24-25 RAYHA Board Candidates

Chaz Afong

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

The number one thing I bring to the board is my experience in working with youth. I have worked 24 years professionally with youth, in every aspect there is. I understand how, why and what makes youth tick, not only as young athletes but as youth in general. I coached youth rugby for years and understand what it takes to be a great coach leader and mentor to young athletes. I bring strong leadership, a hard work ethic, and dedication to communicating and providing the best possible outcomes to those who are in our hockey association. I am able to see the big picture and break it down into to workable pieces to achieve the goal at hand. 

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

8 years

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I would like a position on the board because I see the impact that RAYHA has had on my family. I would like the opportunity to help make positive changes and decisions that will impact the lives of others that are a part of our hockey community. I believe in being part of a team and believe if we all do our part, we will succeed in making RAYHA a huge pillar in the Roseville community.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Member

Winny Brown

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

. I currently own and operate Os Hockey Training, an all-female hockey training company specializing in both on and off ice hockey development. I have a Communications background and 30+ years of coaching and playing experience. I have been a board member for the last 4 seasons as the Mite Director and Squirt Director.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I played in the RAYHA youth association growing up and have been on the board the last 4 years. We have two boys, Weston (10) and Branson (9), who were both Squirt’s last season. My husband Justin and I coached both our boys Squirt teams this past season, and also assisted with on-ice skill development on both the boys and girls side.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I am looking to give back to the program, help grow program numbers, continue to build on the programs winning tradition, and provide guidance for the future direction of the association.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Coach, Level Director, Board Member

Brian Borgestad

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I played organized hockey from mites into college. Began coaching RAYHA mites in 2020, and was 10A coach last season. I also coached my younger daughter in Mite 1 last season. I’m hoping to be part of RAYHA for another 9 years. I have built positive relationships with the players, coaches, and parents during my time here and continue to expand and strengthen them each year. A role on the board would allow me to be an advocate for many more, delivering a positive experience for parents, coaches, and especially the players. Special skills and experience that I could bring from my career include mediation, budgets, audits, statistical analysis—these are all things I deal with in my day-to-day job that could be beneficial to the board. I also have experience in building awareness, promoting, and fundraising which can be useful as we try to grow and retain numbers in RAYHA.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

5 years

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I would like to help RAYHA gain exposure within the community and increase numbers at the entry levels, with an added focus on retention. I want to help identify why families are choosing not to stick with it and provide solutions for them to consider staying. When I joined RAYHA as a coach, it reinvigorated my love for hockey, and seeing kids learn to love the game the way I did is extremely gratifying. I witnessed some great teams on both the girls and boys sides come out of Roseville in the 90’s & 2000’s—I admired them from nearby Como Park, and now that I’m a part of RAYHA, I’d be proud to build on our recent successes and develop a great foundation for future success.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Coach

Shaun Curtin

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

past board member experience

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

3-4 years

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I am interested in helping to organize the 8U teams

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Memeber, Coach

Ryan Dornan

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I’ve previously been a part of the RAYFA board and understand the commitment it takes to succeed with so many moving parts. 

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

Since 2014

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I signed up to be an assistant coach this past season for the Marauder 10U navy team and had a blast despite never coaching or playing in my life! Getting involved at that level was truly a fantastic experience and I feel that volunteering to help on the board where I can will be equally rewarding.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Coach

Jens Frederickson

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I have been involved with RAYHA for 6 years, 4 of which I have also volunteered for the Board. I have helped manage teams, helped coach almost every year in some capacity, and was the Intro To Hockey Director, and most recently last year the Treasurer. I wish I could say I have Bo Staff skills like Napoleon, but the two skills and experience that I would point to as being most important that I have for the board positions is the willingness to participate, and the comfort to disagree with others but not let that ruin a relationship. There are times when my opinion is different from others, and I do my best to find a way to respectfully consider both sides, and I am willing to change my viewpoints.  

