Icebreaker New Family Mentor Program
Welcome
The New Family Mentor Program is designed to provide new players and families a personalized introduction to the sport of hockey. The goal of this program is to ease concerns that new families may have with entering an unfamiliar sport and to educate them on best practices when playing hockey in Minnesota, and for the Duluth Icebreakers. Questions about the Duluth Girls Hockey Association? Reach out to one of the families below or directly to our association at duluthgirlshockey2@gmail.com
Program Goals and Objectives
- Ease Transitions: Reduce anxiety and concerns for new families, making an unfamiliar sport welcoming and accessible
- Education: Provide guidance on "hockey culture," including equipment, terminology, and how to navigate association volunteer requirements
- Retention: Boost player retention rates by ensuring a positive initial experience, encouraging families to return after the first season
- Connection & Community: Build relationships between new and established families to help new members feel connected
- On-Ice Integration: Encourage established players to help teach basic skills to newcomers in the first few practices
Meet Our Families
Jessica and Graham Parson both grew up playing hockey from a young age, and both played at the varsity level through high school. Since then they have both coached at a variety of levels, especially as their three kids have gained interest.
They have been a part of the Icebreakers organization since 2022, when their daughter Aspyn joined the 8U program. Jessica has been a DGHA board member since 2024 to help contribute and spread to the passion she has for women’s hockey!
Watching the girls make friends, have fun, learn life lessons such as resiliency, leadership, and building grit is very rewarding to see. Hockey can be intimidating to new families- and we are happy to welcome folks who want to learn more about Icebreakers- or hockey in general!
The Campbell family welcomes you to the Duluth Icebreakers!
Mia is an incoming 12U player who adores helping younger skaters build their skills and confidence. She is an outgoing, encouraging player who enjoys meeting new people, she also plays softball and golf.
Jon has been coaching since 2020, starting with Mites at Woodland Hockey before transitioning to the Icebreakers in 2024. He grew up playing Hockey in Duluth from the age of 5, Played hockey for Woodland and up through the Duluth East Program and onto Juniors, and skates in men's leagues. His goal is to empower the girls to challenge themselves and to contribute to the growth of girls' hockey.
JaLena has served as a team mom-manager over the years. She enjoys hyping the girls up with music, serving as a locker room monitor, and coordinating team activities. She joined the Board of Directors in 2025 and can usually be found helping with apparel, running a Gamesheet, or filming for a team TikTok. She hopes every girl achieves her goals on and off the ice while building confidence and lifelong friendships.
Please contact us with any questions; we are happy to help!
The Hoppe family has been involved with Duluth Icebreakers for 5 years with both daughters starting at the 10U level. James has been a coach at both the 10U and 12U levels as well as board member. Suz has been involved with off ice training at the upper levels, a locker room monitor and was recently elected to the board of directors where she hopes to bring more concussion awareness and mental health opportunities for players and coaches.
Addy and Emma have made life long friendships through Icebreakers and love to give back by skating with the 8U program whenever they can. We are happy to help any families with questions.