Mission Statement, History & Letter from CYHA President
Chippewa Youth Hockey Association Mission
Our mission is to provide the youth of Chippewa County with quality programs for ice skating related activities. We support teamwork and cooperation through mutual respect, sharing of skills, knowledge and responsibilities. This provides a foundation for fun and continuous improvement at an economical cost. We ...
Remember that the fun of youth is the reason for our existence.
- Promote an avenue for friendship and camaraderie.
- Provide a means of learning teamwork and self-reliance.
- Are respectful of ourselves, our teammates, our coaches and our competition.
- Strive to cultivate an environment of open communication, diversity and the belief that each member brings value to the association.
- Provide an environment in which we are individually and collectively responsible for our safety.
- Realize that only through the help and cooperation of all members do we succeed.
Chippewa Youth Hockey History
Youth Hockey has long been a part of our Chippewa area community. The first organized games were four city PeeWee teams in 1969-1970. The following year saw the formation of two Bantam teams and a PeeWee travel team. This team played two games that year, both against Rice Lake. Rice Lake won both games twelve to two and ten to four.
The Chippewa Youth Hockey Association was officially organized under the laws of incorporation in 1972. 1973 saw Chippewa entering its first state tournament as a Bantam, they placed 6th. This team went again in 1974 as Midgets and won our first state title as the Class B State Midget Champions. Some of the players are still with our organization, this time as parents and coaches. A Squirt league was formed in 1973.
In early 1976, the number of players in the Association exceeded one hundred and the members considered building a covered ice arena, The Hockey Association held meetings to measure support in the Chippewa Falls community for construction of the indoor ice facility.
One of the first decisions made was that the arena would be owned and managed by the Chippewa Youth Hockey Association. No state or public funding was solicited. The financial goal of the group was to raise $210,000 in cash or building materials and an additional $50,000 to $70,000 in volunteer labor. In March 1976, the fund raising drive started with the support of the members of the Association. The next step was to contact all local businesses and service clubs. Union organizations, civic groups, and charitable funds were also approached. A mailing campaign to Chippewa Falls residents who were not members of the Association was the final step in the fund raising drive.
The building site, large enough for ample parking and two planned outdoor rinks, was approved and purchased in the fall of 1976. By May 1977, the Chippewa Youth Hockey Association had raised enough money to construct the shell of the building. The 120 x 250 ft., low-profile, steel building was purchased. Construction of the building was started in June and completed in early August. Volunteer groups of carpenters, electricians, plumbers and a special group to design and build the rink went to work. They worked many hours getting the building ready for the hockey season.
On January 21, 1978, the Chippewa Area Ice Arena was completed with a covered skating rink and a regulation size sheet of ice. The Chippewa Youth Hockey Association was primarily responsible for this achievement.
Over the years our association has continued to grow and we continue to make improvements in our facility. In 1980 we added the equipment allowing us to "make our own" ice. The outdoor rink has been improved and is an important part of our practice schedule. In 1997 we purchased a new Zamboni. This was made possible through the generosity of several area businesses.
Out association and rink is one of a handful, nation wide that is totally built, funded and operated by its volunteer parents. At this writing (September, 1998) we are over 250 families strong. We welcome you to help us build today the "History of Tomorrow".
In 2001 our association broke ground on a second indoor arena.
Phase I - Construction of the building (Complete)
Phase II - Lighting, concrete, dasher boards and ice surface for a protected sheet of natural ice (Complete)
Phase III - Installation of an artificial ice system, new refrigeration equipment room, and moving of the Zamboni Room (Complete)
Phase IV - Locker rooms, bathrooms, bleachers, team benches, penalty boxes, scorer's booth, scoreboard and concession area to make the arena ready for games (Work In Process).
With the completion of Phase III we now have a second sheet of ice that can be used for practices increasing ice availability for player development. Phase IV will bring us to a full operational facility.
Out association and arenas are one of a handful, nation wide that are totally built, funded and operated by its volunteer parents. At this writing (September, 2005) we are over 250 families strong. We welcome you to help us in "Expanding Opportunities" as we build today the "History of Tomorrow".
A Letter from the CYHA President (September 2007)
Summer is fast coming to a close, and soon the new season will be upon us. A lot of progress has been made on the second ice sheet and we are on schedule to meet the state approval deadline, and be ready to fully utilize the South rink this season. As we move toward full operations in both rinks, we need to look at operating costs, and the fees to cover these costs. The operation of two sheets has increased our costs in many areas including electricity, gas, water, insurance, and maintenance.
The CYHA Board has analyzed the cost per skater using two methods. Method 1 used the actual expenses divided amongst the number of skaters. Method 2 used the expenses divided amongst the number of hours of ice utilized by each level. The majority of our skaters are in the Squirt-Ban-tam/Girls 12U-14U/CFSC Senior Club age level. The costs range from $1148.04 (Method 1) to $922.73 (Method 2). Regardless of which method is used, the costs per skater are higher then the actual fees paid per skater. The difference has been covered by revenue from fund raisers, concession, tournaments, advertising signs etc. With the increase in operating expenses more of this cost needs to be passed on to the association members. This year the fee increase approved by the CYHA Board is $15.00 for Mites/Junior Club and $20.00 for Squirt/Senior Club and up. There will not be an increase for Atoms or Beginners/Skate With Us.
Our association has always worked hard to keep costs down and keep fee increases to a minimum. This season will give us a better understanding of what it will cost to operate the full facility. In addition we will be able to look at what revenue can be generated from renting ice and the facility to groups other then CYHA. We will continue to review expenses and fees and provide the best value we can for our members.
Bob Normand
President
