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USA Hockey Awards Starter Equipment

By Minnesota Hockey, 05/16/13, 11:45AM CDT

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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!

2 and 2 Challenge Equipment Awards for 2012-13 Season

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

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