USA Hockey has announced that 63 youth hockey associations in Minnesota completed the 2 & 2 Challenge during the 2014-15 season, including 56 associations who achieved Gold status.  The 2 & 2 Challenge is a national program that encourages associations to host a series of retention, acquisition and transition programs over the course of the season with the goal of growing youth hockey.

The youth hockey associations in Minnesota have shown an increased interest and dedication to the program, going from 24 successful programs in 2012-13 to 46 last season and now a record setting 63 associations. The combined rewards for this year's associations will total 252 sets of starter equipment and 702 starter sticks.

Minnesota's commitment to growing hockey has resulted in back-to-back seasons of growth at the 8 & Under level and the second highest 8U total ever (16,936 in 2010-11 was the highest). Additionally, the 3,901 girls at the 8U level is the highest total in USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey history. Minnesota again ranks number one among all states with 12,947 8U boys, 3,901 8U girls and 16,848 total 8U players.

“To have 63 youth hockey associations in Minnesota complete the 2 and 2 Challenge is outstanding for our sport in the State of Hockey,” said Glen Andresen, Minnesota Hockey Executive Director.  “It is by far the highest total of associations that have taken on the challenge. The hard work and dedication of the volunteers who organize these events is truly inspiring, and they have set themselves up for growing hockey in their communities for next season and far beyond.”

The 2 and 2 Challenge, which is organized by USA Hockey, is designed to retain two additional players and acquire two more players each season.  During the challenge, associations are required to host a series of events and programs that facilitate the three primary areas of growth: retention, acquisition and conversion.

The first event is Welcome Back Week which includes a series of phone calls and emails that aid associations' player retention efforts. Then, Try Hockey for Free Days are held in early November and late February to assist in acquiring new players. Finally, conversion programs are hosted following the Try Hockey for Free Days to ease the transition for those new players into becoming full-fledged association members.

Associations that host each of these national programs are rewarded by USA Hockey with local and national recognition as well as starter equipment and hockey sticks that can be used to get even more kids involved. Youth hockey associations can also capitalize on additional event ideas in order to gain Silver or Gold status, which increases the amount of equipment they are awarded.

For complete details on the program, visit 2and2challenge.com.   Then, accept the 2 and 2 Challenge for the 2015-16 season and see how your association can reap the rewards on and off the ice!