Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1543763
PILOT PROGRAM GROWTH Skate It Forward has helped open the door for kids who may not have had the opportunity to try hockey." KENDRA HANSEN, WASECA YOUTH HOCKEY were able to provide more equipment. We expanded our presence at local events and added a recruitment booth at the Farmer's Market. I was also able to buy mini sticks that I hand out when I'm meeting new families, and can say to them, 'come try out hockey, it's 100% free, all you have to do is show up and we'll make sure your kid learns to skate and gets on a team.'" According to West, Anoka's growth didn't come from a single program, but "from a series of connected, low-barrier entry points designed to build confi- dence in both kids and parents." They included community outreach at summer parades, city events and direct outreach to daycares and schools, a Try Hockey for Free event that attracted 200 skaters, introduction into Anoka's 100% free Learn to Skate program that includes free equipment loans and skates and a preseason Mite practice for first-year players to help with the transition. Waseca is another community association that made significant progress due in part to participating in the Skate It Forward initiative. Waseca welcomed 26 first-year, 8U/Mite players this season, compared to 12 first-year players in 2024-25. Waseca introduced two new initiatives in 2025- 26—a "Bring a Friend" promotion, offering a $50 credit toward next season for participants who referred new skaters, and a Family Mentorship Program, pairing experienced hockey families with those new to the sport. "We were over the moon when we were selected," said Kendra Hansen, Waseca Youth Hockey Association's Director of Recruitment. "Skate It Forward has helped open the door for kids who may not have had the opportunity to try hockey. We've also realized that it is supporting families that are already part of our association and have multiple kids interested in playing. These are kids that are growing up in our rink, seeing big brothers and big sisters play. They want to follow in their footsteps and this program has helped us make sure those families can stay with Waseca Hockey." Anoka's first- year player base exploded from 34 to 74, an increase of 118%. PRIMARY RECRUITMENT / EXPANSION STRATEGY 202526 NEW PLAYERS 202425 NEW PLAYERS ASSOCIATION GROWTH % Photos / Contributed by the Associations Anoka 34 74 118% Hosted "Try Hockey For Free" (200 skaters); local events (Farmers Market). Bloomington Jefferson 78 102 31% Advertised in elementary school newsletters across two districts. Delano 38 62 63% Theme nights at the rink (Nerf Night, Neon Night). Langford Park 25 30 20% Pilot participant focusing on low-barrier community entry. MN Sled Hockey 17 28 65% Partnered with Veterans Association; new women/girls program in Duluth. Mounds View - Irondale 86 139 62% Pilot participant focusing on local outreach. Osseo-Maple Grove 8 11 38% Distributed 300 "Hockey is for Me" books to Brooklyn Park first graders. St. Paul Capitals 75 100 33% City-wide billboard campaign. Waseca 12 26 117% 14 of 26 new skaters were girls; "Bring a Friend" & Family Mentorship programs. Willmar 18 27 50% Especially successful in recruiting new female players. Winona 26 29 12% Hosted "Learn to Skate" and "Little Wild" sessions. 18 M H J ON L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 2 6