2026 Annual Meeting

Name 

Samantha Kienholz

Email

samantha.schwan@hotmail.com

Phone Number

701-570-7055

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC?

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

Learn to skate/Learn to Play

How many years have you been involved with MCHC?

1 year as coach, 1 year as coach/parent

Short Bio 

My name is Samantha Kienholz, and I am a proud Watford City native, wife, and mother of two. Our son, Kooper, currently plays at the LTS level, where I also assist with coaching and our daughter, Kendall, is eagerly waiting her turn to join us on the ice! Having played for the Oilers from 2004-2011, this program holds a special piece of my heart. I understand firsthand the lasting impact youth hockey can have on young athletes through teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Professionally, I serve as a Purchasing Agent for RTC Networks. My role requires strong organization, attention to detail, collaboration, and clear communication. I believe these skills are foundational to any successful organization.

My goal is to help make this club the very best organization to play for and be a part of – one that develops not only skilled players, but confident, and respectful individuals on and off the ice.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors?

This program played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The friendships, memories, and life lessons I gained through youth hockey are things I still cherish. It would be such a privilege to give back to a program that gave so much to me and to help create the same positive experience for this next generation of players.

What other boards or committee are you on ?

N/A

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

I am especially passionate about the coaching and development side of our program. I believe youth sports play a critical role in preparing kids for real-world interactions – teaching accountability, respect, teamwork, communication, and resilience, ensuring our players are coached in a way that develops not only their skills on the ice, but also their character off the ice.

I also believe strong, consistent communication between the board and our coaches is essential. Coaches should feel supported, valued, and equipped with resources, material, and knowledge needed to guide our players effectively. By strengthening that line of communication and support, we can create a positive, development-focused environment for everyone involved.

Name 

Kris Johnsrud

Email

kdongsrud@hotmail.com

Phone Number

701-770-3422

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC?

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

8U

Squirts

How many years have you been involved with MCHC?

20

Short Bio 

I was born and raised in Watford City and played hockey from an early age until I graduated. During that time, I got to see the transition from playing outdoor hockey to our first indoor building at the old fairgrounds. As I was going to college, I stayed connected to hockey working at the VFW arena in Bismarck in which I got to be a part of all age levels of hockey and Bobcat hockey games. Since that time, I have been working in the gas processing operations for 22 years and currently have 15 years with ONEOK, which is 10 years in management.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

I would like to be a part of building a culture for the long-term success of the club. The Vision and Standards should be clearly defined by the board and everyone held accountable to that, along with each committee with clear Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations so we are structured and organized. Along with that we need to have better communication to all club members on a continued basis to keep them informed and up to date, setup a system that informs people of the basics in hockey as this is important for new families to the club from equipment to understanding the game, Allow people to bring ideas no matter who you are so we can make the best decisions for the club, Support our Hockey Director set a clear alignment that supports a good working relationship, High focus on recruitment to continue to grow our club, Setup a recognition/nomination program to show respect for people that help out in our club along with highlighting kids in our club for achievements not only in hockey but other accomplish

What other boards or committee are you on  

None

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

The Culture. Improved communication, be open minded by allowing respectful challenges and find common ground to help make the whole club successful for the kids.

Name 

Sam Thompson

Email

Heartridgetrucking@gmail.com

Phone Number

7013001563

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

8U

Other:

Figure skating

How many years have you been involved with MCHC?

11

Short Bio 

I moved to Watford City in 2012 with my wife, Georgea, and my son Kyle from Pendleton, Oregon. I became involved in the local hockey program in 2015 when Kyle began playing. At that time, my involvement started simply from the love of watching my son play hockey and supporting the program.

In 2018, I ran for a position on the board but was unsuccessful. However, when Kathy Skarda later resigned, I was given the opportunity to step in and serve as her replacement. I’ve appreciated the chance to contribute to the program and help support youth hockey in our community.

My son Heston currently plays at the 8U level, and my daughter participates in the Teddy Bear program. Seeing my kids enjoy the game and being part of the hockey community continues to motivate my involvement.

