USA Hockey has announced that 216 sets of starter hockey equipment have been awarded to 24 youth hockey associations in Minnesota. The equipment grants come in recognition of these associations’ dedication to growing the game of hockey through their participation in and fulfillment of the 2 and 2 Challenge during the 2012-13 season.
The 2 and 2 Challenge is a national program conducted by USA Hockey, in partnership with the NHL, which guides youth hockey administrators through the three key components of growth: retention, acquisition and conversion. Each year associations that finish the 2 and 2 Challenge are rewarded with national recognition, banners for their rink and website, and starter equipment.
“We are excited that 24 youth associations in Minnesota completed the 2 and 2 Challenge,” said Pat Kelleher, USA Hockey Assistant Executive Director, Development. “The sets that USA Hockey will give to these associations will help them continue to grow hockey in their communities.”
As part of the 2 and 2 Challenge, associations must participate in events designed to retain two additional players and acquire two more players each season. The first event is Welcome Back Week which includes a series of phone calls and emails that aid associations in player retention. Try Hockey for Free Days are held in early November and mid to late Winter to assist in acquiring new players, and conversion programs follow the Try Hockey for Free Days to ease the transition for those new players into becoming full-fledged association members.
Associations that carry out each of the national programs to complete the challenge are rewarded by USA Hockey. Youth hockey associations can also capitalize on additional event ideas in order to gain Silver or Gold status which increases the number of equipment sets they are awarded.
For complete details, visit 2and2challenge.com. Then, accept the 2 and 2 Challenge for the 2013-14 season and see how your association reaps the rewards on and off the ice!
Association Name | City | State | Level Achieved | # of Equip Sets |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hallock Youth Hockey | Hallock | MN | Gold | 12 |
Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey Association | Big Lake | MN | Gold | 12 |
Esko Hockey & Skating | Esko | MN | Gold | 12 |
Park Rapids Amateur Hockey Association | Park Rapids | MN | Gold | 12 |
Sartell Youth Hockey | Sartell | MN | Gold | 12 |
Fergus Falls Hockey Association | Fergus Falls | MN | Gold | 12 |
Ely Blue Line Club | Ely | MN | Gold | 12 |
Hibbing-Chisholm Youth Hockey | Hibbing | MN | Gold | 12 |
Bemidji Youth Hockey Association | Cass Lake | MN | Gold | 12 |
Bulldog Hockey Association (St. Peter) | Saint Peter | MN | Gold | 12 |
Sibley Area Youth Hockey Association | Mendota Heights | MN | Gold | 12 |
Two Harbors Youth Hockey | Two Harbors | MN | Gold | 12 |
St. Louis Park Hockey Association | Minneapolis | MN | Gold | 12 |
Osseo/Maple Grove Hockey Association | Maple Grove | MN | Gold | 12 |
Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey Association (ACYHA) | Plymouth | MN | Silver | 8 |
Apple Valley Hockey Association | Apple Valley | MN | Silver | 8 |
Burnsville Hockey Club | Burnsville | MN | Base | 4 |
North St Paul Hockey Association - Polar Arena | North St Paul | MN | Base | 4 |
South Saint Paul Youth Hockey Association | South saint paul | MN | Base | 4 |
White Bear Lake Area Hockey Association | White Bear Lake | MN | Base | 4 |
Willmar Hockey Association | Wilmar | MN | Base | 4 |
Mankato Area Hockey Association | North Mankato | MN | Base | 4 |
Inver Grove Heights | Inver Grove Heights | MN | Base | 4 |
Tartan Area Youth Hockey | St. Paul | MN | Base | 4 |