For the 10th straight year, the Used Hockey Equipment Drive will distribute thousands of pieces of donated hockey gear, free of charge, to hockey associations and individuals from across the State of Hockey. From 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 13, thousands of pieces of donated equipment will be distributed free to hockey associations and individuals - first come, first served. 

Players from the Saint Paul Johnson Governors boys’ varsity hockey team will assist at the distribution, helping to ensure a proper fit when individuals select their hockey equipment. The Minnesota Wild, Let’s Play Hockey and Minnesota Hockey partnered for the Used Hockey Equipment Drive.

The Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey Program will have an exclusive opportunity to claim equipment from 9-10 a.m. Minnesota Hockey, in partnership with the Minnesota Wild, launched a new disabled hockey program for players in Minnesota with visual impairments on Sept. 17. The Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey program will kick off its inaugural season with a Try Blind Hockey Event on Sunday, Oct. 21, at HealthEast Sports Center in Woodbury.

“There are a lot of families out there who could really utilize gently used equipment that other families no longer need,” said Bryan Zollman, publisher of Let’s Play Hockey. “Our goal is to help give as many kids as possible the opportunity to play this great sport. The Used Hockey Equipment Drive helps families get involved and stay involved in the game.”

Equipment was donated at drop-off boxes at select arenas and hockey shops from Sept. 6 to Oct. 5. Sponsors and partners for the program, in alphabetical order, include: Berger Transfer, FOX Sports North, Herb Brooks Foundation, KFAN, Let’s Play Hockey, Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association, Minnesota Hockey, Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association, Minnesota Wild, Pure Hockey, Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League and Westwood Sports.