Leadership Symposium Recap
The Vermont State Amateur Hockey Association recently wrapped up its annual Association Leadership Symposium, bringing together representatives from across the state to collaborate, learn, and share ideas to grow and strengthen our hockey community.
Building a Strong Hockey Culture
Topher Scott of Hockey Think Tank opened the symposium by presenting compelling data comparing community-based vs. business-model youth hockey programs. He emphasized that a program’s culture directly impacts all stakeholders and that player development is not always a straight path.
Topher highlighted four essential pillars for a successful program:
Leadership
Coaches
Parents
Players
These pillars must work together to build not only strong athletes but also strong communities and good people. “Playing for something bigger than yourself,” he shared, is key to long-term success both on and off the ice.
Mental Wellness & The Buffalo Mindset
Meredith Wolf from 1616.org delivered an inspiring presentation on mental wellness and community building. She introduced attendees to the “buffalo mindset”—facing challenges head-on—and shared the personal journey of former NHL player Andrew Ladd, the founder of 1616.org.
The 1616.org program is a 10-week, self-paced curriculum designed to facilitate weekly team discussions around mental wellness topics, with sessions requiring about 20 minutes per week.
VSAHA will require all 12U and 14U teams to register and participate in this initiative for the upcoming season. More details will be released later this summer.
Program & Policy Updates
Vermont Goalie Day
Date: August 17
Location: Gutterson Fieldhouse
Who Should Attend: All current goalies and any players interested in trying the position
Coaches Needed: We encourage coaches from every association to participate
Goalie Handbook: Currently in development and will be released this summer
Special Hockey Expansion
The St. Albans Leafs shared their inspiring Special Hockey journey, which began in 2018. They provided an inside look at their program and expressed a desire to help expand Special Hockey opportunities statewide.
Growth Grants
The Growth Grant program has been restructured for next season. VSAHA wants to exceed 4,000 registered members for the 2024-2025 season. With each association doing their part we can reach our goal.
Funding Categories Include:
- Goalie Development
- Adaptive Hockey (including disabled hockey)
- Community Engagement
- Try Hockey for Free events
- Equipment
Proposals will be required, and grants will be awarded based on proposal quality and association performance in a new point-based system.
Share Your Feedback: Symposium Survey
We want to hear from you!
Regardless if you attended the symposium or not, please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey. Your input helps us continue to improve the experience and shape future programming.
Association Competition
A new, season-long competition will award points to associations based on participation, development initiatives, and meeting expectations.
Possible prizes: Plaques, swag, discounts, and more.
Details will be finalized at the Face-Off Meeting on August 24.
Registrars
We previewed important upcoming changes and expectations for registrars heading into the new season.
State Tournaments
Attendees had a chance to provide feedback on tournaments, tiering, and formats. The State Tournament Committee will review all input and begin planning for the 2025–2026 season.
Access Symposium Materials
All materials shared during the event are available online:
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