2026 Board Election

Hello, my name is Rob Boeckman. My wife and I are proud parents of two boys in the hockey program, one mite and one squirt. I have been involved in the MCYHA program for about four years and I have really enjoyed watching my kids grow in the sport and love getting to know all the players, coaches and families involved. I have also enjoyed learning what it takes to make an ice rink run. 

Professionally, I am employed at a local commercial general contractor. I spent sixteen years running the maintenance shop there and the past three years, as the field operations manager. I believe I can use my professional background to positively impact the future of the association when it comes to repairs, preventative maintenance, future improvement planning and everything else that goes into making our facility a great place for years to come. I take great pride in all of my work and that will apply to the Manitowoc Youth Hockey program as well. 

As a board member, every decision I make will be based on the best interest of our great organization. Thank you for considering me for this role.

I am seeking re-election to a third term on the Board of Directors. During my years on the Board I have served the association as President, Vice-President, SafeSport Coordinator, and a member of the Grievances Committee. 

My family has been very involved in the association since our children began skating 5 years ago. Like some families, my wife and I volunteer our time and efforts because we feel compelled to serve. We work to promote hockey as a safe and engaging experience for all children. Board members, along with MCYHA parents, hold an obligation to act as role models for our children both on and off the ice. This is a critical responsibility that we can leverage to increase satisfaction among our members. 

Holding a position on the Board can have its challenges but I am excited about the progress we have made over the last three years and I am optimistic that our association will continue to grow and improve. I pride myself on being a person of integrity, an effective communicator, and someone who is willing to collaborate with all stakeholders. I look forward to working with current and future Board members, new volunteers, and reluctant volunteers to guarantee our families a meaningful and worthwhile hockey experience.

I believe strong organizations are built with structure, accountability, and steady leadership. I’m seeking re-election to continue strengthening that foundation at MCYHA. In my 5 years with the association I have served as President, Vice President, Secretary, Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Tournament Director.

I love the game of hockey and the community it builds around it. Five years ago, when my own family first joined hockey, that sense of community was what drew us in. The community is the reason I’m at the rink most days of the week and committed to supporting our hockey families. I value the connection it provides for Manitowoc County families and the role it plays in developing young athletes both on and off the ice. I believe the Manitowoc hockey experience is worth protecting and strengthening.

In recent years, we’ve improved operations, clarified policies, upgraded the facility, expanded school outreach, and reworked our intro-to-hockey program to bring new families into the game. We have a new Zamboni, a new dehumidifier, and more written policies paired with greater transparency. My commitment remains to steady leadership, responsible decision-making, and keeping the focus where it belongs — on hockey development, teamwork, and having fun as part of our local hockey community.

I would be honored to continue serving and supporting our hockey families.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the board of the Manitowoc Hockey Club. With a background in business ownership, sales leadership, athletics, and coaching, I bring a well-rounded perspective rooted in management, community engagement, and youth development.

As a restaurant owner and manager, I developed extensive experience in operations management, budgeting, staff development, customer service, and long-term strategic planning. Successfully running businesses requires strong leadership, accountability, and the ability to build high-performing teams, all skills that translate directly to effective board governance.

In my current role in sales, I work closely with students and school communities on a regular basis. This experience keeps me connected to the needs of young people and families while sharpening my communication, relationship-building, and partnership development skills. Working directly within schools has strengthened my understanding of how to engage students in positive activities and create programs that resonate with both kids and parents.

My connection to hockey began in high school, where I played competitively and developed a lifelong appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and character the sport builds. For more than eight years, I have coached youth hockey and soccer, helping athletes grow their skills while emphasizing sportsmanship, effort, and confidence. Coaching has reinforced my belief that sports should be both development-focused and fun.

My primary goal in serving on the board is to help create a positive, engaging environment where kids can learn, compete, and enjoy the game, while also pushing the club to become the premier youth hockey organization in the area. As a parent with a son in the program, I am personally invested in ensuring that the Manitowoc Hockey Club continues to grow in strength, organization, and community impact.

I believe my experience in business management, sales, coaching, and youth engagement combined with my passion for hockey and commitment to our community would make me a strong and dedicated member of the board. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

I live in Two rivers; I am a mother of three. I believe my experience as a non-voting board member makes me a perfect candidate for this. Our family currently has one son Alex that is a Pee Wee goalie, next season he will be a first year Bantam. We have been with the organization for 5 years now. I would be 100% committed to the organization for the next 3 years should I get elected. If elected, I’ll do my part to ensure that all teams, players, and families are treated equally regardless of team or last name. We are all part of the same family as our players wear the same Breaker logo on their jerseys and that logo is the same color across all levels regardless of which team they are on. I am also a firm believer in transparency and the

following of rules we have in place that govern our hockey organization. I believe I could present some fresh ideas based off my, previous experiences to the board that would help improve the overall quality of the Manitowoc hockey organization. I also feel we need to be creative and think outside the box to gain additional organizational sponsorships while at

the same time, be fiscally responsible on how we spend the organization’s money. Hockey is already an expensive sport and as board members, we owe it to the families to make sure all money is being spent wisely.

