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Other pilot association highlights included: • Minnesota Sled Hockey: Welcomed 28 first-year Sled players this season, compared to 17 last season. A new team was launched in partnership with the Veteran's Association, along with a new women's and girls' pro- gram in Duluth. • Bloomington Jefferson: Welcomed 102 first-year skaters this year, com- pared to 78 last year. To encourage grow th, the association advertised in elementary school newsletters in both districts. • Delano: Welcomed 62 first-year skat- ers this year, compared to 38 last year. The association hosted several theme nights at the rink to attract new players, such as Nerf Night and Neon Night. • St. Paul Capitals: Welcomed 100 first-year players this year, com- pared to 75 last year. The association appealed to new audiences by pro- moting on billboards across St. Paul. • Willmar: Had 27 first-year skaters this year, compared to 18 last year. The asso- ciation has been especially successful in recruiting new female players. • Winona: Welcomed 29 first-year players, compared to 26 last year. The association hosted a "Learn to Skate" session and the "Little Wild" program. • Mounds View - Irondale: The asso- ciation had 139 first-year players this season, compared to 86 last season. • Osseo-Maple Grove: The initiative was specifically focused on encour- aging more kids in Brooklyn Park to play hockey. This year 11 kids from Brooklyn Park played hockey com- pared to 8 last year. • Langford Park: Welcomed 30 first- year skaters, compared to 25 last season. Skate It Forward on Hockey Day Minnesota This year on Hockey Day Minnesota, community hockey supporters also had the opportunity to contribute to grow- ing the game through a crowd-sourced, fundraising initiative. Not surprisingly, the State of Hockey came through in a big way. Total donations included more than $94,000 from generous community hockey supporters across the state. In addition, TRIA matched all gifts dollar for dollar. That is nearly $200,000 total, which will be invested back into support- ing community hockey associations in Minnesota and trying to get even more kids introduced to the sport. "Hockey Day Minnesota is com- munity hockey 's unofficial holiday in Minnesota." said Snee. "It is the ideal day to raise money for community hockey in Minnesota. Hockey is con- nected to the community in Minnesota like nowhere else. That community spirit for hockey was evident by the widespread generosity that occurred on Hockey Day Minnesota. We are thank- ful to the many Minnesotans that gave on Hockey Day as well as to TRIA for doubling the impact." How Other Associations Can Get Involved West encourages other associations across Minnesota to give it a shot, as his Anoka association did with great success. "What really hit home for me is the community hockey focus," he said. "It's such a unique thing that we have, so we really need to preserve and strengthen it. I really don't see a reason why any associ- ation shouldn't do it. It really engaged us because it's not just a grant. We're trying to get our community excited and partic- ipate in fundraising. I would say to any- one to not be intimidated and get on boa rd a nd celebrate hockey in Minnesota. That's what it's all about." Nearly $200,000 was raised on Hockey Day Minnesota, which will be reinvested back into community hockey. Are you a community hockey association board member interested in learning more about Skate It Forward? Reach out to Skate It Forward at skateitforward@wild.com or learn more at wild.com/skateitforward.