The 2 and 2 Challenge is a national program designed to help youth hockey leaders grow their associations by focusing on acquiring 2 additional players and retaining 2 players that would have otherwise left. The goal of the program is to bring recruiting and retention practices to the forefront of association’s agenda in order to booster growth.

In order to complete the 2 and 2 Challenge, associations must participate in three different events. The first event is called Welcome Back Week, which is oriented around retention. Each association is provided with a list of kids that played last year but haven’t registered yet. Then, they are responsible for coordinating phone calls to each of these families in which the focus is to provide information about registration, invite them back, and emphasize the positive benefits of playing hockey like having fun.

On November 3rd, Try Hockey for Free Day marks the second stage of the program where associations attempt to attract new families to try hockey. USA Hockey provides a multitude of resources including marketing materials and equipment that help facilitate these events. The primary goal is to provide about an hour of ice for new people to try the sport at no cost and with no pressure to register.

The final phase of the 2 and 2 Challenge is to transition the kids who participated on Try Hockey for Free Day into a conversion program. Recommendations for these revolve around starting low cost, low commitment programs that use ADM practice plans and place a large emphasis on fun and skill development! This is where associations have the opportunity to hook new players on the game of hockey and turn them into lifelong members.

Associations that complete all three stages of the 2 and 2 Challenge will be rewarded with national recognition, banners to display at the arena, and sets of starter equipment to be used in future recruiting programs. For a full list of associations participating in the 2 and 2 Challenge and Try Hockey for Free day, click here.

If you and your association are feeling left out because you have missed some of these events already, DON’T! It is never too late to implement these programs and ideas. In fact, many associations hold events like these at various times throughout the season. There is still time for you association to organize an event this year. Send an email to info@minnesotahockey.com and see how you can get started today!