I want to take some space on our page to thank everyone who supported the Minotauros this season. Despite not reaching our goal of bringing the Robertson Cup to Minot there is much that we are proud of from this year. We won 20 more games than we did in our inaugural season, we qualified for the playoffs for the first time, we sent seven players (second most in the NAHL) to the league’s all-star festivities, and we had our first NCAA Division I commitment in Tyler Parks.
As proud as I am of the job Marty Murray and his staff did on the ice turning this team around, I am even more proud of the caliber of young men who wore the bullhead on their chest this season. Our players were in schools, libraries, and out on the ice with the Minot Wolves throughout the season. All the while sharing their passion for hockey with young Tauros fans and reminding them that the Tauros are student athletes, who hope the game helps them to further their education.
None of this would have been possible without your support; the time, effort, and yes, the money, you put into our organization helps our young men develop the skills both on and off the ice that they need to pursue their dream.
To our fans, you were amazing. Thank you for sticking with us through the hard times of an expansion season. Our goal remains to bring the Robertson Cup home to Minot. Our winning home record at the Maysa this season is due in part to the home ice advantage you provide.
To our billet families, thank you for opening your homes to our players. We know that adding a teenaged boy to your family certainly is not easy. Your sacrifices for these young men have enriched their lives, and I hope that the boys have enriched your families’ lives as well.
To our volunteers, whether you were here for one game or all 30, we could not do what we do on game nights without you. We will be spending the summer revamping our volunteer program because with as much as you give us, we want to give something back to you.
To our sponsors, thank you for your continued support. I promise we will continue to strive to give you the best value for your advertising dollar as we continue to grow. I look forward not just to meeting with you over the summer but seeing you at games next season.
Lastly, on a personal note as I wrap up my first season as a Tauro, to everyone around the organization who has welcomed me to Minot as if I were a life long friend, I can not thank you enough. I am excited to help build a winner in my adopted home.
So while this last weekend ultimately ended in disappointment I am excited about what it meant for our organization and what this summer will bring. As we work to make next season even better both on and off the ice we welcome your voice. Use our online suggestion box, email me at koda@minotauroshockey.com, or call the office at (701)852-0101, and tell us what we can do better, what we did well, or what we can do that we may not have even thought of.
Thank you again for your continued support, the 2014 Robertson Cup run starts now! Minotuaros Hockey Join the Charge!
Sincerely,
Ken Oda
Director of Media, Marketing, and Sales