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Elections & Open Positions


About Board Elections

The election of officers for the Lakeville Hockey Association Board of Directors is held annually each spring.

This page will be updated to include a list of elected member positions that are open for each voting cycle.  This page will also include a form for interested candidates to submit their declaration of candidacy for these open positions. 

Please see the LHA Board Structure and Procedures page for more details both elected and non-elected board positions.

View the requirements and job descriptions for each board position on the Job Description page.

 


The Registration "Elections & Open Positions" is not currently available.

2024 Open Board Positions

The following Board positions are open for candidacy for a two year period. Voting will be held during the March 2024 Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024.

The annual meeting will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 13th at the Lakeville Holiday Inn Ballroom. 

Elected Positions

President Vice President of Administration
Vice President of Operations IceCats Assocaition Head Coach
South Assocaition Head Coach North Player Development Coordinator
Goalie Development Coordnator South Travel Coordinator
Junior Gold Director Mite/Mite Prep Director
Mite/Mite Prep Development Coordinator U8 Director
U15 Director

2024 Open Board Positions- Non Voting

There are also some non-elected positions that will be open.  These positions do not have a vote on the board nor do they need to be voted on, rather appointed.  These positions serve as long as they are able and not limited to a 2 year term.

If you are interested in these positions please email: administrator@lakevillehockey.org

Non-Elected Positions

Communications Director Technology Director
Picture Coordinator

How to Apply or Declare Your Candidacy

If you are interested in applying (non-voting board member), or declaring your candidacy (voting board) for one of the open positions, just click the Registration Link  below. Then, make sure that you then complete the full application including:

  • Contact Information
  • Board Position Options

By filling these out and selecting the appropriate type (voting or non-voting) position, you are applying to be a candidate for the LHA Board. The completed form you fill out will be submitted to LHA .

Deadline for Voting Positions

Voting positions require a public forum where members are elected to LHA. The information on the form you submit will be posted on the LHA Elections page and must be submitted by 11:59 pm on March 10, 2024.

  • Note: After March 10th, any open positions are filled by appointment by the president and confirmed by the Board.

The Registration "Elections & Open Positions" is not currently available.

Note: Candidates will select the positions they are applying for from a drop down menu within the application process. It is possible to apply for multiple positions, but to do so, one must create an individual entry for each position.


Meet the 2024 Candidates

Candidate Name: Cory Kopel

Desired Position: Mite/Mite Prep Director

Number of Children in LHA:  1

Background: My name is Cory Kopel and I have lived in Lakeville for the past 6 years with my wife, Kiersten, and our 3 children McKinley (9), Clayton (7 - Mite) and Callahan (5). I’ve been a small business owner for the past 18 years.

Accomplishments: I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. After college, I was a non-parent coach for the Peewee B1, Bantam B1 and Peewee AA levels over a span of 8 years. I was able to learn a lot from these roles, most importantly a unique viewpoint of Association hockey from a non-player and non-parent perspective. I have been a Head Coach at the Mite level for the past 3 years and currently am the Mite 2 Level Coordinator. Off the ice, I am a trained handler for the School Resource Dog program at Eastview Elementary, working weekly with Baxter and Hero (now retired) to encourage growth and love for reading. It has been special to see and interact with the Mite skaters at Eastview while they are sharpening their literacy skills!

Team Goals/Plans: I see the Mite Program as the foundation of the hockey journey. Our youngest skaters are the future of LHA, but rather than focusing forward, to the Squirt/Peewees/Bantam levels my focus would be on the present and creating an incredible Mite experience filled with high energy people making it fun, informative, and challenging for our players. We can accomplish this by continuing to build on the best practices already set in place. Through collaboration, we can promote proper development during these very important years. At the root of human performance is confidence, so I believe our main objective should be promoting confidence through proper development.


Candidate Name: Michelle Roberts

Desired Position: IceCats Head Coach

Number of Children in LHA:  2

Background: I assumed the role of Head Coach for the IceCats in 2022 and am eager to commit to another term, dedicated to fostering long-term success for both the association and its players. My coaching journey with LHA began in 2021 with coaching U8s. Currently, I am a U10A and U8 Int Head Coach, with my daughters, Mari and Leni. My extensive involvement in hockey encompasses a significant portion of my life, including playing and coaching. This experience extends to creating programs for co-ed learn-to-skate initiatives and coaching female players in various age groups, from U8 to U16 Elites, within Shattuck St. Mary's summer programs. On the ice, I had the privilege of playing youth hockey in WI and with the Shattuck St. Mary's Girls Prep team, earning numerous State and National accolades. I continued my collegiate career at Gustavus Adolphus College, where we achieved repeated MIAC Championships and consistently contended in the NCAA National Tournament. Away from the rink, I am a Global Compliance Director for AWS Protective Services.