Outside of hockey, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and just about anything outdoors. I have been employed with Badlands Energy Services for the past three years.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors ?

I would like a voice at the table that would represent the masses to help grow everyone in the hockey program. I feel like concerns are often falling on deaf ears and letting local politics get in the way with the current board.

What other boards or committee are you on  

currently none.

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

Communication. Specifically "everyone's voice" needs to be heard.

Name 

Jacob Ralph

Email

Jacobtralph@icloud.com

Phone Number

7016094044

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

Bantam

19U

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

16

Short Bio 

I am originally from Roseau Minnesota , where hockey is a way of life. I learned how to skate before I could even walk, and growing up in that environment meant hockey was embedded in daily life for kids at a very young age. That strong foundation is a big reason why players from the area are able to compete at such a high level.

During my high school years, I also played competitive soccer in Georgia. I played elite club soccer while attending a 5A high school, which gave me experience competing in a highly competitive athletic environment and helped shape my understanding of teamwork, discipline, and player development.

In addition to playing sports, I have also been actively involved in coaching. I coached my oldest child’s soccer team while living in Watford City and have coached at both the Peewee for the Oilers and Bantam AAA hockey. Coaching has always been about helping kids develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

In 2018, I helped start the ND Black Knights in Watford City. Our team found great success, taking first place in every tournament we competed in that season. More importantly, the experience reinforced the value of building a strong team culture and focusing on player development.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

My goal is to focus on the development of the children, which is the reason this club was originally created. Right now, it seems that much of the focus has shifted toward building the reputation of the club itself rather than developing the players within it. I believe the priority should always be the kids.

We should be working to help every child grow—both on and off the ice. When coaches and leadership focus on teaching, encouraging, and developing each player, success for the club will naturally follow. Strong clubs are built by developing strong players and strong character.

It is important that we return to the original purpose of youth sports: helping kids become the best version of themselves, learning teamwork, discipline, and respect. If we focus on supporting and developing the kids first, the success of the club will come as a result of that commitment.

What other boards or committee are you on  

N/A

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

One area of the MCHC program that I am especially passionate about strengthening is the focus on coaching and player development. Youth hockey should always be centered around helping kids grow—not just as players, but as individuals. Strong coaching plays a critical role in creating an environment where players feel supported, challenged, and motivated to improve.

I believe that when coaches focus on teaching skills, teamwork, and hockey IQ, the success of the program naturally follows. It is important that every player is given the opportunity to develop their abilities, build confidence, and learn the value of working together as a team. When young athletes feel encouraged and guided in a positive way, they are more likely to stay engaged in the sport and reach their full potential.

By continuing to strengthen coaching standards and prioritizing player development, the MCHC program can ensure that every child has a positive experience in hockey while also building a strong foundation for the future of the club.

Name 

Andrew Grace

Email

drewgrace20@yahoo.com

Phone Number

9126605649

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

Peewee

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

7

Short Bio 

I spend the majority of my time at the hockey rink, working on 4-H projects, or wherever my family happens to be causing a little chaos. We moved to Watford City in 2019, and I’ve been learning the ins and outs of hockey ever since — coaching and staying involved with the hockey club along the way. My wife, Kayla, and I have four kids: one currently playing hockey, one starting this year, and another just counting down the days until they’re old enough to join, so the rink has basically become our second home. Hockey keeps us competitive, 4-H keeps us curious, and family keeps life loud in the best way. When I’m not at the rink or on the ice, I’m probably still talking about it.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

I’m running for the MCHC Board of Directors because service and leadership have always been central to who I am. My military background taught me discipline, accountability, and the importance of putting the mission and the team first. Through coaching, I’ve also seen firsthand how mentorship, structure, and support can help people reach their full potential.

I want to bring those experiences to the board—helping guide decisions, support the organization’s mission, and ensure we continue building opportunities and strong programs for the community we serve. For me, this is another way to continue serving and helping others succeed.

