The Livonia Hockey Association (LHA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been an integral part of our community for many years. The LHA offers a positive learning experience for boys and girls, with qualified adult leadership in a safe, healthy, and fun environment. All individuals involved with the LHA are volunteers who are committed to the idea that shaping the future generation and their positive contribution to the community is more important than winning.
Leadership and Governance
The board members of the Livonia Hockey Association (LHA) undergo election by the General Membership annually in March during the general membership meeting. Board members are elected to serve a term of two years, with potential for up to eight members to be elected each year, thus constituting a board of maximum sixteen members.
Meet the Board Members
Let's introduce some of the dedicated individuals who contribute to the success of the LHA:
- Brad: Brad has been involved in hockey since 1990, with extensive coaching and playing experience. He has served on the Livonia Hockey Association (LHA) board twice, focusing on restoring its status as a top destination for hockey families. As president, Brad aims to achieve this goal, as evidenced by the LHA's Top 3 finish in Association of the Year (2022-2023) under his leadership. Membership has impressively grown by 25% during his tenure.
- Shelly-Ann: Shelly-Ann began her hockey journey in Minnesota, progressing from Learn to Skate to Little Wild and Mini Mites. She organized a fun event for families as part of the local Hockey Association's Mite Jamboree. In Michigan, she joined Livonia Hockey in 2020 as Team Manager for her son’s 10U team. Shelly-Ann now serves on the board to support new Team Managers. Married to James, she has three kids: Lucas (Pee Wee), Olivia (Aspire Figure Skater), and Paxton.
- Katie Hersh: Katie Hersh is the Treasurer of the Livonia Hockey Association and manages her daughter's travel team. Living in Livonia with her husband and three daughters, she is active in the local hockey community. After Piper discovered her love for hockey at a Try Hockey Free event, Katie took up the sport herself, recently joining a women's league. As a board member since 2022, she ensures the Association's financial health while supporting the girls' program as interim Girls Travel Director.
- Chris: Chris has been Secretary since 2018. His primary areas of focus within the organization have centered around skills training and skating, emphasizing the crucial importance of mastering proper technique. He has a deep connection to officiating, as his son's enthusiasm has motivated him to pursue his referee certification.
- Sara: Sara has played hockey for over 30 years, mainly in Tier 1 leagues, including five years with the Windsor Wildcats. She also played for Ladywood High School and attended several USA select camps. Currently, Sara competes in women’s hockey and participates in the Women's Nationals. Since 2009, she has coached at Belle Tire 19u AAA and at various youth and high school levels.
- Daniel: Daniel has been involved in the LHA hockey community for 7 years. He brings a wealth of experience, having served as a team manager, assistant coach, and head coach for various girl's teams (8U-14U). Daniel’s coaching focus is on girls hockey, skill development, and fostering a love for the game.
- Joe: Joe began skating at 4 in 1979 and played Mini Mites at Allen Park. Progressing from Tier 3 to Tier 2, he skated with APHA, Paddock Pools, and Southgate until Midgets. He coached Little Wings and Hockey Hockey for his daughters and joined LCFH as an assistant coach, winning the 2021/22 LCAHL playoffs. In 2023, he joined LHA, winning two tournaments and a District 4 Championship.
- Brandon McCullough: Brandon McCullough has been passionate about hockey since age three with 15 years coaching experience. He played AAA for Michigan Nationals, two-time captain for Livonia Franklin Patriots, Junior B USA Eagles and collegiate hockey at Lawrence Tech. Brandon began coaching in 2007 with Suburban Stars and served as Head Coach for Fountain Park Flyers A, AA, and AAA. In 2019, he returned to coach his daughter and currently an Assistant Coach for 2014 Livonia Knights travel team.
- Jason: Jason's family joined LHA in 2023 when his oldest son Alex started in Little Wings. He was the Head Coach for the Spring 2024 8U team, finishing as playoff Runners Up. He assisted the 8U Knights White last Fall, and is currently the Head Coach for the 10U Knights Red. This is his first year on the board, and he will be one of our Blue Puck Directors, as well as Player Development Coordinator.
- Carrie: Carrie's family joined LHA in 2015 when her son Austin started in IP. Her husband Evan has coached for 4+ years, Austin plays defense for 14u, and Jacob is a goalie for 12u/14u. Carrie has been assistant manager for 3 years, recently joined adult hockey, and plays in a women's league. She works as a paraprofessional with 13 ASD students at Churchill High School.
- John: Since joining the Board in 2021, John has embraced key leadership roles including Vice-President, Growth Director, and Communications Director. His passion for hockey ignited as an adult, inspired by his neighborhood's outdoor rink. As Growth Director, John successfully launched the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program, breaking down financial barriers for new players and ensuring hockey is accessible to all.
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Key Focus Areas
The LHA is dedicated to several key areas to ensure a thriving hockey community:
- Skills Training and Skating: Emphasizing the crucial importance of mastering proper technique.
- Girls Hockey: Focusing on girls hockey, skill development, and fostering a love for the game.
- Player Development: Dedicated to the development of each player's skills and passion for hockey.
- Growth and Accessibility: Breaking down financial barriers for new players and ensuring hockey is accessible to all through programs like the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program.
Financial Health and Support
As a board member since 2022, Katie Hersh ensures the Association's financial health while supporting the girls' program as interim Girls Travel Director.
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Achievements and Growth
As president, Brad aims to achieve this goal, as evidenced by the LHA's Top 3 finish in Association of the Year (2022-2023) under his leadership. Membership has impressively grown by 25% during his tenure.
Recent Successes
- LHA's Top 3 finish in Association of the Year (2022-2023).
- Membership grown by 25% during Brad's tenure.
- Joe joined LHA in 2023, winning two tournaments and a District 4 Championship.
- Jason was the Head Coach for the Spring 2024 8U team, finishing as playoff Runners Up.
Board Member Involvement
Here’s a table summarizing the board members and their roles:
| Board Member | Role | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Brad | President | Restoring LHA's status, increasing membership |
| Shelly-Ann | Board Member | Supporting new Team Managers |
| Katie Hersh | Treasurer, Interim Girls Travel Director | Ensuring financial health, supporting girls' program |
| Chris | Secretary | Skills training, skating technique |
| Sara | Coach | Coaching at various youth and high school levels |
| Daniel | Coach | Girls hockey, skill development |
| Joe | Coach | Coaching Little Wings and Hockey Hockey |
| Brandon McCullough | Coach | Coaching Fountain Park Flyers |
| Jason | Blue Puck Director, Player Development Coordinator | Player Development |
| Carrie | Assistant Manager | Supporting team management |
| John | Vice-President, Growth Director, Communications Director | Growth, accessibility, communications |
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