Dawn Larson coordinates the Ice Hawks Host Family Program. It is often said that a good housing program is the ‘backbone’ of a successful Junior Hockey team. A good measure of the success that the Ice Hawks have enjoyed is due to the Host Family Program and to the community support it reflects.
The Ice Hawks recruit elite student/athletes, (age 16 to 20) nationally, internationally as well as from Minnesota. Typically, about 25 host families participate in the program. Players are on the ice daily (practicing or playing), work part time (or attend school) as they pursue their dreams of playing college hockey.
All players are housed in the community by ‘host families’. Many families have children currently or formerly involved in youth hockey. They enjoy the opportunity to help an Ice Hawks player while at the same time having a young man who will serve as a good role model for their own or other children in the community
Players are treated as members of the host parents’ family members and quickly become part of the family and of the Rochester community. Strong friendships are formed between players and families. Many maintain close relationships in the future.
Living away from home is an important part of a player’s social and emotional development. Players learn to be accountable and responsible for their actions and it sensitizes them to the needs and experiences of others in their surroundings. Ice Hawk players follow strict team and housing program rules to help them learn personal discipline on and off the ice.
The Ice Hawks welcome applications/inquires throughout the year. Families are encouraged to learn about the host family program and to become part of the Ice Hawks organization. Host parents are screened as per USA Hockey rules.
Host families receive monthly compensation, season tickets and the opportunity to help an elite amateur athlete.
Host Families provide:
---A stable home away from home
---Bedroom or private area of the house
---Guidance and friendship that nurtures their development
---Nutritious food prepared by host or player for himself.
Host Families receive:
---Monthly compensation paid directly by the Ice Hawks
---Season tickets for each family member in the household
---A role model or "big brother" for children
---A lasting relationship for you and your family
Dawn Larson schedules activities for the players and for housing families throughout the season. Housing parents may attend monthly meetings, and interact with Coach Fatis or others of the administration and hockey operations staff. Host families have the opportunity to actively participate in the nationally recognized development program affiliated with USA Hockey.
If you are Interested in learning more about the program, contact Dawn Larson- Housing Coordinator at 507 250-4288 or by email at dawn.larson@mnicehawks.com
The Ice Hawks (a MN nonprofit corporation) are a nationally recognized hockey development program affiliated with USA Hockey.
Current Host Families