NAJHL Hockey League Essays - Springfield, Massachusetts, Springfield

NAJHL Hockey League The Springfield Statesmen Hockey Organization will play in the North American Junior Hockey League (NAJHL). The NAJHL is a Division A junior hockey league, which is the highest level of junior hockey, consisting of eight teams located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States. The league is comprised predominantly of players 16 -20 years old. Each team in the league plays a twenty- game schedule. In addition, league members play in a mid-season all-star game and in a league tournament that culminates the season by declaring a league champion. The team will play its home games in the Ice Palace, leased from the City of Springfield. The Ice Palace has a maximum capacity of 3,000 people. It includes four locker rooms, eight restroom facilities, an arcade room, an athletic training facility, a weight room, and a large room available for private functions. Description of the Community The City of Springfield, which hosts the team, has a population of 110,000; plus an additional 559,000 within a 60-mile radius. The largest age group for both men and women is 35-44. The city's government is a municipality with a mayor and 10 aldermen that represent an area of the city. Springfield is the state capital of Illinois and therefore houses many of the state's agencies. Its economic base depends upon state and federal agencies, three major hospitals, three colleges, and two state universities (University of Illinois at Springfield and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine). The cost of living in Springfield has an index of 97.4; the national average is an index of 100. Thirty-five percent of the households in Springfield earn between $25,000 and $49,000. The three main industries providing employment are the public sector, services, and retail trade. Springfield has an unemployment rate of 5.4%. Thirty-three percent of Springfieldians have a high school diploma and fourteen percent have a bachelor's degree. Springfield has 36 public schools and 29 non-public schools employing over 2,600 teachers. The YMCA, YWCA, Boys and Girls Club of America, and the Springfield Rotary Club offer social service to the community. Springfield offers 6 museums (including the Illinois State Museum), two zoos, a minor league baseball team, and numerous state and national historic sites. Parks offered include seven parks in the Springfield Park District, a wildlife sanctuary, botanical gardens, and Lincoln's New Salem State Park. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Chamber Orchestra, Springfield Muni Opera, and Springfield Theatre Center house the city's performing arts. Natural resources of the area include Lake Springfield and the Sangamon River. Numerous highways and Interstates 55 and 72 allow for travel in and out of the city. Capital Airport provides air service to the community with service provided by American Eagle, Great Lakes, United Express, and Trans World Express. Five trunkline railroads serve Sangamon County and Amtrak provides passenger service. Intra-city bus service is available via the Springfield Mass Transit District, and Greyhound provides interstate bus service (Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 1999). Target Population The athletic services provided by the Springfield Statesmen Hockey Organization (SSHO) serves primarily 16-20 year old hockey players seeking an opportunity to eventually play for a major college or professional hockey team. Players will be recruited and drafted from national and international midget (a younger group of players) leagues, with players coming from as far away as Europe and Russia to play. Due to the expenses to play the sport most players come from upper-middle and upper class families. The entertainment services provided by the team serves an audience of all ages. Working class families provide the largest audience base. Special seating will be provided for families as well as group ticket pricing. A private room is available for larger parties. The facility is handicapped accessible, and smoking is prohibited in the arena. Financing The SSHO is financed primarily by player fees (players must pay $5,000 each to play in the league), ticket sales, and advertising sales. Additional funding will come from concession sales, team merchandise sales, booster club fundraisers, and team fundraisers (the Summer Golf Outing with the team and a Silent Auction of team memorabilia). Legal Basis for Service The SSHO is a for-profit corporation, incorporated in the State of Illinois and registered with the Federal Government as a for-profit corporation. Annually, the major shareholders for the team file taxes with the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service. PURPOSE STATEMENT SPRINGFIELD STATESMEN HOCKEY ORGANIZATION The primary purpose of the SSHO is to enhance the development of its players through top-quality coaching, extensive practice time, and a rigorous game schedule. The Organization is committed