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

6 years

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

To continue to support the association, and provide assistance where needed.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Board Member, Coach

Brian J George

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

Previous mite coordinator, coach, attended multiple meetings to learn how it works.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

4 years coaching my son, played in Roseville as a youth.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

To give back. I’m very passionate about Roseville in all the sports my four kids play. Coaching, working with families, whatever the job, I like to help build our community youth sport programs.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Member, Coach, Non voting board member

CJ Hanratty

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

Leadership, communication, decision making and problem solving to name a few skills.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

2 years

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

To become more involved and help keep this association great.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Member, Coach

Alex Hoffman

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I am a lifelong hockey player. I played through bantams at Roseville then went to play 3 varsity years at Concordia Academy followed by one year at Bethel University. My wife and I run a business based on children’s activities and I bring experience on how to grow overall attendance/numbers and will bring that to Roseville. I have also coached for both association hockey and AAA hockey over the last several years.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

1 year, joined last year as a mite a coach.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I am very passionate about seeing the Roseville program see continued success and their strong winning tradition. I bring in a fresh perspective while still having a very strong hockey knowledge base AND a base in how to grow numbers in children’s sports. I loved my first year back at Roseville and was so happy to see what a good hockey community we have. With that I want to build on the rich tradition Roseville hockey has and keep it thriving by growing our overall numbers..

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Coach

Chris Jaede

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I have been with this program or 5 years, and am highly invested having two children in the Roseville Association. I grew up playing hockey against this organization, and now play a role in coaching for both of my kids' teams in the Roseville hockey program. I am a person that always looks out for what is best for a group/program as a whole and am always looking at how can we make it grow as a whole; not just in specific areas. I am also an active firefighter on the Little Canada Fire Department and have an active seat on the 7 member board for the whole department. I am also a chair member for multiple committees on the Fire Department; some of them having to do with community involvement and fundraising events and opportunities.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have had 4 years of on ice coaching and helping with intro to hockey, mites hockey 2-4, 10u girls program

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I have wanted to be a part of this organization for a long time, that being said i am interested in what is BEST for this hockey program as a whole. I believe getting as many people (parents/coaches/board members) all on the same page through transparency and communication is key to building a successful program.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Coach

Jessica Lewis

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

As a dedicated hockey parent for almost a decade, I've had the privilege of being involved in every step of the game - from mites to now actively involved as a bantam parent, manager, and serving as a non-voting board member. Before my child ages out of the program, I am committed to contributing further by assisting the organization in establishing essential guidelines and procedures for smoother operations.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have been active and involved with RAYHA since 2016

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

In my role as a risk manager at a leading financial institution, I specialize in supporting our global product management team to ensure strict compliance with policies, laws, and regulations. Through a collaborative decision-making approach, I actively engage with stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential risks. By asking questions and proactively pinpointing issues, I drive operational excellence and safeguard the integrity of our business operations. I believe RAYHA should operate in a similar manner and want to be a part our transformation. 

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Board Member

Jeff McGrath

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I have nearly 20 years of corporate experience in customer service and operations. I specialize in continuous improvement and data analytics and believe I can help support this board with my time and talent. Specifically in the Roseville area being an active coach I have become closely tied with many families that I would love to represent. My family is newer to the association and the area and I would bring a fresh perspective with new ideas. I have played hockey all of my life and have a desire for kids to benefit from hockey as much as I did growing up.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have coached mites for 3 seasons. I was a level coordinator one season and Mite Director during the current season.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

Settling down in the Roseville area and raising a family has given me a strong drive to immerse in my community and work to make it better for our children. Coaching in Mites this past three seasons and being the Mite Director this past season I was able to see how much impact hockey can have on young kids and how critical it is to have strong leaders supporting them. I feel my skill set and lifetime of playing/coaching hockey makes me an ideal candidate to guide the players of RAYHA to be strong lifetime ambassadors on and off the ice.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Member, Coach

Candace Mealey

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

By nature, I have strong leadership and organizational skills. My first son started Hockey at RAYHA several years ago and over the years I have built relationships by having sincere and candid interactions as a team manager and parent. I have gained support from many of you by advocating for our children. I strive to continue to bring a moral character with the drive to improve our association.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have been involved in RAYHA activities for about 6 years. I have a Peewee son, a 10U daughter, and a mite 3 son.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Multiply that child by 300 and you have a small youth hockey association. I am running because it takes a village to run a youth hockey association and believe it is up to every one of us to be a part of continuing to build a strong and welcoming association for our kids and families, at all skill levels. I have been attending board meetings for almost 2 years and have learned SO much about RAYHA, but there is still so much more to learn. I am excited to continue the journey and hope you are willing to join me, in some volunteer capacity.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Board Member, USA Hockey Registrar, Secretary

