In recent observations and feedback from the community compel me to address the detrimental impact of Mr. Hyduke’s leadership style on the program and, most importantly, the children involved.

It is evident that Mr. Hyduke’s approach is fostering a demoralizing and inequitable environment.

His unwillingness to accept constructive criticism, coupled with apparent favoritism and personal biases, has disheartened many young athletes who genuinely love the game and are eager to learn.

For example: 15UA practices with the Junior Varsity. 12UA and 15UA get extra Ice time at the Greenway arena while other teams get maybe 3 days a week or are thrown on the pavilion. --YET EVERY PLAYER PAYS THE SAME FEES

Instead of cultivating a supportive and uplifting program, his actions—or lack thereof—seem to prioritize personal ego over the development and well-being of these children.

If your goal is to dehumanize, demoralize, humiliate, and treat children unequally, then you have succeeded. A hockey program should be built on fairness, respect, and equal opportunity. It should not matter a player’s last name, how much their family donates, whether a parent is a coach, or whether Mr. Hyduke personally agrees with someone. Decisions should be based solely on the players’ effort, passion for the game, and desire to learn and grow. Unfortunately, this is not the reality within the girls' hockey program today, where favoritism and grudges appear to dictate opportunities and playing time.

We have seen children who belong in certain age groups moved to varsity teams due to parental influence while others are not even given the opportunity to demonstrate their skill and passion.

These are children, and it is unacceptable for adults to play games at their expense. This behavior has gone on for far too long, and I want to make it clear: I will not stop pursuing this mission until there is a complete overhaul of the program.

I am not alone in this. Our community stands behind me in addressing these injustices. Together, we will get to the bottom of this issue, and we will demand accountability. The girls’ program would do well to take notes from Grant Clafton, a true leader, motivator, and teacher who exemplifies what this program should strive to be.

I firmly believe that a youth hockey program should focus on teaching skills, promoting sportsmanship, providing equal opportunities, and above all, making the experience enjoyable for all players. Sadly, this is not the case under the current leadership. The state of the program is disheartening, as was particularly evident during the recent 15U game I attended. Witnessing the palpable discouragement among the players was nothing short of heartbreaking.

This issue has broader implications beyond Mr. Hyduke. It reflects a systemic failure of oversight and accountability from both the board president and the athletic director. Allowing such behavior to persist undermines the potential for this program to be meaningful, opportunistic, and uplifting. Mr. Hyduke would rather tell your child "they will never play for me so they may as well quit and play some pond hockey."

If leadership cannot uphold these principles, the program risks losing its integrity and purpose altogether. Leadership including the ASSOCIATION BOARD AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

In light of these concerns, I have filed a formal complaint with the Minnesota Hockey Association and requested a meeting to evaluate the management of this program. I urge the board to prioritize the interests of the players and the community by thoroughly addressing the issues raised here.

Transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to fostering a positive environment for these young athletes are paramount.

Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls hockey has the potential to be a beacon of pride and opportunity for our community.

However, the current trajectory of the girls' program jeopardizes this vision. I respectfully call on the board to take decisive action to rectify these issues and ensure the program is led by individuals who prioritize the players’ growth, enjoyment, and development.

If you are a parent, community member, grand parent or merely a spectator please sign the petition.

Below is the GRAHA email you can contact regarding concerns if you wish. If members of a group work together instead of on their own, they're more likely to succeed. "United we stand, divided we fall."

GrandRapidsHockey@gmail.com