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Two Minnesota natives selected as officials for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Q&A MHJ // Minnesota's community hockey model has proven to be the top developer of players, but also officials. Why is MN Hockey's community culture so special? Melissa Doyle // I think there are a few reasons for this. Minnesota Hockey has done a tremendous job of making hockey affordable, fun, and accessible. There is a reason why leagues like WHAM were created—because hockey is now a family sport where anyone at almost any age can play. In addition, Minnesota is very invested into amateur hockey. I've not heard of any other place where games are broadcasted like the MSHSL State Hockey Tournaments are. Lastly, Minnesota, unlike any other state, embraces community hockey. This allows us to have a lot of very competitive games within a reasonable distance. There are also countless numbers of people who volunteer their time developing players to further the sport. Sarah Buckner: I guess just because of how many of us play/ played and enjoy the game. We have a lot of hockey at younger age levels, but we also have adult leagues where people can get started in the game later in life, the level of enjoyment for being at the rink spending time with friends is the same. I think that's pretty cool. M H J ON L I N E . C O M | J A N / F E B 2 0 2 6 12 Photos / Contributed TWO MINNESOTA NATIVES, MELISSA DOYLE AND SARAH BUCKNER, will represent both the State of Hockey and the United States as officials at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan- Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Doyle will serve as a referee, and Buckner will work as a linesperson in the women's tournament. Doyle grew up in White Bear Lake, Minn., and attended Hill-Murray High School. Buckner, a Duluth, Minn., native, graduated from Augsburg University, where she played both hockey and softball. Both women bring impressive officiating resumes, including experience in the PWHL, NCA A , and World Championships. They're now eager to bring that Minnesota-grown experience to the ice in Milan. Melissa Doyle White Bear Lake Sarah Buckner Duluth Good Call By Brooke Pioske