The Superior Amateur Hockey Association welcomed a new executive director this week.
Tom White hails from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, but he’s no stranger to Superior. White was the volunteer, events and program coordinator for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department from 2017-2019.
White, 38, has been playing hockey since he was 6 years old, coached youth hockey for more than a decade and holds a master’s degree in business administration in sports and recreation management.
“We’re very excited to have Tom,” said Brian Raygor, SAHA president. “We’ve been without a director now for a few months. Tom will be a great fit. We’re looking to have him for a long period of time.”
There were multiple applicants for the job.
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“Tom just seemed to fit every aspect in terms of what we were looking for,” Raygor said.
Linda Cadotte, director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry for the city, agreed.
"I think he's an excellent candidate for the job," she said. "He's passionate about hockey. He has some great leadership experience. He loves the community."
White said he brings a community-focused viewpoint and a lifelong love of hockey to the job. He’s looking forward to reporting to the rink every day.
“Even if I’m not in this position, I want to see as many people playing hockey as I can because I know how much they’re going to enjoy it,” White said. “One way or the other I want as many people playing hockey as we can get.”
One initiative he plans to focus on is Hockey Night, an event that brings players from SAHA, Superior High School and the University of Wisconsin-Superior to outdoor skating rinks throughout the city.
“As much as we want to bring people to SAHA, sometimes you have to bring hockey to them so they can see what they’re missing,” White said.
SAHA was established in Superior in 1961 and moved to its current location at 1015 Oakes Ave. in 1989. Roughly 300 players ages 3 to 18 are involved in the nonprofit program annually. Registration is currently underway for this year’s season, which begins Oct. 1.
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There have been some changes to protocol for players and fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Skaters must wear masks per Gov. Tony Evers’ mandate, and locker rooms are not currently being used. Despite the challenges, the SAHA rink has been busy over the summer.
SAHA kept their ice in, and as a result, was the first rink to open in the area, Raygor said.
“Once it was said that we could resume operations, we opened the doors immediately and we were extremely booked," he said.
SAHA, which is part of Minnesota Hockey District 11, is looking forward to a full hockey season.
“We’ve got tournaments scheduled throughout the year and most of our tournaments are full,” Raygor said. “It’s a great year. Our registration numbers are up compared to where they were last year at this time.”
SAHA has lowered registration fees overall across the board, offered scholarships, discounts and even free equipment for younger players. Registration is ongoing.
Kids don't have to register for a team to have fun. A series of free learn-to-skate events will take place Wednesdays and Sundays in October, starting with a session at 11:45 a.m. Oct. 4. Free equipment rental is available, but children should register ahead of time to reserve equipment in their size.
Visit the SAHA Facebook page or website , or contact White at tom@sahahockey.com or 715-394-4899 for more information.
