Based on a commitment to create a safe and fair environment for all participants, USA Hockey recently ratified its Declaration of Safety, Fair Play and Respect.  The intent of this new initiative is "to create a culture that eliminates: 1) hits to the head, 2) hits from behind and 3) late hits." USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher announced this initiative via an overview video:

The information on this program will be disseminated with all MIHOA members as important points-of-emphasis, and the following video highlighting specific elements of the initiative should be viewed by the entire hockey community. 

According to the full program information, "the onus on modifying the culture lies with everyone in the game, from players, coaches and officials to media, parents, fans and administrators." 

For additional information, follow the links below:

• USA Hockey's Declaration of Safety, Fair Play and Respect page
• ​Full text version of the declaration
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct (banging the boards) 

​The MIHOA Development & Education leadership team is excited to announce its new online continuing education curriculum. Established in partnership with Team Stripes, the curriculum involves access to the Team Stripes Systems platform featuring courses on how to improve officiating fundamentals, positioning, the mental game and more. The Team Stripes Academy is led by retired NHL referee Don Koharski, a respected official with 11 Stanley Cup Finals appearances who lived in St. Louis in the 1990s and 2000s.  

By providing these high-quality learning tools for a targeted group of MIHOA members, the goals of the curriculum are to improve engagement, expand development and increase educational opportunities for our officials. The result will be retaining more officials, especially during the formative early years of their officiating careers. 
 
The curriculum is open to MIHOA members who are between the ages of 15 and 35, who are certified USA Hockey officials with five or fewer years of experience, and who have officiated at least 10 games in their career. Members must apply for acceptance and will be expected to:

1. Watch assigned modules by established due dates
2. Participate in online education forums and webinars
3. Complete periodic rules quizzes and other activities
4. Other requirements as established by the MIHOA Development & Education leadership team

Completion of established objectives may be used by MIHOA leadership to consider participants for important tournaments, post-season assignments, showcases, camps and other local, regional and national opportunities. 

With the help of this new continuing education curriculum, MIHOA will continue to expand its membership and will be able to provide officiating services to the growing number of amateur hockey leagues and organization in St. Louis and surrounding areas. 
 
Application Process
MIHOA members who are interested in applying for the curriculum must complete a short application for consideration. If accepted, a member will receive access to the Team Stripes Systems platform. To ensure participation and engagement, a member’s progress will be monitored by the MIHOA Development & Education leadership team.

If you are eligible based on the requirements, you may submit an application for consideration. To access the online application form, click here.

The Chesterfield Pacific Rink has a new room for our officials.  No more dressing in the old room or the rink office.

​The room is located at the end of the building past the player locker rooms.  The room has heat, electrical outlets and lock with key.  There is no shower.  The new room is larger than the previous assigned room.

Centene Community Ice Center has 4 new rinks which are named as follows:

• Arena Rink - USA 
• Rink 2 - Blues 
• Rink 3 - Plager
• Rink 4 - The Barn