Joel Millard

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I have been on the RAYHA board for 7 years. I've held many positions from coahing director, managers director, bantam director and D2 rep. I enjoy the challange of bringing people together to solve problems to help the good of all the kids in the association and its members.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have been involved since 2011.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I want to make sure that any child in Roseville that wants to play the game of hockey has that oppotunity. I want to work to keep our costs low and our quality of product high. But most of all, I want to ensure that RAYHA provides an enviorment that encourages having fun, growing as a player and making friends in the sport we all love.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Board Member, District 2 Rep

David Miller

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

As a teacher I am very passionate about helping children learn, grow and become good humans. As a member of the RAYHA board I would bring the same passion I bring to the teaching profession. I believe it is important that every decision we make is made with players in mind. I have a daughter who plays hockey so I will be focused on making sure the Marauders program is being supported and provided the same opportunities as the Roseville boys program. I will be working to help grow this new program and make sure that we are pushing for a TEAM FIRST mentality. As a teacher every decision I make is made with the kids in mind and I will apply this same mindset to my role as a member of the RAYHA board.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have part of RAYHA for the last 9 years as a parent, a coach for 5 of those years and a Marauder board member last year.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I am seeking a position on the RAYHA board because I believe that it is time for me to contribute more to this program that I have been a part of for almost 10 years. I want to help the Marauders program become a strong program where players and parents feel valued, heard and respected. 

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Marauder Board Member, 15U Coordinator

Sam Petrie

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I coached mite 2s this season and want to become more involved in the association.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

We started with RAYHA this season.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

To become more involved and help keep this association great.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Member, Coach

Jake Remitz

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

Organization, Communication, and Information and Technology

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

4 years

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I've been on the board as a non-voting member for about 4 years now. I have helped in varying capacities, including Webmaster, Registration Director, Team Manager, Head Coach, and Assistant Coach. I'm passionate about the development of the youth in our community and would like to help in whatever capacity I can to ensure that our kids are competitive at each level. My professional career is technical and in a leadership role. I feel that I can add value working with the various systems and technology that help provide a positive experience developing our kids.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Board Member, Coach

Adam Schmidt

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I have more than 20 years of experience in many different facets of youth hockey. I have coached teams from the mite level all the way to the college level, and just about everything in between. This past year I was the Bantam AA coach, and prior to that I was the head high school coach at Mounds View for four seasons. I am a teacher at Chippewa Middle School, and I'm also the head boys golf coach at Mounds View. I am also part of our building instructional leadership team at Chippewa. I have served in multiple leadership positions, and I believe my knowledge, experience and communication skills would make me a great fit at Roseville.

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

Our family has been involved with RAYHA for the last three years.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I would like to give back to this great hockey community and help in any way I can. I am committed to providing the best experience for the kids and their families.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Board Member, Coach

Curt Slater

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I was previously on RAYHA board as the Equipment Manager. I served on 2 different Minnesota based non-profit boards for 3 terms. I also do some volunteer work with some organizations. Prior to RAYHA, we lived in Mankato and I served several seasons as Team Manager/Communications with Mankato Hockey. I served several seasons as Team Manager with RAYHA. I have experience with accessibility and diversity and would like to continue to bring those to RAYHA.  

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

I have been involved in RAYHA for 6 years as a parent, team manager, and equipment manager.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I have a strong interest in the girls side of hockey and want to contribute to its growth and success.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Team Manager, Board Member

David Zschokke

1. What qualifications, including special skills or experience, would you bring to the position of Board Member?

I was a business owner for 10 years and understand that in order for RAYHA to succeed we need to work together as a team. I have many years of experience with coaching youth sports in the St. Paul community for baseball and varsity hockey (5 years), JV hockey (2 years), Bantams (1 year), and most recently involved with coaching my sons teams, RAYHA Mites (2 years), rec baseball and currently his 9U AAA baseball team for Roseville. With my years of experience in coaching various levels/ages, I feel confident in my ability to collaborate, handling conflicts with professionalism, providing constructive feedback, and collaborating together with many people. 

How long have you been involved in RAYHA activities?

My son has been playing for Roseville since 2019 and in 2022-23 I was an assistant Mite 3 coach and 23-24 I was a Mite 4 co-head coach.

Why are you seeking a position on the RAYHA Board?

I feel that I can bring to the table some new, fresh ideas to the RAYHA Board that would benefit the future of our hockey association and community.

What kind of volunteer positions have you held or what type of volunteer work have you done for RAYHA?

Coach