Bloomington Kennedy Hockey

Kennedy Hockey's youth program is committed to success. Winning is our goal for every team at every level. We believe that preparation goes beyond on-ice development and that winning without integrity is not winning at all. Character, sportsmanship and a strong work ethic are life lessons that will allow our players to succeed—not just in sports, but in whatever they do. We strive to feed our high-school program with players prepared to compete with the best hockey teams in the state.

Every participant is critical to our success, and will have the opportunity to receive the coaching, development and support needed to reach their goals. We encourage our kids to dream big and then we give them the tools to achieve them.

Hockey Development Coordinator Dave Miller has put together a new
summer hockey development program for the kids in our Association.
This program will provide the kind of summer development that is
needed to help our kids compete in the upcoming 2012/2013 hockey season.

Dave has put together a 4-week summer clinic that will include
intensive on-ice and off-ice training and development designed to
improve core hockey skills - skating, puck handling and shooting.
Skating is the single most important skill for hockey players to
understand and master. Players of all ages from Mites to NHL are in
constant need of adjustment and technical improvement through proper
instruction and execution. Proper repetition is the key. Developing
puck skills is next. Honing the ability to control, protect, pass and shoot the puck will be a focal point of the clinic.

In addition to fundamental skill development by instructors Dave
Miller, Josh Levine and Ryan McCardle; Kennedy High School Coach Dave Dillon will take the ice on Fridays to work with the kids to utilize their skating and puck skills in game-situations.

Wow! All of this for the unbelievable low price of $320.00 for skaters and
$290.00 for goalies. Goalie coach Jeff Achison will be on the ice at all levels specifically working with our goalies.

Register now to secure 4 weeks of skating, shooting and improving!

The Kennedy and Richfield Hockey Associations are looking for coaches at all levels. Click on the coaches tab on the left.  Applications will be accepted until June 15.  Questions? Contact Dave Miller at 612 363-5945.

Collect your aluminum cans and then simply deposit them in our handy aluminum can cage trailer conveniently located on the west side of the Bloomington Armory parking lot which is at 3300 West 98th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota. Just next door (east) to the Bloomington Ice Garden.

All of the proceeds from the aluminum can collections will do directly to benefit Kennedy Youth Hockey Programs.

Thank you for your support and Let’s Play Hockey!

April 2011

Why we play for the Kennedy Hockey Association

In June, the 1976 Kennedy hockey State Tournament team will be having a reunion here in Bloomington.  Guys are planning to attend from all parts of the country.  It got me thinking about the experience we had and the lessons we learned playing association hockey.  We improved not only our hockey skills, but also our social skills.  We worked together as a team, grew stronger both mentally and physically, and learned our responsibilities as leaders and role players.  Coach Jerry Peterson reminded us day after day after day that our team is only as good as its weakest link.  We all worked to improve each other.

Another valuable lesson to be learned playing association hockey is developing the endurance needed in dealing with a typical season’s ups and downs.  Every team has obstacles along the way, which provide opportunities for kids to work on problem-solving and social interaction skills.  Hopefully, they bond and grow into a group of young men ready to move on into careers outside of hockey.

As players-and their parents- grow older, the benefits of association hockey continue to have an impact in their lives.  I am always so impressed at weddings, funerals, and other events at the turnout and show of support from hockey families.  About five years ago, a former Kennedy hockey player named Brian Eidem died suddenly at the age of 27.  Every single one of his teammates and many of their parents were there to pay their respects and reminisce about their great days together.  Likewise, at many weddings of former players, there is always a huge contingent of teammates and “hockey families”.  The lifelong friendships made through spending season after season together are such a valuable part of real life.  Ultimately, isn’t this why we involve our kids in activities?

The Kennedy hockey association has access to three  quality rinks under one roof, has an organized board, and is developing a cohesive coaching curriculum from mites through high school.  Consider how committed you are to your teammates and other families in the organization.  Our association’s success depends on you.  Parents, get involved.  Players, work on your game.  We have two choices:  one is to complain and move on to so-called greener pastures; the other is to work hard and enjoy the time we have together.

I choose the latter.

Dave Dillion

Kennedy Varsity Hockey Coach