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08 MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // MARCH.2014 Goals for Goals The Buffalo Youth Hockey Association came up with a new incentive for their play- ers to score goals. Sure, the personal satis- faction is nice and you're helping your team on the scoreboard. But 12U girls' head coach Bob Driver came up with another reason – using the players' goals to raise money for a worthy cause. The players started by recruiting sponsors. Then, those sponsors donated $1 for every goal scored in the 2013-14 season. The only ques- tion was, who to donate the money to. "We started thinking, how can we give back to others playing this sport in a differ- ent way," said Driver. "The team wanted to do something for a group that loved hockey as much as they did." The 11-girl team mulled over options and selected the Minnesota Junior Wild Sled Hockey team for their fundraising efforts. Based in Richfield, the Junior Wild consists of competitive youth players with a physical disability. The Bison tallied 69 goals through February, bringing in $1,200 from the two to three sponsors each player had. An addi- tional $825 was raised during a Saturday full of North Branch boys' and girls' varsity and junior varsity games. Driver expects the team will donate more than $2,200 when the season is all said and done. "It's been such a great experience for our kids and it's teaching them a valuable lesson about a sport they love," said Driver. "So often parents and players focus on their own development and what hockey will do for them, and less on what we can do for others in the sport.` "Our motto was 'helping players one goal at a time' and it's a perspective the girls didn't lose all season, and one I think they will keep beyond hockey." Happy Meal The Lakeville Hockey Association took ini- tiative to help struggling local families. This year, the Peewees and 12U teams raised money and collected supplies for the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis. "Every year we do something, but this year I wanted to do something that would really hit home for the kids," said Linda Freemark, who helped organize the fundraiser. "The Ronald McDonald House is perfect, with kids helping kids and their families." Together the teams raised $300.55 in cash donations, on top of 438 pounds of food and supplies. Bringing the 50 fully stuffed bags to the shelter is when reality set in for the players. ROB LAPLANTE – WRIGHT COUNTY JOURNAL-PRESS SPORTS EDITOR; REST OF PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ASSOCIATIONS State of aSSiStS Hockey Associations Give Back To Their Communities BY JESSI PIERCE sk any player, coach or parent, and they will easily tell you that there is more to hockey than the action on the ice. Away from the faceoff circles and goal creases, teamwork still thrives. Associations across the state embrace the Minnesota Hockey way, lending a help- ing hand when needed. These four associations are just some of the many shining examples of the community outreach we see from our fellow hockey families. They score for their team and their community. Share how your association gives back with us at @MNHockeyJournal and @MinnHockey Association: Buffalo Youth Hockey Association Founded: 1973 District 5 Number of Players: 328 Notable Alums: Julie Otto, member of first University of Minnesota women's team; Jackie MacMillan, member of first University of Wisconsin women's team; Joey Martin, University of Minnesota 2002 and 2003 national championship teams; David Marshall, AHL's Utica Comets. Association: Lakeville Hockey Association Founded: 1970s District 8 Number of Players: 850 Notable Alums: Jordan Schroeder, Vancouver Canucks; Justin Kloos, University of Minnesota; Brady Skjei, University of Minnesota; Aaron and Justin Crandall, University of Minnesota-Duluth. A