Accomplishments: In my two-year tenure as the Head Coach of the IceCats, we've witnessed an impressive surge in the program, with female hockey players increasing by over 20%, and a remarkable 100%+ uptick in female coaching staff. It has been truly gratifying to observe this sustained growth while ensuring players remain actively engaged. We have implemented various initiatives aimed at fortifying and advancing our players and coaching staff. These include the incorporation of dryland training, the introduction of enhanced coaching tools and drills, the Lakeville U8 Jamboree, and the provision of specialized training opportunities tailored specifically for the IceCats to name a few.

Team Goals/Plans: Over the next two years, there will be a concerted effort to institute enduring changes, ensuring our association not only maintains its momentum but also pushes for continuous advancement in female visibility, coaching staff, organizational structure, and developmental opportunities for both players (both on and off the ice) and coaches. Building upon acquired insights, my strategy involves a heightened focus on addressing the essential developmental needs across various age groups within the IceCats, aiding in the preparation of our athletes for the challenges at the next level and providing the necessary support for our coaches to facilitate this growth. The landscape of women's hockey has undergone a significant transformation and my commitment is to further bolster, champion, and foster the aspirations of our Lakeville athletes, encouraging them to pursue their goals because they are within reach!


Candidate Name: Perry Wilkinson

Desired Position: VP Operations

Number of Children in LHA:  1

Background: I have coached in LHA for 4 seasons (Bantam AA, Squirt A, Squirt B1, Mites), prior to that was the Head Girls Coach at Lakeville South High School for 5 seasons (2007-2011). Before I came to Lakeville I coached boys and girls high school hockey for 7 years (1999-2005) and youth hockey (Bantam B1, PeeWee A, PeeWee B1) in Duluth for 4 seasons (95-98). I coached and evaluated in several Minnesota/USA/State Coaches’ Association Hockey camps, festivals, and clinics throughout the state along with my own camps, clinics, and private lessons. I have coached several other sports at various levels both as a parent and a “hired non-parent” coach. Professionally I spend a lot of time listening, learning, leading, and coaching. I have to analyze all different sides of an issue and work to ensure many different voices are heard and included. I support teachers, school and district leaders, and parents in addressing issues, change, and solve complex problems in their educational system…working for and communicating with kids, families, educators, and community to build a system where everyone can thrive is what I have made a living doing – this is my passion and my life’s work.

Accomplishments: 

-I have received recognition/awards from peers, students, and the community for my teaching, coaching, and service/involvement with community groups and other boards.

-I have a AAA hockey program of all Lakeville kids and provide private and small group training. -

As a high school hockey coach I led or was an assistant coach with programs that won state (1), section (3), conference (4), and academic (5) championships and throughout my coaching career I have trained hockey players that went on to play in national programs, juniors, college, and professionally.

-I have been able to hire and mentor many other coaches and educators that have gone on to lead their own hockey/athletic programs and schools/districts.

Team Goals/Plans: 

-Continue to grow the game in Lakeville

-Retain our players

-Lead and support each other

-Implement the best possible program that makes people proud to be a part of LHA and ultimately makes kids better hockey players and humans

-Have the best possible coaches, mentors, and representatives throughout our system

-Get the high school coaches involved as much as possible (within reason)


Candidate Name:  Dan Klocke

Desired Position: President

Number of Children in LHA:  2

Background: I have lived in Lakeville with my wife, Jana, and two sons since 2008. I have been caching in LHA for the last 10 seasons from when my oldest began Mite Prep through Bantam, being both head and assistant coach over those years . In that time, I have also been fortunate to serve on the LHA Board in the positions of Mite Prep Director for 4 years and North Player Development Coordinator for the last 2 years.

Accomplishments: In addition to focusing on player development as a coach, I am very proud in my time on the LHA board in all that we have accomplished. On the board, I'm most proud of my focus on making it easier for coaches at all levels to develop their players. At the Mite Prep level, I helped many first-time coaches by establishing season-based practices plans that focus on fun and development; which can be used every year. At the travel level, in partnership with Tim Conboy, we established age-based development goals, a library of North-focused practice drills, and access to a vast library of coaching resources.

