St. Paul, MN – February 7, 2017 – Minnesota Hockey announced a new collaboration today with Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine that will enhance the hockey training programs for Minnesota athletes. As a leader in sports medicine and performance, Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine will work with the CCM Minnesota Hockey High Performance Tier 1 Fall League and become the official training program of Minnesota Hockey.

The CCM Minnesota Hockey High Performance Tier 1 14 & 15 Leagues were launched in 2016 as an opportunity for the top players from each district or section in Minnesota to train with and compete against the best players in the state. The Tier 1 Leagues feature a comprehensive series of tryouts, skill development sessions and competition weekends that are conducted in accordance with USA Hockey rules.

As a result of this collaboration, Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine will take an active role in several Minnesota Hockey initiatives including youth hockey skill clinics, Let’s Play Hockey Expo, Minnesota Hockey region and state tournaments, and more.

“We are excited to work with Minnesota Hockey,” says Dr. Michael Stuart, co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine. “This outstanding organization has demonstrated its commitment by providing ongoing opportunities that help youth athletes reach their highest potential in the sport of ice hockey.”

Known worldwide for its work in the field, Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine offers technologically advanced training systems and specialized equipment to maximize athletic performance. Its state-of-the-art facilities in Minneapolis and Rochester are designed to serve the needs of individuals of all ages and abilities.

"Minnesota Hockey is fortunate to have the expertise of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine to provide world class athletic training and nutritional education for our members," said Dave Margenau, Minnesota Hockey President.  "We are grateful for this longstanding relationship which includes the development of the Hockey Education Program and now extends to the HP 14/15 Tier 1 Leagues." 

Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center is a global leader in sports and musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation, concussion research, diagnostic and interventional ultrasound, sports performance optimization, and surgical and nonsurgical management of sports-related injuries.

Minnesota Hockey, a USA Hockey affiliate, is the governing body of youth hockey in Minnesota. With over 70,000 registered players and coaches, it is the largest state governing body for hockey in the United States.