While our mission is to provide every boy and girl in southwest Michigan the opportunity to enjoy and excel at the game of hockey, our vision is to be a regional destination and national leader for the game at the youth level. To that end, KOHA embraced the American Development Model (ADM) and became one of USA Hockey’s first Model associations committed to age-appropriate player development.

We are committed to developing players and coaches in a safe environment while working to ensure a positive club culture. We partner with USA Hockey as well as coaching and fitness development professionals to hold monthly Coaches College events in-season, and we have a Skills Staff of current and former professional and college players and coaches to guide player development on the ice while engaging with coaches to help facilitate positive outcomes.

A successful youth sports program focuses on development of the player, the child and the person. While most participants will not go pro in their sport of choice, youth sports teaches valuable life lessons while stressing the importance of character, teamwork, accountability, leadership, integrity, and respect. 

KOHA is proud to launch a new ethos, called: WE A.R.E. KOHA and believes in recognizing these core values in our young athletes:

Attitude:  behaving in a way that reflects a positive, team-centered and common-goal oriented mindset.
The message - your attitude in all situations is a choice, and something you control. 

Respect: having high regard for the feelings, rights, traditions and values of all individuals and groups that goes beyond personal perception.
The message - respect yourself, the game, teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and facilities, always. 

Effort:  putting forth your best work in all situations, regardless of the expected outcome; encompassing both attitude and respect, playing hard for yourself, teammates, coaches and parents while respecting the other players, coaches, organization, and referees.
The message - your effort is YOUR EFFORT. Just like your attitude, you control your effort. Having a positive attitude makes it easier to give your best effort, even in difficult situations.

The A.R.E. attributes are core characteristics for achieving and supporting success on the ice that will translate to all facets of life. By teaching as well as exemplifying these values in youth sports, we can establish within our community invaluable tools to conquer life's toughest challenges. All who are involved will be equipped with a team-oriented, hard working, and caring mentality that will strengthen not only the individual but those they influence as well.

KOHA is partnering with Jeannie Cleaning to present the WE A.R.E. KOHA Character Award. Each  month during the season, KOHA will award one 10U, 12U, 14U or JV player in each program (House C, House B, Travel A/AA) that exemplifies these core values - either on the ice, in the locker room, in their classroom or in their community. Throughout each season, coaches, parents, KOHA Staff and Board Members can nominate a KOHA member that they feel exhibits a positive attitude, a respectful demeanor and consistent effort. Nominations will be evaluated anonymously by our partners at Jeannie Cleaning and the KOHA staff.