Members Update on Tier II Application

In this, my second message as Executive Director of FireWagon Hockey Inc (FHI), I would like to express what an honor it is to be trusted to lead this great organization! Through the volunteer efforts of many of our members, combined with expert management by the Board of Directors, FHI has grown to be one of the fastest growing and respected hockey organizations in the state of Illinois. I understand that it is essential to preserve the success and reputation that we have earned over the last year, and also see many exciting opportunities in the coming year to further enhance the scope, effectiveness, and stature of FHI. By exploring these possibilities, and implementing those that prove to be promising, I hope we will enrich the value of FHI to its members and thereby earn the confidence that has been entrusted to me.

During this past year, we have added a new committee that is focused on exposing our great game to children within our community who have never experienced the game of hockey. We are working with USA Hockey and AHAI to make equipment and opportunities available at very reasonable costs through the Yellowjackets (YJ) One Goal Programs. The YJ One Goal programs have been created for the Cary Park District and the Crystal Lake Park District and will expand to other surrounding park districts throughout the area in 2008/2009.

I am very proud of our reputation in the surrounding communities. This reputation has been elevated by our support of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, through our annual golf outing; our donations to support the community food pantries; our efforts to help raise money for the William Schlau Medical Fund; and organizational programs such as Making the Grade; and team, player, and coach recognition on and off the ice.

I am also extremely proud of the job we are doing in developing players, making our programs an incredibly fun and rich experience, and exposing them to as many new participants in our surrounding communities as possible. Our Yellowjackets Youth House League program just rounded out a great first season with the playoffs and team and individual skills events. I want to personally thank all of the participants, fans, and volunteers, and also congratulate the winners. The Travel B teams played all year in the Northwest House League and, although they were probationary teams and not eligible for the playoffs, represented FHI as a well-disciplined, respectful, and talented organization. All the Selects teams finished their seasons with many wins, new skills, new and enriched friendships, and many memories to last a lifetime.

The Girls’ Programs had an outstanding inaugural season. These programs were accepted as full Tier II members of USA Hockey and AHAI. The teams paved the way for the rest of the organization to follow. As our only teams eligible for the Blackhawk Cup, our girls brought home three NIHL banners and one state banner, which are proudly displayed in the “Hive.” As the girls look forward to the future I am very appreciative of the reputation they have helped us establish within the Illinois hockey community.

Looking forward to the upcoming fall season, I am excited to announce that FHI will continue to operate our Yellowjackets Youth House League, continue to offer teams at the Travel "B" level, which will play in the Northwest Hockey League, field Selects teams, and also have a Tier II applicant team at every level, (Mite A2 Minor, Mite A2 Major, Mite AA, Squirt AA, Peewee AA, Bantam AA, Midget Minor AA, and Midget Major AA).

These new Tier II applicant teams follow the program that FHI and AHAI have outlined from the beginning and continue to follow. This year, the Tier II applicant teams will have the opportunity to play other Tier II teams, including in any Tier II leagues in Illinois, such as NIHL. FHI is submitting it application for membership to NIHL for the 2008/2009 season.

My desire is to build all of these teams with the FHI membership that has supported the organization though its development. Our members are the strength of the organization and I will continue to provide opportunities for those of you who have shown support and dedication to the organization. We have been allowed to have one Tier II applicant team for every level, and my commitment to you is to fill all of these teams with current members.

We have posted the official response from AHAI on our Website so that you can read AHAI’s response to our revised application along with the earlier communications directly from AHAI. Based on this letter and our commitment to meet AHAI’s requirements, all 2008/2009 season players will receive a preregistration e-mail.

Preregistration for returning members will begin May 17, 2008 and close June 25, 2008. Open registration for returning and new members will begin June 10, 2008 and will be on a first-come first-served basis. All players are required to pre-register to assist in our planning for this coming fall and to help us follow through on our commitments to AHAI. A $150 deposit is required at the time of application. Registrations are not considered complete until the deposit is received. This deposit affords FHI the ability to access and organize league schedules, order jerseys, make coaching determinations, and perform other preseason duties. All cancellations will be charged a $25 service fee.

There is one final note regarding changes for registration this year—USA Hockey has enacted the Individual Membership Registration process online. FHI members are now responsible for their own USA Hockey registration. Members can access the form by visiting the USA Hockey Web site at www.usahockey.com and clicking "on-line registration". Registrations are effective for one year (September 1 - August 31). Upon registering, members will receive a USA Hockey confirmation that will need to be provided to the FHI registrar as a requirement for participation.

Hopefully, you can sense the excitement that I have for the many opportunities that lie ahead, and I invite you to share your thoughts and ideas about ways in which we can further improve on the success of FHI and the value it brings to our members.

I am very proud of our organization and all of its members. I want to thank you all for your continued commitment and support for Yellowjackets Hockey.

Sincerely,

Keith VanDamme, Executive Director

Firewagon Hockey, Inc.

To View AHAI 2008 Letter Click Here

To View AHAI 2007 Letter Click Here