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Women's Olympians Make Big Impact with Equipment Donation

By Minnesota Hockey, 01/29/14, 11:15AM CST

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USA Hockey announced today that each member of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team has made a significant contribution to a youth hockey association by donating sets of OneGoal starter equipment. A total of 300 sets of equipment were delivered to youth hockey associations across the country.

Each player was provided with 12 sets of equipment to donate to the youth hockey association of their choice. The equipment sets includes shin pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, pants, gloves, a helmet with a cage, and a bag.

"The Olympic dream began in many of these local hockey associations for our athletes and they never forget it," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "With the OneGoal program, they have an opportunity to help inspire a new generation of kids, while also saluting the people who helped them chase their Olympic dream."

Four youth hockey associations in Minnesota were lucky enough to receive sets of equipment. Each of the Minnesota natives on the team chose to give back an association in their home state, and Amanda Kessel, who won the Patty Kazmaier Award last year in her junior season at the University of Minnesota, also decided to help an association in Minnesota.

Player Association
Gigi Marvin Warroad Youth Hockey
Anne Schleper DinoMights
Lee Stecklein Roseville Area Youth Hockey Association
Amanda Kessel North Metro Youth Hockey Association

First time Olympian and St. Cloud native, Anne Schleper, explained to USA Hockey why she donated to DinoMights, an inner city youth hockey association in Minneapolis, for which she served as a volunteer and what being able to make the donation meant to her.

"Every time I had the opportunity to volunteer there, I was immediately filled with laughter and joy," she said. "I hope my donation becomes a great blessing to them and can help contribute to the wonderful standards they encourage every single day in their kids.

"Hockey gave me a way and a voice; all these kids need is an opportunity for the same."

There are more than 40,000 OneGoal starter equipment sets being used nationwide to help families get started in hockey without the initial barrier of purchasing equipment. Total Hockey, who is also a crucial partner in Minnesota Hockey's equipment grant program (Gear Up Minnesota!), is a key partner with USA Hockey in the OneGoal equipment initiative.

To learn more about the OneGoal equipment program, click here.

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