Happy Spring, MGHA!

Please read through our latest news and reminders to keep up with all aspects of our organization. We are active all year round and we love your support and involvement throughout the warm months <3.

1. The MGHA Classic Tournament starts today!
   • Details and instructions are on the website here and in your email.
   • There are a few volunteer shifts left, sign up here to fill the last spots.
   • Have fun, be safe, and enjoy showing off our MGHA Ways in skating with alumni and old/new friends in the queer hockey community.
2. Summer hockey update
   • We plan to offer a limited series of clinics and scrimmages this summer.
   • While ice cost details are firming up, you can contact Avery to share your general interest or coaching support.
3. Recruiting reminder – our player application is always open, we usually fill up by August, and…
   1. Active recruiting for next season begins in June – more details will come over email. You can support by attending Pride and social events to recruit for next season.
   2. Contact recruiting@madisongayhockey.org to volunteer for recruiting operations assistance to communicate with and onboard new players.
4. Apply by Saturday, May 20th to be an MGHA Member.
   1. Any MGHA Player or Volunteer active for one year can apply to become a Member.
   2. Each year, Members elect the Board of Directors and vote on referendums for league-wide changes like rink location and multiple play levels.
5. MGHA 2023 Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th at 6:30PM.
   • Elections and referendum voting will happen virtually.
   • MEMBER REMINDER: Nominate an MGHA Member to the Board of Directors, we value your ability to encourage creating a diverse board of leaders for our nonprofit organization!
   • We are working to locate a venue to have this be a hybrid event – as our members were split on an in person versus virtual meeting :). If you have venue suggestions or low-cost access to communal spaces, please contact board@madisongayhockey.org.
6. Finally, a special thank you to Jacob Ela, our stats magician.
   • Each week, Jacob manages all website statistics, which often involves tracking down missing scoresheets. If you’re a captain or ever emailed stats@madisongayhockey.org, you’ve worked with Jacob!

Thanks for reading, now go play some hockey!

~~The 2022-2023 MGHA Board~~

July MGHA News

1. 76% (37/49) of MGHA Members voted to support a move to three levels of play this year and implement a coaching program. A few notes…. if we do not recruit enough skaters to have teams for each level, then we will fall back to two levels as outlined in the proposal. We have assigned Board member Gabby Grandin to work closely with previous Commissioner Tim Tender to be this season’s co-Commissioners, responsible to implement operational hockey changes.
2. Returning players: Pay your deposit by August 1st to secure your spot. We have many new recruits ready to join, and a number who already have deposits in. The sooner you commit, the easier it is for us to coordinate this season.

Next in August, we will make full payment / registration available, and ask you to note your preferred level(s). We will also send an interest / nomination form for the various roles and responsibilities for the season; i.e. coach, captain, social hockey operations, fundraising, recruiting, etc. You can always send us a note with your interest, a nomination, recommendation or feedback to board@madisongayhockey.org.

As we experience every year, it takes a village to do this. We appreciate all y’all do to keep us playing and growing as a community.

<3 2022-2023 Board-O’s <3 Avery, Gene, Christina, Bront, Laur, Nat, Gabby

^{#OverheardattheBoardMeeting “Ah the locker room. Pungent, but beautiful”}

Hello Loves,

You can make a deposit of $100, same as last year, will secure you a spot with us next season. Click the link below to go to the payment page.

Please note, our members are currently voting on our league structure for next year – if the referendum passes, we will have three levels of play – if it doesn’t pass, we will continue with two levels of play. The vote results and further info will be shared in late July, when we will request your preferred level when paying for full dues. If the vote’s outcome doesn’t matter to you, we hope you will consider paying your deposit early!

Full Dues / Cost: Ice time is increasing $10/hour this season – once we know how many levels and skaters, will will announce the full dues cost. We expect a slight increase but will do all we can to keep costs transparent and accessible. As always, full dues are required to get onto the ice and financial aid will be available.

COVID: We will be following all USA Hockey Player Safety and Capitol Ice Arena guidelines for COVID at minimum, and may add more safety requirements. Currently, for summer scrimmages masks are optional on ice and required off ice in common spaces like the locker room.

MGHA Calendar: Check it / sync it for all important dates, social events, etc. – you can submit an event by contacting us or email the locker room listserv to promote it and request someone add it for you.

Thanks for reading, stay strong — <3 MGHA Board