What other boards or committee are you on  

None

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

One area I am especially passionate about strengthening within the MCHC program is mentorship and leadership development. With my background in both the military and coaching, I have seen how strong mentorship and structured guidance can positively shape individuals and help them reach their full potential. I believe continuing to build programs that encourage mentorship, teamwork, and personal growth will strengthen our community and create lasting opportunities for those we serve. I would be committed to supporting initiatives that expand these opportunities and ensure participants have the guidance and support they need to succeed.

Name 

Courtney Stone

Email

courtney.stone2790@gmail.com

Phone Number

720-849-0716

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

Learn to skate/Learn to Play

Peewee

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

6+

Short Bio 

A little about me: My family moved to Watford City in 2015 from Colorado, like many others, for work. We quickly fell in love with the community and officially made it our home in 2019 when we purchased a house in Arnegard.

In 2020, we signed our oldest up for Try Hockey for Free, and that’s where our hockey journey began. Today, we have a Peewee player and another child participating in the Learn to Skate program.

Over the past two summers, I have taken initiative in helping develop and expand summer hockey opportunities in western North Dakota through collaboration with Northland Hockey, with a focus on keeping players on the ice during the offseason and supporting their continued growth in the game they love.

We’ve truly come to love not only the sport of hockey, but also the sense of family and the lasting friendships that are built through the club. The McKenzie County Hockey Club is the main reason we stayed when our company decided to pull out of North Dakota.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

I am interested in running for the board because, as someone who has been involved from the outside looking in, I see an opportunity to bring a stronger focus back to what truly matters—the kids. I believe our program benefits most when decisions are made with player development and experience at the club, rather than getting caught up in politics.

I want to be a voice that represents the players and families, helping ensure that every child has a positive, supportive, and rewarding experience in hockey. I am especially interested in exploring ways to further develop our players both on and off the ice, while also strengthening community involvement and support for the program.

I am also passionate about finding ways to increase participation and retain more players in our program. It was difficult to see the Learn to Skate program drop from around 60 kids at the start of the season to about 30 by the end. I would like to better understand why we are losing participants and identify solutions to keep kids engaged.

By building stronger connections between families, coaches, and the community, I believe we can continue to grow a program that not only develops skilled athletes, but also builds character, teamwork, and lasting relationships.

What other boards or committee are you on  

NA

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

One idea I am interested in exploring is the development of a house league option for families who want their children to play but may be limited by the financial demands of travel hockey. Through conversations within the community, I have heard from several families whose children are interested in hockey but are unable to participate due to cost, particularly travel expenses.

I believe there is an opportunity to create more accessible pathways into the sport, ensuring that any child who wants to play has the chance to be involved.

Name 

Britnee Sveet

Email

britnee.sveet@outlook.com

Phone Number

7014216718

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

Squirts

12U Girls

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

10+ years

Short Bio 

Hi I’m Britnee

Full time hockey mom, part-time chauffeur, and an unofficial team coordinator.

Over the past several seasons, I’ve been actively involved as a team mom helping organize fundraisers, coordinate team activities, and support our players, families, and coaches however I can.

Hockey has become a huge part of our family’s life, and I truly love being part of the chaos that comes with it. I enjoy bringing people together, keeping things organized (or at least trying to), and helping create a fun, positive experience for everyone involved.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

I want to run for the hockey board because I truly believe youth sports should be a place where kids feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow not just as players, but as individuals. I’ve seen firsthand how much this sport can shape a child’s confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories.

I’ve experienced just how much these moments matter, not only for my own kids, but for every player stepping on the ice.

I want to help ensure our program continues to focus on development, teamwork, and creating a positive environment where every player feels included, supported, and proud to be part of our hockey community.

What other boards or committee are you on  

None

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

One area I’m especially passionate about strengthening is creating a consistently positive and supportive environment for all players. I believe every child should feel encouraged, included, and excited to come to the rink, regardless of skill level. Not every player develops at the same pace, but every kid deserves to feel like they belong. I want to help foster a culture where all players are supported, confident, and proud to be part of the team, while ensuring their experience remains meaningful.

I also believe strong, transparent communication between the board and families is essential. As a board member, I would prioritize clear, consistent communication to build trust, keep families informed, and help ensure the program runs as smoothly as it can for everyone involved.

