MAHA District semi-finals, 1 was a District 2 finalist, and 3 were District 2 Champions!  Not only did three teams represent the APHA in the MAHA State Championships, two were crowned MAHA State Champions!  The third team lost in the finals.  These two State Championships were a first for the APHA.  One of these two State Champions (Bantam AA) also earned the right to represent the APHA, MAHA, the City of Allen Park and the State of Michigan in the USA Hockey National Championship in Texas.  This too was a first for the APHA.  Our Huskies made it all the way to the finals.  Way to go Huskies!

 

We are planning a banner raising ceremony this year to celebrate our State Champions.  It will coincide with the association banquet (a/k/a Puck Prom).  We hope to make it an association-wide event with showcase games, open skates and, of course, the raising of our two State Championship banners.  More information to follow as the season starts.

 

It is important that, as members of this association, that we conduct ourselves in a manner that exemplifies good sportsmanship.  Parents, coaches and players all have ownership in keeping the integrity and reputation of the APHA to a high standard.  As parents and coaches, we are all responsible for our actions.  Remember that it is just a game played by a group of kids, don’t make it bigger than it is.  Don’t get caught letting your emotions get the better of you and embarrass yourself, the APHA or, most importantly, your kids.  Don’t react to another person’s “over-reaction”.  Be responsible for your actions and help diffuse bad situations rather than ignite them.  Please report any improper behavior to myself or any APHA Board member.

 

Finally, I urge every parent to get “actively” involved in the operation of this program.  Everyone is welcome to take an active roll regardless of residency or gender.  There is no experience needed, on-the-job training will be provided for free and the reward for being a part of a successful youth program is immeasurable.  Take the opportunity to make a difference!

 

For additional information, please visit www.allenparkhockey.com . Good luck to everyone on a successful and enjoyable season.

 

Rick Pinkowski , President  - Allen Park Hockey Association