Minnesota Hockey, in September 2015, posted a list on their website of the “20 Reasons We Love Hockey in Minnesota." The second reason was this:

“We play for our communities. The Minnesota model is unique in this way. We represent our community on the ice and we play with our neighbors, classmates and childhood friends, from Mites through high school.”

DinoMights is a non-profit serving the communities of Central, Powderhorn and Phillips in South Minneapolis and has found a way to bring hockey to neighborhoods facing urban ills including low graduation rates and youth crime.

They are one of the very first groups the Wild worked with from the community front, and the relationship remains strong today as both organizations, along with other partners and supporters, work to ensure all kids get the opportunity to not only play hockey, but learn important life lessons.

The goal of DinoMights, founded by John Foley in 1995, is “developing physical, academic, social and spiritual excellence” to positively impact the lives of inner city youth in Minneapolis.

Foley saw an opportunity, using hockey as the bridge, to provide life lessons and long-term mentoring relationships to children who may have been lacking in this area of support, but just needed someone to take a chance on them.

Beginning with 12 boys on roller blades on the asphalt of Central Park in Minneapolis during the summer of 1995 and then transitioning to skates that winter, DinoMights was born and the program has flourished, serving 360 kids this past year.

Getting on the ice is important, but for the holistic approach of DinoMights, the most important aspect is the relationship with the mentors for every child that participates.

During the DinoMights 20th anniversary fundraiser last fall, the original 12 boys, now 30-something men, told their stories to the gathered audience. Whether or not they still play the game, what stood out was how many of their coaches were still in their lives as grown adults.

“That motivates us here today, every single day,” executive director of DinoMights, Scott Haman said.

Read more at Wild.com.