WYHA Leadership Announcement & Hockey Development Committee Introduction
We are excited to share the results of the 2026 Wayzata Youth Hockey Association (WYHA) Board of Directors election and to introduce both our newly elected board members and the executive leadership team for the upcoming season.
Newly Elected Board Members
Please join us in congratulating the following individuals who were elected to serve on the WYHA Board of Directors:
Ryan Foltz (Incumbent)
Ryan brings valuable continuity to the board, having contributed across many aspects of the association. His experience coaching both girls and boys hockey, along with his focus on strengthening the girls program and the boys travel experience, ensures that key initiatives will continue to move forward. Ryan is committed to building strong relationships and seeing long-term projects through to completion.
Ben Blood
A Plymouth native and former WYHA player, Ben offers a unique perspective shaped by his journey through Shattuck-St. Mary’s, the University of North Dakota, and a 14-year professional hockey career, including 10 seasons in Finland. His expertise in player development and passion for creating growth opportunities for athletes at all levels will be a great asset to the association.
Sadie LaFrance
Sadie brings valuable insight as both a WYHA parent and active community member. With experience supporting a son who completed the program and a daughter currently participating, she is passionate about fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Sadie is particularly focused on enhancing communication, transparency, and ensuring every player feels supported.
Doug Meyer
Doug combines high-level playing experience, including time with the U.S. National Development Team, with 15 years of coaching and a USA Hockey Level 4 certification. His professional background in construction strengthens his ability to support strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational effectiveness. Doug is dedicated to improving player retention, coaching development, and the tryout process.
Executive Leadership Team
We are also pleased to introduce the WYHA Executive Board, whose leadership will guide the association’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
President – Ben Olson
As the chief executive officer of WYHA, the President presides over all meetings, oversees the general management of the association, and ensures that board decisions are effectively implemented. Ben brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to the program. His priorities include expanding ice capacity, enhancing opportunities for both girls and boys, and leveraging strong communication and analytics to position WYHA as a best-in-class association.
Vice President, Administration – Michelle Ugurlu
The Vice President of Administration supports the President and assumes presidential duties when needed, while also assisting with strategic and operational initiatives. Michelle’s collaborative approach and dedication to thoughtful problem-solving will help foster a positive culture and support the association’s long-term success.
Vice President, Travel – Ryan Foltz
In this role, Ryan is responsible for the oversight of the travel hockey program, including tryouts, coaching, and player development across both girls and boys teams. His experience and established relationships within WYHA, District 3, and Minnesota Hockey provide valuable continuity and support for ongoing initiatives.
Vice President, Girls Hockey – Becky Draper
Becky leads all aspects of the girls hockey program, including player development, coaching, and program culture. Her commitment to collaboration, transparency, and creating meaningful opportunities for female athletes has contributed significantly to the program’s growth and continued success.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful to all candidates who expressed interest in serving WYHA and to our community for participating in the election process. The dedication and passion of our volunteers are what make this association so special.
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating our new board members and executive leaders. We look forward to an exciting season ahead as we continue to provide a positive, development-focused hockey experience for all players and families.
Introducing the Hockey Development Committee
Additionally, we are excited to introduce the Hockey Development Committee, established to provide objective, informed guidance on player and coach development across the association. The committee will review current programming, identify opportunities for improvement, and offer recommendations that support consistent, high-quality experiences for athletes and coaches at all levels. The committee serves in an advisory capacity, offering recommendations that help guide the Board of Directors in making final decisions.
The committee was intentionally composed to reflect the full range of player experiences within WYHA, bringing balanced perspectives from across all levels of participation.
We are grateful to the dedicated volunteers who have agreed to serve in this capacity and look forward to the positive impact their expertise and collaboration will bring to our association. The members of the Hockey Development Committee are listed below.
Brandon Abel
Josh Bertleson
Darin Ciavarella
Ben Cowan
Al Fruland
Chris Harrington
Nate Miller
Joe Motzko
Case Paxton
Derek Romano
Steff Weekly
WYHA Board of Directors