Hockey Ministries International Sees Record Growth in Team Chapel Program During 2012-2013 Season

MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hockey Ministries International (HMI) today announced that HMI Chapels flourished during the 2012-13 season, growing by 18 cities to now serve 248 teams across Europe and North America. The program spans 36 leagues in North America, including 18 NHL teams, and even extends to amateur youth hockey leagues. HMI holds Chapel with an additional 15 European teams through video-conferencing technology. The 2012-2013 Chapels were hosted by 230 HMI Chaplains, the largest number since the program was started in 1978.

"We feel blessed to be a part of the reach of the Chapel program into the hockey world," commented Don Liesemer Sr., founder of HMI. "Our goal is to help hockey players and coaches at all levels of the game by equipping them with the tools necessary to handle difficult situations based on the truth found in the Bible. We are looking forward to continuing to help minister to the hockey community as we start the new season."

While the structure of the program varies from team to team, an increasing number of teams are warming to the idea of small group Bible studies led by a chaplain. The HMI program provides an opportunity for teammates to connect with one another and with their faith. Teams find relationships formed in Chapel beneficial to team chemistry: A shared relationship with Christ gives teammates the ability to transcend the game, allowing them to know each other by more than just a jersey number.

ECHL Commissioner, Brian McKenna commented, "I believe the free services HMI has provided to ECHL member teams has been extremely beneficial to those clubs who have participated. Many of our coaches and players face various individual and collective challenges during the hockey season. We have found that the HMI Chapel Program provides many benefits, including the immediate access to chaplains that provide a wide range of emotional and spiritual support to players, coaches and their families."

HMI's chapels are non-denominational. Attendance is entirely voluntary and chapels are held at convenient times and locations. An average Chapel session lasts between 15 - 30 minutes, utilizing Bible based principles to hold discussions of issues relevant to hockey players. The chapel program is a free service to the teams it serves.

About Hockey Ministries International

Hockey Ministries International is an organization that exists to serve the hockey community. Since 1977, we have been active in every level of the game serving all levels throughout the world of hockey. From youth hockey to professional teams and everything in between, our desire is to see the hockey world impacted with the Christian message of hope. Through our many camps, chapels, hockey clinics, conferences, books, Faith Nights, Outreach Breakfasts and Hockey Player's New Testaments we serve and support the spiritual needs of players, coaches, families and fans.

For additional information visit www.hockeyministries.org. Follow HMI at www.facebook.com/HockeyMinistries and on www.twitter.com/_HMI_

Media Contact:

Don Liesemer, Jr at 514-395-1717

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SOURCE Hockey Ministries International