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Minnesota Hockey Forms Grow the Game Partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods

By Minnesota Hockey, 04/10/18, 9:00AM CDT

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Partnership Includes Unveiling of New-Look Gear Up Minnesota Equipment Grant Program

St. Paul, MN – April 10, 2018 – Minnesota Hockey today announced a partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods as the official Grow the Game partner of Minnesota Hockey. With the partnership, DICK’S will be the presenting partner of the new-look Gear Up Minnesota equipment grant program aimed at outfitting young hockey players throughout the state, making hockey more affordable for families.

“We believe every boy and girl in Minnesota should be playing hockey,” said Minnesota Hockey President Dave Margenau. “It was clear to us that DICK’S Sporting Goods shared this vision and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board in our mission to provide hockey gear to our associations so we can get more and more youngsters into our amazing hockey culture in Minnesota.”

The Gear Up Minnesota program began during the 2010-11 season and has become one of the most successful programs at increasing the amount of Minnesota’s 8 & Under players, which last year surpassed 18,000 for the first time ever. Over the seven years since Gear Up Minnesota has been implemented, more than 3,000 sets of starter gear have been distributed to over 120 of the 150 Minnesota Hockey community associations.

Gear Up Minnesota will continue to assist community associations in Minnesota by providing gear to new players. However, instead of sets of starter gear (which did not include skates or sticks), associations will now be provided with gift cards to purchase the equipment most needed by the associations. This can include skates, sticks or any other hockey gear they deem necessary.

“At DICK’S, we believe that sports matter and make people better,” said Matt Teske, Community Marketing Manager, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Partnering with Minnesota Hockey to make the game of hockey more accessible to the kids here in Minnesota aligns perfectly with our goal to inspire and enable sports participation. We’re excited to help make hockey more affordable for families across the state.”

Associations will still apply for the Gear Up Minnesota grant by submitting an application that states what growth initiatives they are employing, what equipment is most needed and what the equipment will be used for. The application process will be open from April 10 through June 15. Associations that earn grants will be notified in July and will receive their gift cards in early September. Gift cards can be used to purchase equipment online, or at any of the eight DICK’S Sporting Goods locations in Minnesota.

DICK’S Sporting Goods will also host a Hockey Season Kickoff at all Minnesota locations from Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16. The event will include special guest appearances and all in store or online purchases will be discounted 20%.

To learn more about DICK’S Sporting Goods, visit them on the web at dickssportinggoods.com or visit their social media platforms including FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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