MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Friday, March 06, 2009

Dear Yellowjackets Membership,

I am proud to announce that on March 2, 2009, the Amateur Hockey Association Illinois, Inc. (AHAI) Board of Directors approved Firewagon Hockey, Inc. (FHI) as a full Tier II Member Organization. The FHI organization and Board of Directors has followed the multi-year plan laid out by AHAI, which culminated this past Monday when the AHAI Board of Directors voted, during its regular meeting, and approved FHI’s Tier II status. I want to thank the FHI Board of Directors, coaches, managers, volunteers, and the various committees that make up our organization for their dedication, compassion, and integrity that make this organization very successful. While this approval is the end of a long process, it is also the beginning of a new and exciting era for Yellowjackets hockey.

Our open policies and leadership team are committed to the development of the youth within our organization. Competitiveness is important, but so are loyalty, commitment, compassion, and integrity. We believe that the balance we maintain has contributed to our success and that it will continue in the future. When hockey is conducted in a safe and healthy environment, it provides enormous benefits for our children. As caring coaches, parents, and administrators of our various Yellowjackets programs, it is our responsibility to ensure that every child enjoys a positive experience in whatever Yellowjackets program they choose.

I want to personally thank the many volunteers who strongly believe in the Yellowjackets mission, as well as the wide range of hockey programs and community services that we offer, for their dedicated efforts. The Yellowjackets family is committed to raising standards and enhancing youth hockey in our community and in the state of Illinois.

Respectfully,

Keith Van Damme, Executive Director

Firewagon Hockey, Inc.

keith.vandamme@firewagonhockey.com