The Board approved ice-plant replacement project at Renton, addressing long-term compressor reliability and efficiency.

10/20 (Regular Board Meeting):

Administrative updates included post-AGM document reviews and signing conflict-of-interest forms by members of the board. New business covered:

• A Memorandum of Understanding with Star Academy for Renton ice use.

• Exploring Kraken ticket giveaways for members.

• Reviewing pro shop operations, including a proposals to provide equipment and sharpening services at SKAHA rinks.

• Transitioning to EVOLVE HR for staff management and onboarding a new auditing firm for future fiscal years.

Programs and Development

• Hosting: Sno-King was selected to host the PNAHA Tier II State Tournament in Snoqualmie (Feb 26 – Mar 1), featuring 15 teams across 3 age groups.

• An Adult Try Hockey Free event was held in Renton.

• Girls Program: Under Marah Wagner’s leadership, the program continues to grow. Tier I girls were invited to the Kraken home opener, and the new Stick Sisters buddy program launched with 90 participants pairing older and younger players.

• Events: Planning is underway for the PNAHA Girls Development Camp in Snoqualmie (Dec 19–21).

Programs and Operations

The new season officially began with 65 teams across all divisions:

• Coaches completed training sessions and were reminded of USA Hockey requirements (SafeSport, background checks, and online modules).

• The Rookies (Learn to Play) program successfully advanced 67 players from R2 to R3, while 22 chose to stay for additional practice time.

• The Recreation program finalized rosters and launched a new coach-led dryland program to supplement on-ice development.

• The Tier I Girls program began its season following a strong pre-season camp.

Marketing, Fundraising, and Partnerships

• The Fall Fundraising campaign was prepared for launch, built around team-based peer-to-peer donations.

• The Girls teams participated in an Intermission Skate with the Seattle Kraken on September 29, while the Jr. Thunderbirds night sold over 500 tickets.

• SKAHA also began interviews for a new Marketing Manager to lead communication and sponsorship efforts.

Facilities

• Renton: A new sound system was installed, and minor buzzing issues are being fixed.

• Snoqualmie: The upstairs Goodman Room remodel was completed and looks great.

• Kirkland: Repairs were finished on the chiller, snow pit, and HVAC. Plans are in progress to replace the broken Zamboni garage door with a sliding barn-style setup.

• ✅ Vote for Milan to help improve our organization and ensure your voice is heard at SKAHA

• 🗓️ Attend the Annual Meeting on Monday, Sept 22 at 7:00 PM Snoqualmie Ice Arena and vote during the meeting, or

• ✉️ Email Jeff Sweeney (Jeff.Sweeney@snokinghockey.com) now to request an absentee ballot (a template is at the bottom of this email) and voting instructions.

• ⏰ Deadline: The Board Secretary (Jeff), or a designee must receive your absentee ballot by Sept 22 at 7:00 PM

How to vote

The election will take place on Monday, September 22 at the SKAHA Annual Meeting. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM and will be held at the Sno-King Ice Arena in Snoqualmie.

If you cannot attend and vote in person, you can vote by absentee ballot. Email the Board Secretary, Jeff Sweeney (Jeff.Sweeney@snokinghockey.com), to request an absentee ballot. He will reply with the official instructions. Absentee ballots must be received by the Board Secretary, or a designee, before 7:00 PM on September 22 to be counted.

More details available on SnoKing’s website.

A little about me

Many of you know me from the rink. I live in Snoqualmie with my wife and our two daughters, Stella (8) and Melissa (6). I’ve been part of the Sno-King community for years, playing in the adult league since 2018, and more recently coaching. Over the past two seasons I’ve had the joy of leading the 8U Golden Bumblebees, Spring Selects, and now the Snoqualmie 8U Majors girls’ team. I also serve as coordinator for all four of our 8U Girls teams. Like many of you, I’m a hockey parent who spends five days a week at the rink, tying skates, cheering in the stands, and adjusting family schedules around practices and games. I also see firsthand how important it is for our players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to feel supported.

Professionally, I have worked in big tech for more than 15 years, focusing on security, safety, and privacy. I am currently a Principal Technical Program Manager at Meta, where I specialize in building processes, improving communication, and helping large groups work together effectively. I specialize in planning, budgeting, and scaling efforts that grow initiatives from zero to a scale impacting millions (while keeping teams aligned and productive). These skills translate directly to the challenges Sno-King faces today and in the future.

We all share the same passion for hockey and the same desire to see Sno-King thrive. As our community grows, so do the challenges. I’ve seen firsthand, especially through our 8U Girls program, how much we can achieve when we work together. I believe I can bring your voices forward, help surface the issues we face, and most importantly start solving them not just from the bleachers behind the glass, but also from the top down.

My Goals

If elected, I will listen, lean on your feedback, and focus on five key areas that I believe matter most to families and to the long-term success of Sno-King:

1. Communication & Transparency

• Provide earlier, clearer, and more consistent updates to parents and volunteers.

• Ensure families know what to expect this season, next season, and in the years ahead.

• Build trust through open, transparent decision-making that shows families they are getting the most from their commitment to the program.

2. Development Pathways for Players & Families

• Help parents understand youth hockey at every stage, from new skaters to competitive programs.

• Provide resources to set realistic expectations and celebrate progress, whether the goal is fun, skill-building, or higher-level hockey.

• Support all families in making the best choices while balancing the needs of recreational and competitive programs so every player feels valued.

3. Girls’ Hockey Growth & Retention

• Expand opportunities for girls while recognizing the unique challenges they face.

• Make hockey more attractive and fun so everyone can stay engaged for the long term.

• Invest in programs, mentorship, and visibility that keep girls active as players, referees, and coaches.

4. Future Opportunities Beyond Playing

• Create clear pathways for players, coaches, and game officials.

• Offer mentorship and guidance for athletes pursuing hockey at higher levels, including college.

• Highlight role models and success stories that show hockey can be a lifelong passion in many forms.

5. Financial Stewardship & Long-Term Growth

• Explore modern opportunities for financing, budgeting, and efficiency.

• Address challenges we already see: limited ice time, onboarding new athletes, and waiting lists.

• Use my professional background in scaling organizations to help Sno-King expand responsibly in the years ahead.

Sno-King is more than a hockey association. It is a community where kids learn life skills, parents build friendships, and volunteers give their time to make hockey possible. My family has benefited greatly from this community, and I would be honored to give back by serving on the Board of Directors.

Thank you for your support. I hope to earn your vote on September 22nd.

See you at the rink,
Coach Milan

My daughters, Stella (left) and Melissa (right), with my niece Olivia (middle) at our family’s Learn to Skate session to recruit more girls to play hockey :)

Absentee Ballot Request Email Template (copy & paste):

To: Jeff.Sweeney@snokinghockey.com
Subject: Request for Absentee Ballot – SKAHA Annual Meeting

Hi Jeff,

I am a member of the Sno-King Amateur Hockey Association and would like to request an absentee ballot for the Annual Meeting on September 22nd. Could you please send me the official instructions and ballot?

Thank you,
[Your Full Name]