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HOME ICE: Augsburg Ice Arena, Billy Lindsay Rink, Tria Rink FOUNDED: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Scott Harman 1995 John Foley FOUNDER: 500 + MEMBERS: M H J ON L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 2 2 18 of STATE HOCKEY DinoMights State of Hockey Spotlight WHY THEY'RE AWESOME In the early 1990s, the Phillips, Powderhorn and Central neighborhoods in Minneapolis were known for gang involvement and low test scores. But John Foley believed those neighborhoods were teeming with bright kids who needed an outlet. The son of a local pastor, Foley knew there had to be something that could help guide those children from their early elementary days through high school. In 1995, he founded DinoMights, which provides opportunities for physical, academic, social and spiritual excellence. Though hockey is a significant fac- tor in reaching a diverse set of youth, relationships are the epitome of what make DinoMights thrive. "I think we've really stayed true to that vision," said Scott Harman, DinoMights Executive Director. "Hockey wasn't necessarily the point. There needed to be something where a relationship could be sustained through the whole journey of school." In its 27 years of existence, DinoMights' unique youth hockey program has impacted countless lives—all while fostering an atmosphere of inclusion. "There's an untapped power in DinoMights to sort of revolutionize all of hockey in Minnesota," Harman said. "I think people are starting to see that. They're asking: 'How can we do better when it comes to diversity in hockey?'" Photos / DinoMights P R E S E N T E D B Y by Elizabeth Boger