From Minnesotahockey.org (originally published June 21, 2016)

USA Hockey has announced that 47 youth hockey associations in Minnesota completed the 2 & 2 Challenge during the 2015-16 season and 41 of those associations achieved Gold status.  The 2 & 2 Challenge is a national program that encourages associations to host a series of retention, acquisition and transition programs over the course of the season with the goal of growing youth hockey.

The continued dedication of Minnesota's youth hockey associations to growing the game at youngest levels has led to a third consecutive year of growth and new state and national records at the 8 & Under (8U) level.  The holistic approach taken by 2 & 2 Challenge participants helped Minnesota set a record with 6,918 first time players, while also increasing the number of retained players for the second straight year.

The program has also played a prominent role in supporting associations in their efforts to grow girls’ hockey. There were 14 of this year’s 2 & 2 Challenge participants who hosted an event in coordination with World Girls’ Hockey Weekend and several others organized girls’ specific events. Together, these efforts helped Minnesota set a new Girls 8U record for the second year in a row, surpassing 4,000 girls for the first time ever.

The 2 and 2 Challenge was launched in 2010 by USA Hockey with the goal of assisting associations in retaining two additional players and acquiring two more players each season.  During the challenge, associations are required to host a series of events and programs that facilitate the three primary areas of growth: retention, acquisition and conversion.

For more information, plus a list of the 47 recognized associations, go to minnesotahockey.org.