BOARD ELECTION

Below is a list of the 2026 TYH Board Election candidates. Each candidate was asked why they would like to volunteer for a board member position.

For the kids. I have 3+ years as a team manager for squirt and peewee aged kids. I write and manage grants for my day job. I feel that this experience in grant writing could be beneficial to the association.

I'm interested in serving on the hockey board because I want to support player development and strengthen our hockey community. I think youth sports play a big role in shaping character, confidence and life skills.

Growing up playing youth hockey was one of the most formative periods of my life. It was a privilege that has contributed to virtually every aspect of who I am today. As a child, I learned that respect, effort, team work and persistence made the difference and that I could have fun doing just that. I am grateful for the coaches, parents and administrators that made that experience not only possible, but positive. It was an honor to play for Baraboo growing up and I am humbled by the opportunity to pass along these experiences to the youth in and around our community. My hope and goal for each player when they show up to the rink is to know that they are seen and valued as individuals, that they can reach their potential and that the coaches are there for them, not their own personal record or agenda. I believe that every player should be coached at every practice regardless of their level of skill or experience: each child should have the opportunity to grow. It is my belief that good coaching develops not only physical hockey skills, but also mental and emotional skills such as resilience, courage, strength, confidence and humility. Over the last couple of years coaching in Baraboo, I have seen these skills develop first hand. As a parent of young hockey players I also understand and respect the significant commitment and sacrifice that is required to ensure that the players are ready for every practice, game and tournament. The choice to coach and volunteer with youth is not a decision made cavalierly. It is an investment in our future and their future. Thank you for considering me for these positions as a coach and board member.

I am currently on the board for softball and want to get more involved with other organizations. I would love to volunteer for the board and be part of making the hockey organization the best it can be for our kids.

My son has played for 6 years and I would help the organization to continue to grow. Since I am the Parks Foreman for the City of Baraboo I feel I could be a valuable part of the organization.

I would like to join the board of Thunderbird Youth Hockey because I believe youth sports play a vital role in shaping not only strong athletes, but strong individuals. Hockey teaches teamwork, resilience, accountability, and respect—and I want to help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn those lessons in a safe, equitable, and positive environment. My priority is to aid in creating a program where all players feel welcome and valued, regardless of skill level or background. Every child who wears a Thunderbird jersey should feel they belong. By developing a culture centered on safety, inclusion, and fairness, we give players the confidence to grow both on and off the ice. I also want the game to be fun and not just focus on winning. When kids enjoy coming to the rink, they develop skills, build friendships, and cultivate a lifelong love of hockey. At the same time, we can help them become respectful teammates and positive members of their association and community. I would focus on thoughtful leadership and policies that put player development, well-being, and character first while helping Thunderbird Youth Hockey remain a place where kids thrive.

I have be working closely with the TYH board for 4 seasons now to help improve the program and registration process. I would like to continue my duties as website admin. I feel I could help improve processes and procedures to help the program become even more successful.

Born and raised in Canada, I have played hockey for the last 30 years of my life with the majority of that playing competitively. After playing, I began coaching hockey started at the collegiate level, moving into Superior Youth Hockey for the past 5 years. During the summer season I was also the head coach of our own AAA program. In the most recent year I have coached with TYH. My experience goes beyond hockey, I was a board member in Superior from 2022-2025, with my last years as Vice President, and various level directors. In addition to being a business leader in the community I also pride myself on teaching the next generation, being a college professor from 2023-2025 before moving to Baraboo. I pride myself on being an involved youth hockey parent/member and would love the opportunity to continue to give back with TYH.