This year proved to be nothing short of amazing! We were able to have a relatively successful season in the midst of a global pandemic. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made things difficult we have had amazing coaches and volunteers rise to the challenge. Here is the BIG announcement you have all been waiting for in 2021: Coach and Volunteer of the Year! The WHA is so very thankful for all of our dedicated, selfless and hard working volunteers. This program recognizes the BEST of the BEST. 

The importance of coaches and volunteers to our association cannot be understated. The Coach of the Year Award and Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding volunteer and one outstanding coach for their valuable and selfless commitment to the Waconia Hockey Association and its members. These awards also recognize their dedication, contribution to the building of the Waconia Hockey Association and hockey awareness, as well as the enhancement of the WHA. These awards were created to recognize those outstanding volunteers and coaches whose unselfish and dedicated service to youth hockey and more specifically, the Waconia Hockey Association, has made a significant difference in the community.

It is with great pleasure that we announce our winners for the 2020-2021 Waconia Hockey Season: 

Ted Weidman has been a hard-working volunteer in our association for many years. He jumps right in at the call of duty with a smile and a get it done attitude. There is nothing that he shies away from. Ted has the best attitude and shares his sense of humor, work ethic and encouragement with his team day in and day out. Ted took several brand new skaters this year along with his team and taught them not only what teamwork and sportsmanship are, but also taught them how to win with integrity. Nominators had the following to say about Coach Weidman: "Ted has done a great job this season. The primary focus has been to have fun, win or lose.  He encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and has encouraged kids to work hard both on and off the ice. He has communicated with parents by email and asked for feedback multiple times throughout the season. He genuinely cares and wants to know what is working or not working, as each kid may learn or need to be coached differently. He has a positive attitude and is very approachable." Coach Weidman THANK YOU for being a phenomenal leader in the WHA.

The WHA COVID-19 Committee consisting of members Mike Moore, Ann Stifter and Katie Hascall rose to the challenge this year in a big way! They jumped in head first without really knowing what the requirements of the position or committee would be. They spent countless hours preparing for the season and ensuring that the WHA took all possible measures for safety during a global pandemic. Each member selflessly dedicated hours and hours to doing all that they could to ensure the show would go on. Mike, Ann and Katie constantly met with Minnesota Department of Health members, Minnesota Hockey leaders and association leaders to keep our skaters moving forward. Nominators stated: "Thank you to the 3 volunteers who spearheaded the COVID committee - navigating the changing policies with the kids best interest in mind." Another nominator stated: "The COVID-19 team was amazing! They took all of the punches and kept rolling with it. Each one of them had such passion and dedication to ensuring that everything was up to the top standards." Dear COVID-19 THANK YOU for being our rock when the world felt like it was crumbling down! You kept things in perspective and propelled us forward. Thank you. 

There were many very impressive and deserving nominations. The WHA is so proud of the many amazing and dedicated members. These members make the WHA a great place to be! We look forward to the years to come. 

Cheers to our winners!

The WHA Awards Committee

Registration is now open for the Waconia Girls Blue Line Club 2021 Wildcat Summer Program!  

See flyer below for more info.  Registration deadline is May 2

Registration Form

Mitch Kirchoff, one of the Training Haus/TCO strength and performance coaches that has been working with our athletes, has put together a continued off-ice training program for our athletes this spring.  This would be paid by individual families and is not paid by the WHA.

Attached is the flyer.

He would very much like to work with/around family's already-scheduled activities, so if a player would like to continue to train at Training Haus, but cannot make one of the proposed times, he will do his best to accommodate schedules.  Please reach out to him directly at MitchellKirchoff@traininghaus.com with any questions or requests.

2021 has arrived and it's time to begin the announcement of our Raffle Calendar Winners! Winners will notified at the beginning of the month they win in and posted HERE. 

Congratulations and thank you for supporting Waconia Hockey! 

Want to learn more about what's happening in WHA and our Board? Check out Board Meeting Minutes HERE! 

New Updates! Check out our COVID-19 Preparedness page.