Congratulations to Dan Stanton of the Inver Grove Heights Hockey Association (IGHHA) on being named February’s Total Hockey Volunteer of the Month! Stanton is in his third season as the association’s equipment manager and has played a key role in helping the association get more kids involved at the youngest levels.

Stanton, who played hockey in the Inver Grove Heights area when he was growing up, has two Squirt players in the program.  When the previous equipment manager stepped down, he saw it as an opportunity to give back to the game he’s loved for decades by helping provide young players with the equipment they need to get started.

“I wanted to get more kids involved so they can all have the same experience I did,” said Stanton. “I want my kids to play and have success where I grew up. That’s what makes Minnesota hockey so great.”

With as many as 80 sets of equipment, Stanton has his hands full nearly year round. Each spring he brings the equipment to an off-site location where he can inventory, clean and repair it as needed. When hockey starts to pick up in the fall, he hauls it all to the rink so it can be distributed to Mini-Mites, Mites and Squirts for the start of their season. They also use the equipment to give potential new players the opportunity to try hockey. At the end of the year, the whole cycle starts over again.

 “Dan works constantly, whether cleaning, fixing or repairing equipment,” said Gwen Brummond, Peewee Coordinator for IGHHA. “He goes through all of the equipment to make sure it is in good condition and then he helps fit each kid. You can really see how big of an impact he has on the players and parents.”

In addition to handling the starter gear, Stanton also tracks and distributes all of the association’s jerseys and goalie gear.

“My kids getting involved rekindled a fire that I had for the game when I was younger,” emphasized Stanton, who also volunteers as a Squirt coach.  “I just love being at the rink. If I can be at the rink and help, I will do it.”

Minnesota Hockey and Total Hockey would like to thank Dan Stanton for everything he’s done to get more kids playing hockey in Inver Grove Heights!  It is volunteers like Dan across our state who make community hockey in Minnesota so special.

Know a volunteer in your community who is doing an amazing job and deserves to be recognized? Nominate him or her today for the Total Hockey Volunteer of the Month! Each recipient receives a certificate recognizing their hard work and a $100 Total Hockey gift card to use online or in the store.