Hockey Day Minnesota Celebrates 20 Years: Reflecting and Advancing Forward
This year marks a significant milestone as Hockey Day Minnesota celebrates its 20th anniversary. The event continues to emphasize the importance of community hockey while encouraging participation among youth across the state.
Skate It Forward Initiative
In honor of this momentous occasion, the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Wild Foundation launched an initiative called Skate It Forward. This program aims to support community hockey, making it more affordable and accessible for new players.
Modeled after successful campaigns like Giving Tuesday, Skate It Forward invites fans to donate, focusing on the sustainability and enrichment of Minnesota’s community hockey programs. The goal is to engage more children in the sport, ensuring that hockey remains a cherished activity in Minnesota.
Community Support and Growth
As noted by organizers, community hockey differs from the privatized, for-profit models seen in other regions. The Minnesota approach emphasizes accessibility, welcoming players from all backgrounds without the burden of hefty expenses. “We can’t take it for granted,” said Petersen. “Our focus is on helping preserve and grow community hockey.”
Grants for Community Hockey Associations
This year, 11 pilot community hockey associations received grants to promote participation. These funds specifically target first-time players under the age of 8 for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The participating associations are:
- Anoka
- Bloomington Jefferson
- Delano
- Langford Park
- Minnesota Sled Hockey
- Mounds View Irondale
- Osseo-Maple Grove
- St. Paul Capitals
- Waseca
- Willmar
- Winona
The impact of Skate It Forward has been noticeable. Anoka’s “Try Hockey For Free” event attracted 200 participants, resulting in a 40-player increase in first-year registrants. Similarly, Minnesota Sled Hockey experienced a remarkable 65% growth, welcoming 28 new players.
Enrollment Highlights
| Association | 2025-26 First-Year Skaters | 2024-25 First-Year Skaters |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington Jefferson | 101 | 78 |
| Delano | 62 | 38 |
| Osseo-Maple Grove | 10 | 8 |
| St. Paul Capitals | 100 | 75 |
| Willmar | 27 | 18 |
Hockey Day Minnesota continues to evolve, and with initiatives like Skate It Forward, the future of community hockey looks promising. The commitment to accessibility and participation underscores the heart of Minnesota’s hockey culture.