Name 

Cody Knetzger

Email

Knetzger.cody@gmail.com

Phone Number

4064800390

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

8U

Squirts

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

7 years as a parent.

Short Bio 

I grew up on a ranch approximately 30 miles southwest of Watford City. My wife, Annie, and I are raising three sons, two of whom are currently involved in programs with MCHC. While I didn’t have the opportunity to play hockey growing up, I’ve developed a strong appreciation and love for the sport through my children’s involvement. Being part of their hockey journey has been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to experience firsthand the positive impact the sport and the hockey community can have on young athletes and families.

We continue to farm a small number of acres, and I also work in the oilfield. The farm is especially important to me, as I want my children to have the opportunity to experience the value of hard work and the strong principles that come with a rural upbringing. I’ve been employed by ExxonMobil for nearly 16 years and have held several positions throughout my career, each contributing to my professional growth and development within the company. I currently serve in a leadership role where some of my responsibilities include setting clear standards, creating clarity, inspiring and motivating others, and competing to win.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

I am interested in helping strengthen the structure and effectiveness of the Board of Directors. I firmly believe that great leadership provides the foundation for a strong program and ensures continued growth and success for our athletes, families, and community.

What other boards or committee are you on  

North Dakota Farm Bureau

McKenzie County Rural Water

McKenzie County Planning & Zoning (chairman)

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

If given the opportunity to serve on the MCHC Board of Directors, I would focus on accountability, communication, and transparency as key drivers of a strong and effective program.

Name 

Collin Bell

Email

bellc1984@hotmail.com

Phone Number

9072325130

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

If yes, What age groups 

Peewee

Bantam

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

6

Short Bio 

My name is Collin Bell. My wife, Lindsay, and our three sons—Jameson, Jaxson, and Jace—relocated here from Alaska in 2018. By 2019, our family had developed a deep connection to hockey, initially through our boys’ growing passion for the sport, which quickly became a shared enthusiasm for all of us.

Through this experience, I have come to value the core principles that hockey promotes—teamwork, structure, discipline, and the importance of enjoying the process. These values have made the sport an integral part of our family’s life.

Since moving here, I have been employed with ConocoPhillips. What we initially anticipated to be a one-year stay has turned into something much more meaningful. Our appreciation for the community and the role hockey has played in our lives led us to put down roots, and we are proud to call this place home.

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

I’m running for the Board of Directors of the McKenzie County Hockey Club because I care deeply about the role hockey plays in our community. It’s more than just a sport here—it builds discipline, teamwork, and confidence in our players, and brings families together.

I want to help ensure that MCHC continues to grow in a way that keeps the focus on player development, accessibility, and a positive experience for every athlete. That includes supporting coaches, improving communication with families, and making sure our programs are well-organized and sustainable.

I’m also motivated to give back to a program that has had a meaningful impact on local kids and families. Serving on the board is a way for me to contribute my time, ideas, and energy to help strengthen the club now and into the future.

Ultimately, I’m running because I believe in what MCHC stands for, and I want to be part of helping it continue to thrive.

What other boards or committee are you on  

None

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

*Transparency within the club

*Team building

*Advocating for families

*Coaching collaboration for unseasoned coaches

*Strengthening skill set

Name 

Tim Schmidt

Email

tschmidt002@gmail.com

Phone Number

5097100724

Are you a current MCHC member?

Yes

Do you have children in MCHC

No

If yes, What age groups 

Other:

No kids in organization yet

How many years have you been involved with MCHC

2

Short Bio 

Assistant coach on peewee B in 24-25 season. Head coach to bantam A 25-26 season. Started playing hockey at 6 years old and played 3 years of junior hockey. 

Why are you running for MCHC Board of Directors 

My son is will be 3 this year. Want to get my name in the organization more for when he is ready to lace them up.

What other boards or committee are you on  

None

Please highlight one specific topic related to he MCHC program that you are passionate about strengthening or making better 

Creating a stress free environment for kids and parents to be able to enjoy coming back to the organization year after year.