Team Goals/Plans: In the President role, I would approach any LHA goals through a collaboration across the board with input from LHA members. A few of the areas I'm most passionate about include:

1. Advancing both North and South development programs to the next level to create competitive teams throughout all levels.

2. A positive and respectful Lakeville hockey community both at home and away

3. Sustain the cost of hockey, while improving the overall experience through diversification of our revenue sources.

4. Lakeville hockey participation growth within the growing Lakeville community.


Candidate Name:  Willie Radl

Desired Position: North Player Devlopment Coordinator

Number of Children in LHA:  2

Background: Have served on the board as the mite director for the last 2 years and have coached squirts and mite teams in the 2023-2024 season. Played hockey up to the varsity level in High School where I was team captain. I have two sons in the LHA program at the squirt and mite levels.

Accomplishments: As mite director I shifted the program from 3 levels to 4 to better accommodate the skill level ranges of teams and realigned team sizes to align with USA Hockey guidelines to maximize player ice time while dealing with constrained ice availability. I also introduced the NHL themed teams to create a more fun and exciting experience for the kids. In my professional capacity I serve as associated director of an electrical engineering team and have an MBA from the University of Minnesota and Bachelors degrees in Electrical Engineering and Physics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison

Team Goals/Plans: I believe the elements of any successful team is a foundation of sound fundamental skills, hard work, and a belief in a common goal . The fundamental skills such as skating stride, edge work, stick handling, puck protection, and team play concepts should be taught in a progressive manner. Player mastery of fundamental skill unlocks their ability to play creatively and instinctively and ultimately execute and succeed on executing systems as a team. Goals in this role would be to 1) Identify areas for skill improvement among the various levels of the North program. 2) Coordinate with North HS, LHA coaches and other hockey specialists to develop plans to address areas for need. 3) Ensure that coaches and managers have the resources and equipment they need to execute on development needs. 4) Develop a long-term development program to progressively address development needs and put plans in place to meet desired goals. This would include not only on ice training but also "chalk talks", strength training, and leadership development. 5) Develop a process to monitor and track progress on above goals.

Candidate Name: Brandon Smieja

Desired Position: South Head Coach

Number of Children in LHA:  3

Background: I have been associated with coaching hockey in Lakeville since 2004. I have coached every level of boys hockey from the lowest level of mites all the way through coaching at Lakeville South High School for 8 years including 2 years as the head JV coach and 6 years as an assistant coach on the varsity team. Currently I am a head coach for a South Peewee team, an assistant coach for a South Squirt team and when I can, I help with my daughters U8 team. Before coaching, I was a 3 year varsity player for Lakeville High School and then followed that up playing 4 years of MIAC hockey at St. Olaf College.

Accomplishments: 

-19 years of coaching experience in Lakeville.

I will share my biggest thrill from my coaching experiences: While assistant coaching the 2012 LSHS boys varsity team, we finished third in the state, including upsetting #1 Duluth East in the 6pm Quarterfinal game.

Team Goals/Plans:  My goal is to continue in helping the development at all levels of the Lakeville South hockey program using my past experiences as a coach and player, to help enhance current and future coaches, along with improving the development of the current and future youth hockey players. This development would be in a cohesive effort with the coaching staff of the high school team to maintain and build upon its expected development and culture.


Candidate Name: John Schumann

Desired Position: Mite/Mite Prep Development Director

Number of Children in LHA:  1

Background: Have been Lakeville resident for the past 6 years. My Wife, Lindsey and I have three children, Ellie, Ryan and Luke. Trade Crane mats for a living. I have coached every level of youth hockey from Bantams down to Mites including the last 3 years in Lakeville with the Mites. I grew up in Hastings where I played four sports in high school - Football, Hockey, Baseball and Tennis. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play college Football, where i played Quarterback for 4 years at Wisconsin-LaCrosse and was team captain.

Accomplishments: 14 years of coaching experience. Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basketball. Helped coached varsity Football for 4 years. Trained Quarterbacks for 5 years in the off season. Have coached Legion Baseball. At the youth level have coached about every sport at one time or another. Biggest thrill - coaching a group of kids at the bantam level in Onalaska where we were .500 at Christmas and ended up winning the state title at the end of the year. The Kids were so close and connected, that they continued to push each other to get better every day and they ended up winning a state title.

