For over half a decade, Total Hockey has played a key role in the growth of hockey in Minnesota.  In partnership with Minnesota Hockey, they have launched several major initiatives including the Gear Up Minnesota!equipment grant program and the Little Wild Learn to Play program to eliminate the barriers to trying hockey and allow more kids to enjoy our great game. 

This season Total Hockey is taking their support to an even higher level with the First Stride program. For those who haven’t heard of First Stride, the program assists local associations in providing full sets of equipment for try hockey events and helps increase the conversion rate from those events into hockey programs.

"First Stride was developed to provide a means to families who otherwise may not consider trying the sport,” said Total Hockey’s Director of Hockey Development, John Luetkemeyer.  “We believe when we can open our doors with meaningful expertise and equipment, it will open families to the lifelong passion of hockey through wonderful skills, character, and lessons." 

After hosting 12 events in Minnesota this year and several more across the country, it’s safe to say First Stride has proven to be a huge success and should make an impact on growing the game for many years to come.

“The results have been fantastic – 94% of families trying hockey through a First Stride event join the club,” said Luetkemeyer. “[And] 71% of First Stride families say the free equipment was the difference maker for them to try the sport.”

First Stride has also proven to be a great tool for reaching outside the hockey community and engaging families that aren’t familiar with the sport. Feedback from families who have participated in the program shows roughly 40% of First Stride participants are the first hockey player in their extended family.

The program is available to any association within a 30-minute drive of a Total Hockey store. If your club is interested in hosting a First Stride event in 2016, contact John Luetkemeyer at jluetkemeyer@totalhockey.com.