**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Northern Hills Chinook Celebrates Inaugural Awards Night with League Membership Announcement**

**A Night to Remember**

The inaugural awards night not only honors the outstanding achievements of the Chinook players, coaches, and volunteers but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the team's history. The acceptance into the SDAHA was one of the many highlights of the evening, showcasing the team's success, it’s potential, and the promising future of youth hockey in the Northern Black Hills.

**Embracing the Future**

As the Chinook celebrate their individual and collective successes, they also look forward to the opportunities that come with being part of the SDAHA. The team is committed to bringing their best to the league and continuing their growth of the Chinook program. “While this is a monumental step in this history of our Association, we are just as excited for what the future holds for the Chinook”,

While this is a monumental step in this history of our Association, we are just as excited for what the future holds for the Chinook

stated Dennis Servaty, President of the 501(c)(3) Northern Hills Amateur Hockey Association, “Plans are already underway for next season as we put our first traveling league team on the ice in the Squirts (ages 9-10) division. We will also have an in-house Mites team (ages 6-8) and we will participate in multiple tournaments as well”, continued Servaty.

Plans include using the Roosevelt Ice Rink in Rapid City, the Madison Rink in the Spearfish City Campground, and the “Chinook Rink”, a 60x120 rink located at a board member’s home, but the future depends on a full-size indoor rink. “Ultimately our goal is to have an indoor rink so we can not only put a team in every age group on the ice, but to have a facility where we can have a figure skating club, adult league hockey, and family skate nights available to the public” concluded Servaty.

**A Warm Welcome from the SDAHA**

The acceptance to the SDAHA occurred on April 13th at the Spring meetings attended by Brandy Purcell-Hartman, but the announcement was delayed so it could be part of the awards night. “This was such an informational meeting to attend” said Purcell-Hartman, “and to see the enthusiasm from the other board members and teams makes us more committed to the growth of our Association than ever. To share this acceptance at our awards night capped off a great season for us”, summarized Purcell-Hartman.

**Continued Support**

The Chinook extend their gratitude to their coaches, players, sponsors, and the community for their unwavering support. This milestone achievement is shared with everyone who has been part of the team's journey.

For more information about the Northern Hills Amateur Hockey Association and the Northern Hills Chinook and their participation in the SDAHA, and how to sign up your athlete for the upcoming season, please go to www.chinookhockey.com, or see us in our booths at Downtown Friday Nights and Hometown Thursdays all summer long.

Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as the Northern Hills Chinook skate into a new era of hockey in South Dakota.

**About the Northern Hills Amateur Hockey Association (NHAHA)**

The NHAHA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth organization dedicated to bringing youth hockey, figure skating, and recreational skating to the Northern Black Hills, and to raise funds to construct an indoor ice rink in the Northern Hills.

**Contacts:**

Dennis Servaty - President

Email: dservaty@hotmail.com

Brandy Purcell-Hartman - Secretary

**About the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association**

The SDAHA is dedicated to the promotion and growth of hockey in South Dakota, offering programs and

leagues for players of all ages and skill levels. For more information, visit www.sdaha.org.

**Contact:**

Jenni Wirkus - Executive Director

South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association

Email: sdahadirector@outlook.com