New Sibley Area Hockey Association Forming

Establishment of a new Sibley Area Hockey Association is underway to guide the future of youth hockey in the Mendota Heights and West St. Paul area.

A 13-member transitional board was on hand at regarding the West St. Paul Ice Arena to discuss the creation of the association.

Of those members, seven are Mendota Heights residents. 

Pending a resolution from the West. St. Paul Youth Athletic Association (WSPYAA), who currently governs the hockey programs with a commissioner, the new association will break off from the WSPYAA and be governed by an elected board.

“With as much as there is to do, you need an army, not an individual,” said Joe Juliette, the current commissioner. 

The new board will take over all financial and operational control of youth hockey programs including scheduling, fundraising, maintenance and equipment. They will also play a key role in helping chart the course for where area youth hockey will be played in the future.

“This is your opportunity, right here, right now, to get involved on the ground floor and be a change agent,” said West St. Paul council member Jim Englin, who has been a vocal area hockey supporter. “You can’t sit on the sidelines. You have got to step to the plate.”

Interested residents with youth enrolled in WSPYAA hockey programs are encouraged to apply for one of the five elected seats. The five elected board members will then appoint two additional at-large members. Applications will be taken until Feb. 15 with elections held at the ice arena later that month. For more information on the election process, you can contact WSPYAA hockey at 651-261-9588.