Ice Hawks Housing Program

Ice Hawks Housing Program

Dawn Larson Housing Director

Dawn is the Housing Director for the Ice Hawks. Dawn and her family have been a long time host family for the Ice Hawks. She is a Minnesota native having spent her childhood and young adult years in Wanamingo, MN. Dawn moved to Rochester in 1996. Professionally, Dawn works for the Mayo Clinic. She is married to Van Larson, and has two children, Nick (Jana) and Hunter, a senior in high school.  She also has a new grandson, Owen.

Dawn coordinates the Ice Hawks Host Family Program. Good measures of the success that the Ice Hawks have enjoyed is due to the Host Family Program and to the community support that the team received   The Ice Hawks recruit elite student/athletes, (age 16 to 20) nationally, internationally as well as from Minnesota. Typically, about 25 host families participate in the program. Players are on the ice daily (practicing or playing), work part time (or attend school) as they pursue their dreams of playing college hockey.  All players are housed in the community by ‘host families’. Many families have children

currently or formerly involved in youth hockey. They enjoy the opportunity to help an Ice Hawks player while at the same time having a young man who will serve as a good role model for their own or other children in the community  Players are treated as members of the host parents’ family members and quickly become part of the family and of the Rochester community. Strong friendships are formed between players and families. Many maintain close relationships in the future.

Traci Prindle, Co-Housing Director/Player Coordinator

Traci is the Co-Housing Director/Player Coordinator for the Ice Hawks.   Traci partners with Dawn Larson with the housing needs and is the primary contact for the players throughout the season.  She is responsible for curfew checks, volunteer activities, communications and adherence to the team rules and expectations.   Traci and

her family is a long time host family for the Ice Hawks.  Professionally, Traci works at Mayo Clinic. She is married to Chris and they have two boys; Alex and Kyle who are active with baseball in the spring and hockey in the winter.

Living away from home is an important part of a player’s social and emotional development. Players learn to be accountable and responsible for their actions and it sensitizes them to the needs and experiences of others in their surroundings. Ice Hawk players follow strict team and housing program rules to help them learn personal discipline on and off the ice. Traci is responsible for monitoring players off ice activities and assuring compliance to team rules. She also coordinates players’ volunteer service in the community.

The Ice Hawks welcome inquiries regarding the housing program

The Ice Hawks welcome applications/inquires throughout the year. Families are encouraged to learn about the host family program and to become part of the Ice Hawks organization. Host parents are screened as per USA Hockey rules.  Host families receive monthly compensation, season tickets and the opportunity to help an elite amateur athlete.

Host Families provide:

• A stable home away from home

• Bedroom or private area of the house

• Guidance and friendship that nurtures their development

• Nutritious food prepared by host or player for himself

Host Families receive:

• Monthly compensation paid directly by the Ice Hawks

• Season tickets for each family member in the house-hold

• A role model or “big brother” for children

• A lasting relationship for you and your family

Dawn Larson and Traci Prindle schedule activities for players and for housing families throughout the season. Housing parents may attend monthly meetings, and interact with Coach Fatis or others of the administration and hockey operations staff. Host families have the opportunity to actively participate in the nationally recognized development program affiliated with USA Hockey.

If you are Interested in learning more about the program, contact Dawn Larson- Housing

Coordinator at 507 250-4288 or by email at dawn.larson@mnicehawks.com

The Ice Hawks (a MN nonprofit corporation) are a nationally recognized hockey development program affiliated with USA Hockey.

2015-16  Host Families

Chris & Traci Prindle         

Janill Gallon                                                        

Todd & Kim Juen

Andy & Naomi Lovell                         

Shawn & Amber Hookey                                  

Rodney & Ann Hamilton       

Richard & JoAnn Volker                                                

Broc & Abby Siems                                            

Ellie Twite & Mike Ward            

Nick & Audra Rinard                                   

Josh & Liz Woodworth                     

Rich & Stephanie Behne        

Mathew Lee & Elaine Johnson     

Brett & Jenni Mattson                                    

Chris & Jessica Hus                          

Travis & Michelle Magle                     

Van & Dawn Larson