Kalkaska Rhinos Partner with Youth Program to Grow Hockey in Michigan

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Kalkaska Rhinos Partner with Youth Program to Grow Hockey in Michigan

By Rhinos Staff, 08/27/16, 10:30PM EDT

KALKASKA -- A new hockey season always brings with it some changes, but this year is especially exciting for the Kalkaska Rhinos Junior Hockey Club. The Rhinos and the Kalkaska Area Hockey Association (KAHA) are launching a partnership.

"It's been in the works for the past two years," said Krzysztof Oliwa of the merger. Oliwa, General Manager and Head Coach of the Rhinos, is leading his team into it’s third year of operation as members of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). "Right now, we have the opportunity to help the 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U programs evolve from the Northern Predators into the Youth Kalkaska Rhinos. Working together will only strengthen all of the hockey programs in Kalkaska. We've come a long way, I'm excited. I'm in the process of getting jerseys for all the players, and it's going to be great seeing the kids in the youth program emulating their parent team.”

Oliwa added that it's the Rhinos' goal two or three years down the road to develop their own players from the crop of youngsters whom they'll be nurturing in the youth programs.

"I think there are going to be tremendous benefits, especially for the youngest players and their parents," Oliwa said. "I'm sure there's a lot of work ahead of us. There are a lot of things that need to be resolved, including having the Kaliseum open for more than just six months a year with ice. It's something that can't be done today or tomorrow, but it feels good to give back and to have those kids on board, believing in what we do here."

KAHA Vice President Matt Hawkins agrees with Oliwa about the future prospects for young players. "We look at this as a great opportunity to establish a better foundation for youth hockey in Kalkaska," said Hawkins. "It's a continuation of what we've already started with the Rhinos. Now, it’s a just a little more formal. We've already seen the benefits of their helping us with practices, allowing us to spread the word.”

"In addition to that, the Rhinos have been a great asset for us, being on the ice with us when they can and helping us with our 'Try Hockey for Free' sessions.”

More youth in Kalkaska are becoming interested in hockey, Hawkins says, because the Rhinos have actually gone to the community schools and worked with the students, reading to them in class. According to Oliwa, “We have a great outreach program with the local elementary schools. That has resulted in the students coming to the rink and skating with the players, and coming to games to support us and learn the game of hockey.”

Hawkins predicts the partnership will enable KAHA to grow its program at the older levels. Up until now it has focused on the younger players, building the foundation. Teaming up with the Rhinos will enable KAHA to expand it’s program every year until it eventually has the 14U and 16U level teams.

Oliwa states, "Everyone we spoke to is excited about the partnership, and I believe KAHA will help us develop many quality players down the road and help them to achieve their ultimate goals of moving on to college levels. You never know what's next after. Anything is achievable. I'm a big believer in that. Hard work does pay off."

The Rhinos’ season kicks off with Main Camp September 7, and their first game is scheduled for September 23 against the Motor City Hawks in Gross Pointe Woods. The first contest at home in Kalkaska will be Friday October 14, in a rematch against the Hawks. For more information visit www.KalkaskaRhinos.com.

Additionally, the first major joint event between the Rhinos and KAHA is Sunday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. KAHA is hosting 'Come Skate With the Rhinos, Try Hockey for Free,' which is targeted specifically for any kids between the ages of 4-9.