Team Goals/Plans: The team, the team, the team! It is important to remember that hockey is a team sport. We will work to help each kid have a great experience so they come back the following year. Retention and fun will be our number one goal. We want to have each of these kids fall in love with the great game of hockey. Yes, development is important and we will push all kids, no matter their ability, to improve their skills. We'll be up to date on all the new trends and enhance the program in our ever changing world. But more important than the development piece will be to ensure each kid and family has a great experience. The mite program is the front porch and foundation to any great hockey program. Our focus will be on making the LHA mite program the best in the state. Lakeville has great people and a good foundation built, but we're going to work to enhance it. We'll do this by making the program fun, informative, and challenging for our players.


Candidate Name: Nate Kolle

Desired Position: Goalie Development Coordinator

Number of Children in LHA:  2

Background: My wife, Karissa, and I have lived in Lakeville with our daughters, Savannah and Hayden, for about 10 years. I am in my third season of coaching hockey with LHA. I am currently the head coach of both my girl's U10B1 and U8Int teams. I am also wrapping up my first term as LHA U8 Director.

Accomplishments: As U8 Director, I successfully implemented the "Movin on Up" (U8 graduation) event where U8s moving up to U10 get to skate together with varsity players from both high schools. We also implemented the first annual LHA U8 jamboree that hosted 3 levels of U8s over the weekend. During my time as U8 Director, registration numbers for U8 increased by at least 1 team per year. As of this season, we have 6 teams with a potential for one more next year. For coaching, I am a level 2 USA Hockey coach. I also achieved my USA Hockey Goaltending Bronze Certification in 2023. I have been working with goalies through LHA and AAA teams.

Team Goals/Plans: The goalie position is so important, but can often get overlooked by coaches who either don't know how to coach them or feel like they don't have the resources needed to help them develop properly. We also see a lot of hesitation from parents on letting their kids try goalie at a younger age which can result in a lack of goalies in the association later on. I see this role having a great opportunity to help bridge the gap on these two items by providing resources and education to teams and parents to help develop, cultivate, and retain goalies in LHA.


Candidate Name: James Condon

Desired Position: Junior Gold Director

Number of Children in LHA:  0

Background: I have been the Junior Gold Director and coach of the 16's team for the past 11 years .

Accomplishments: In my years as the director we have built the program into an option for high school players to continue playing at a competitive level. We have had many players play junior gold and still go on to play for the high school team. I have introduced the Prowlers name into the association at the junior gold level and the name has moved into the younger levels as the co-op team names.

Team Goals/Plans: It is my plan every year to have an option for all kids to keep playing. We have had 2 coaching staffs that have been at junior gold for 12+ years and it is my goal to have a coach in line for many years for our 3rd team.


Candidate Name: John Elasky

Desired Position: South Travel Coordinator

Number of Children in LHA:  1

Background: I have been coaching in the Lakeville Hockey Association for the past 6 years. Prior to Lakeville, I coached 2 years of Junior Gold, and 2 years of Bantam A for the Apple Valley Hockey Association, as well as assisted with the Apple Valley JV team. Before coaching, I played all levels of hockey from mite to varsity. After varsity I played for the St. Paul Vulcans (USHL) as well as MN Mankato State.

Accomplishments: My biggest accomplishment was winning the USHL National Tournament for the St. Paul Vulcans, along with coaching the Junior Gold to a State Tournament.

Team Goals/Plans: My plan is to have the players and parents experience tournaments in which they can compete in for their specific group level.


Candidate Name: Sarah Robbins

Desired Position: U8 Director

Number of Children in LHA:  2

Background: I grew up in Inver Grove Heights and was a 3 sport athlete in high school playing volleyball, hockey and softball. I played 5 years on the varsity hockey team, the first year being on Simley's first girls hockey team. I went on to play internationally with the old Minnesota Storm team out of South Saint Paul. I have 2 girls in the LHA program, Addison who will be a U10 next year and Emma who will be playing U8 again. I have worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller at Minneapolis Center for the last 17 years.

Accomplishments: Both my daughters started in LHA in the Mite Prep program. I helped coach our first year and hold a USA hockey level 1 certification. I have managed our teams the last 3 years, this year managing both the Advanced and one of the Beginner Plus U8 teams. I also try my best in assisting the Ice Cats Head Coach wherever help is needed.

Team Goals/Plans: The U8 level is where these girls find their love of the game. In working with other associations over the years getting scrimmages set up, it is evident that our association has a great foundation started and I hope to build on that as the program continues to see a record number of girls start to play. The U8 program is unique because more often than not, we have one team per level, which means we need to venture out of the association to be able to get the girls "game like" exposure. As a first year manager, that can be an intimidating task not knowing where to begin or how to go about it. I plan to set up each manager with the knowledge and support to be successful and feel confidant from the beginning of their season.