Midget Mentoring Program
The Affton Hockey Club is excited to announce our Midget Mentoring Program!
The Affton Hockey Club wants to help our more than 275 Midget hockey players and their families navigate life after high school.
Executive Summary
As our players reach Midgets, they face critical decisions about life after youth hockey—navigating college admissions, trade school pathways, entering the workforce, or launching entrepreneurial ventures and Affton Hockey Club aims to support our athletes beyond the rink.
Heading our Mentoring Program will be University of Missouri Professor Dave Ruggeri, who will host a structured, interactive workshop series to provide information on many different career paths.
As a Professor at the University of Missouri with degrees in business, economics, public health, and public policy, Dave is also a small business owner and worked in both the public and private sectors. His educational and professional experiences are key to helping these young adults navigate the next stage of their lives.
objectives
Provide Actionable Roadmaps: Outline the concrete steps required for higher education admissions, vocational/trade apprenticeships, and starting a business.
Translate Athletic Skills: Help players identify how discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management in hockey directly translate into career success.
Equip for Real-World Preparation: Share practical guidance on financial literacy, professional communication, and setting long-term goals.
Program Details
Audience: All current Lady Liberty & Affton Midget players (parents welcome to attend)
Cost: Free
Format: Two, 45-minute interactive workshops held this season.
session 1: Saturday, november 14 in Lounge72
Choose from 1 of 3 sessions, available to the first 50 players.
- 11:15am-12:00pm
- 12:00pm-12:45pm
- 12:45pm-1:30pm
session 2
To Be Announced
content breakdown
session 1
Exploring the Pathways College & Higher Education: Choosing a major, managing applications, understanding costs/financial aid, and balancing academics with junior or collegiate club sports.
Trades & Vocational Careers: High-demand skilled trades, apprenticeship programs, certification tracks, and immediate earning potential.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business: Key steps to launching a company, converting personal passions into viable businesses, and practical side-hustle strategies.
session 2
Game-Planning Your Execution Building Your Brand: Creating a strong foundation (resumes, interviewing, networking) using elite athletic experience.
Goal Setting & Accountability: Establishing 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year personal roadmaps with actionable daily habits.
Q&A & Open Discussion: Direct Q&A tailored to individual player interests and path inquiries.