To the AHCA Membership,

AHCA President George Gwozdecky of the University of Denver

Last spring, I was asked to follow Roger Grillo of Brown University as AHCA President. It is my honor to assume this role and given the job Roger did, I find myself challenged to follow his lead. But with the terrific group of Officers and Governors we have, I am sure we will collectively keep the AHCA the active and influential body it has become in the past decade.

At this time of the year, as we prepare our teams and start the inseason lifestyle we have all become accustomed to, I would like to call to our membership’s attention a few off-ice responsibilities we all share.

The recent catastrophes in the Gulf region highlight the need for generosity from us all. Members of our community who fall on hard times may need support from the rest of us. The AHCA’s relief organization, HOCKEY COACHES CARE, has been raising funds for two years now and has finally been formally incorporated. You will soon receive a sample of the Application Flyer, through which individuals can request assistance. We are finally ready to write some checks and offer the assistance we have promised. This would not have been possible without your generosity.

Teams will soon read the AHCA CODE of CONDUCT and vow to embrace its principles. I know our coaches will continue to preach these virtues to their athletes. Once you have paid your dues, you will receive the new Code of Conduct to be read, signed, and returned.

I wish to remind all members that MEMBERSHIP MATERIALS have recently gone into the mail. Please read over these pages carefully and forward your dues and membership forms before games take up your energies. And keep in mind the Naples Convention. The Convention moves a week later on the calendar this year with the AHCA Meetings scheduled for April 27-30. It is never too early to book flights and hotel rooms.

We always welcome member involvement, whether on committees during the year or, in a very pointed way, in Naples when our convention comes around. Please feel free to contact any of our officers if you would like to get involved.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone the best of luck as the 2005-2006 season gets under way. We have a great game and it is our responsibility to respect it and take care of it as we hand it to those who follow in our paths.

George Gwozdecky
Head Coach of Men’s Ice Hockey, University of Denver, and AHCA President