Experience

Team Manager squirts Apparel and Jersey Coordinator from 2024 to present Pre Crew its acronym, Public, Relations and Events. From 2022-2025 (Parades, special open skates, Puck Cancer event, and giving back to the community, ie donations to elderly homes) Organized with Holy family medical all First aid response bags So, in the end, I would be honored if you would consider me for a board position with the Manitowoc Youth Hockey Organization.

My name is Steffini Kabelowsky, and I am running to be a member of the Board of Directors for the Manitowoc Youth Hockey Association. I’m a proud hockey mom to two boys—my oldest is a Squirt player, and my youngest has completed two seasons in the HIP Learn to Skate program, and this Fall will mark 4 years being part of the hockey community. Through their experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how hockey helps shape kids into confident, resilient, dedicated, and kind teammates. Within the short 4 years, hockey has become a special part of our family’s life, and I’ve watched how it helps children grow in ways that reach beyond the ice. I love this sport because it builds character, teaches teamwork, strengthens resilience, and creates a true sense of belonging. These values mean so much to me not just as a mom, but as a nurse and as someone who cares deeply about helping people grow.

Being involved as both a parent and a volunteer has given me a frontrow seat to the experiences of our players, families, and coaches. I understand the excitement, the challenges, the early mornings, and the proud moments that make this hockey community feel like family.

Serving on the board would be a great opportunity to give back to a program that has given so much to all of us. I would bring compassion, dedication, and genuine love to our kids and families who make this hockey community so special.

My name is Forest La Fave. Outside of the rink, I am a licensed Insurance Agent, a goat hobby farmer, & a homeschooling mom to my 3 amazing children.

Our family has proudly been part of this association for 4 years, & this rink truly is our home. We are here constantly, supporting our athletes & this incredible hockey community. I currently have a Peewee (Legend), a Squirt (Hero), & a feisty Mite skater (Courage) who keep us busy & deeply invested in the future of this program.

I am running for the Board of Directors because I bring commitment, trust, integrity, transparency, knowledge, & a genuine love for the sport of hockey. My professional background in insurance gives me strong insight into risk management, organization, & responsible decision-making, all of which are valuable at the board level.

My initial goal is to help organize & fine-tune areas that need improvement, strengthen our coaching development program, & improve the overall functionality of MCYHA so it continues to thrive long into the future. I want this association to be strong not just for our children today, but for when they bring their own children, our grandchildren, back to this rink someday.

A vote for me is a vote for your children & their future generations.

I would be truly grateful for your support & your vote for the Board of Directors this season. 

I am seeking election to the Board of Directors for the Manitowoc County Youth Hockey Association. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved with MCYHA as a Squirt parent. While we did not grow up as a hockey family, our journey began in the HIP program and quickly became something we truly love. Seeing firsthand what hockey teaches children — and the families who support them — has been incredibly meaningful.

As first-time hockey parents, we experienced the welcoming environment and commitment to helping every child grow and succeed. I strongly believe in MCYHA’s mission to provide a safe, fun, and affordable hockey environment while emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and discipline. Hockey builds resilience, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships that extend far beyond the ice.

In addition to being a hockey parent, I bring previous coaching experience working with youth athletes. Coaching has given me the opportunity to help kids build confidence, work hard, support their teammates, and learn from both success and setbacks.

As someone who came into the organization new to the sport, I also value the perspective of first-time hockey families and the importance of helping them feel supported and connected.

I would be honored to serve on the Board and help MCYHA continue to grow as a positive, welcoming program for players and families. 

Family: Father of Nathan Ullman (will be first year bantam) Vision: Building a unified hockey community that outlasts the final buzzer.

About Me - Many of you know my son, Nathan. Whether he’s chatting your ear off in the lobby, mentoring younger players, or beginning his journey as an official, our family lives and breathes Manitowoc hockey. I was initially hesitant to run with Nathan having only two years left in the program. However, after much reflection, I realized my drive isn’t tied to my own son’s ice time—it’s tied to the future of this association. I am running to ensure that every player, regardless of the name on their jersey, has a voice and an experience that builds their character long after they hang up their skates.

My Platform: Why I’m Running

Character Over Trophies: The statistics are clear—most youth players won’t play at the collegiate or pro level. Our success shouldn’t be measured by the trophies in the glass case, but by the leadership, teamwork, and resilience we instill in these kids for their future lives.

A Unified Organization: I want to see more “intermingling”; between our teams. By bridging the gaps between age groups both on and off the ice, we build a stronger, more cohesive culture where kids support one another across the entire association.

Strengthening the High School Pipeline: There is a missed opportunity for collaboration between our youth program and local High School hockey. I advocate for a “Junior Mascot” style relationship where the big kids mentor the little kids, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and school pride.

Economic Growth through Events/Tournaments: I want to bring regular start of the year bash, end of the year bash and tournaments for all kids back to Manitowoc. Hosting events showcases our great families, brings in essential revenue, and allows us to reinvest in the facilities and programs our children deserve.

The Bottom Line

Hockey takes an entire community. I am committed to working for the kids who are here now and those who haven’t even laced up their first pair of skates yet. I would appreciate your vote to help lead MYCHA into its next chapter.

“I am running so this program can give youth memories they could not get without hockey in Manitowoc County.”