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NUMBER OF 8 & UNDER [8U] PL AYERS IN MN 19,079 13,631 BOYS 5,448 GIRLS INCRE ASE IN GIRL PL AY ERS FROM 2020 - 21 19,079 NUMBER OF 8U PL AY ERS SUITING UP FOR THE 1 S T TIME 7,912 18 MHJ // 2022-2023 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER MINNE S O TA HO C K E Y B R E A K S N AT ION A L & S TAT E R E C OR D F OR 8 & UNDE R P L AY E R S LAST SEASON, Minnesota Hockey established a new record of 8 & Under (8U) players with 19,079. That number marks the first time Minnesota has surpassed the 19,000 8U player mark. The total helped Minnesota Hockey establish a record for total players as well, with 58,666 players of all ages gearing up across the state. The 19,079 8U players includes 13,631 boys and a record 5,4 48 girls and is an increase of 12.2% over 2020-21. As encouraging as the 8U number is, perhaps the most exciting statistic is that Minnesota had its largest number of new 8U players with 7,912 boys and girls suiting up for the first time. " To set a new record for 8 & Under players, especially coming off the challenging pandemic year of 2020-21, is remarkable," said Minnesota Hockey president Steve Oleheiser. "As an organization, it is imperative that we keep the base of our pyramid as wide as possible and provide the opportunity for ever y child to tr y the sport. While we couldn't be more excited to see the growth across the state, we know we have more work to do in welcoming many more families, in particular from the BIPOC community, to Minnesota Hockey." When inviting new players into the game of hockey, an emphasis is placed on attracting boys and girls ages 5 to 8, when the large THE BAR 7,912 12.2% 12.2%