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ASSOCIATION NEWS
Source For Sports' Eric Bezanson Selected for Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame
 Eric Bezanson, the owner of Cleve's Source For Sports in Canada's Maritime Provinces, was chosen for the Class of 2021 of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. Bezanson helped spur the growth of Cleve's, which is based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to nearly 20 stores and played an integral part in the growth of Source For Sports.
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ADVOCACY NEWS
COVID-19 and Business Interruption Insurance Claims
Bloomberg Law examines the different challenges with a growing number of business interruption insurance claims resulting from COVID-19 losses. HDA and NSGA recommend you check your business interruption insurance because even though it may be an uphill battle, it is worth investigating. You can access the video through NSGA's General COVID-19 Info and Resources page.
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MEMBER NEWS
Hockeywolf has been vital to the hockey community in its home base of Missoula, Montana and the Northwestern United States. The HDA member and participant in the SDC collaboration was recently featured in a local TV interview as the place for players to get properly fitted for hockey equipment and discussing how community support helped them through the pandemic. "We still had some people come in as soon as we opened up so that kind of helped us get back on our feet," said Traver Mcleod, the Hockeywolf general manager.
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STATE OF THE GAME
New Study on Skate Blade
Alignment Could Help Goalies
 Hockey goaltenders could have a new competitive advantage in stopping the puck thanks to researchers at Brock University in Canada. The study revealed how a small shift in blade alignment positioned on the bottom of a skate helped the execution of the butterfly drop for goalies.
USA Hockey Sanctions Return to
Sport for 2020-21 Season
 USA Hockey announced it will sanction hockey for the 2020-21 season. Thanks to the help of Dr. Michael Stuart of the Mayo Clinic, USA Hockey will have vast resources to help its members during the season. Dr. Stuart gave the green light to restart hockey and provided advice to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.
North Alabama Surges as
Adult Hockey Hotbed
 The North Alabama Hockey Association's (NAHA) senior adult league has seen packed rosters season after season thanks to the popularity of southern NHL organizations and their passion for the sport. NAHA provides an Adult Development Program for all skill levels to grow their love and skills of the sport.
Hockey's Return 'Rejuvenates' Young Girls
 The Ottawa Girls Hockey Association (OGHA) has seen a craving for the new hockey season even during the pandemic. "It's been a very challenging and interesting year," signals OGHA Vice-President Marc Lugert. Competitive tryouts are being delayed until January, but players are being assigned to non-contact practice "bubbles" to improve their skills.
A Parent's Guide to Minor Hockey
During the Pandemic
 Hockey in the Greater Toronto Area will get together in rinks to practice and possibly scrimmage, but there will not be any hockey games for some time still. The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), the world's largest minor-hockey league, is planning to send out a letter to families detailing what to expect in the coming season. Parents will see their kids on the ice by October, but just for skill development and practices.
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Kraft Hockeyville
Winners Announced
 El Paso, Texas and Twillingate, Newfoundland & Labrador were the Kraft Hockeyville 2020 award winners for the USA and Canada respectively. They will receive funds for arena upgrades and equipment and have the chance to host an NHL preseason game.
NHL Announces Initiatives to Combat Racism, Accelerate Inclusion
 The NHL announced a series of significant initiatives focused on the fight against racism and making the league more inclusive. "Everyone should be able to live and work in an environment that is inclusive, and one that is free from racism and discrimination in any form. In our sport, from the NHL to youth programs, we must take actions to achieve that goal, and to make our sport available and accessible to all," said Don Fehr, NHLPA Executive Director.
Mark Sertich, World's Oldest
Hockey Player, Dies at 99
Mark Sertich holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest hockey player. Sertich suffered a stroke in August and passed away, he was still skating up until his 99th birthday in July after joining the West Duluth, Minnesota hockey scene after his return from World War II.
Golden Knights' Lehner Loses
Skate Blade... Twice
 Robin Lehner, Vegas Golden Knights goaltender, lost his skate twice during a playoff game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Lehner battled through, playing nearly a full minute without his left skate, and still managed to make three saves.
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RESEARCH NEWS
2020 Business of Ice Hockey Report Now Available to HDA-NSGA Members
 Did hockey participation change in 2019? What percentage of hockey participants were female? And what other sports were hockey participants more likely to also play? The 2020 Edition of the HDA Annual Business of Ice Hockey Report has participation information that can help you make decisions for your business. HDA members will be receiving the report as a membership benefit. The cost of the report for non-members is $295, so if you join HDA today for $150, you will receive this excellent informational resource along with other benefits! For more information, please contact HDA Managing Director Marty Maciaszek at [email protected] or (847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext. 1260 or Tom Van Jacobs at [email protected] or (847) 296-6742, ext. 1290.
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COVID-19 INFORMATION
NSGA Reopening Resources Library
 The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has produced a library of resources to help prepare for the reopening of the economy and return of hockey and other sports. The library includes a video on football helmet reconditioning, a listing of ball-cleaning protocols from manufacturers and more.
Additional Resources for HDA Members
Do you need information on the Paycheck Protection Program through the CARES Act? Looking for resources available in your state? Need some business tips related to COVID-19? Go to the COVID-19 Information and Resources Page to help you navigate this challenging time.
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JOIN HDA NOW!
Why join HDA? Members join to be more profitable with industry intel provided by the Annual Business of Ice Hockey research report, to network, and stay current with peers in the Hockey Dealers Network. And those are just a few of HDA's membership benefits.
Click here to join and become part of the voice for hockey dealers!
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The NSGA MVP Verified Independent Dealer and NSGA All-Star Verified Independent Dealer programs recognize the most qualified independent dealers and retailers in the sporting goods industry.
At no additional cost, learn about the benefits of participating in the program by clicking here!
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Retail Reports Available to Members
 "Retail Audit Insights" and "Guide To A Better Retailing Experience" are two comprehensive reports produced by the National Sporting Goods Association. The reports are available for free to all HDA and NSGA members.
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Apply Now for HDA/SDC
Hockey Collaboration
The collaboration for the purchase of hockey equipment by U.S. hockey dealers between HDA, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC) continues to grow.
Click here to learn more about the collaboration and to fill out an inquiry form to start the process. Members of the collaboration have access to a variety of products and discounts to help boost the bottom line.
There is no obligation to complete the form. Criteria used by SDC to determine participation may include a minimum sales volume of $200,000 in annual wholesale hockey products, credit rating, proximity to existing members and meeting certain store standards.
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Did you know?
All 8 coaches in the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup 2nd round playoffs are Canadian.
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Please Contact Us
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c/o NSGA
3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515
(847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext. 1260.
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