SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild, Let's Play Hockey and Minnesota Hockey will partner for the seventh year for the annual Used Hockey Equipment Drive across the Twin Cities. Thousands of pieces of donated hockey gear will be distributed to local hockey families and hockey associations from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Xcel Energy Center.
Sponsors and partners for the program, in alphabetical order, include: Berger Transfer, FOX Sports North, Herb Brooks Foundation, Let's Play Hockey, Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association, Minnesota Hockey, Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association, Minnesota Wild, One Ten Cycles, Swannys, Total Hockey, Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League, Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and Westwood Sports.
Berger Transfer will place drop-off boxes throughout the Twin Cities at select arenas and hockey shops starting Monday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 28. From 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, Oct. 3, the equipment will be distributed for free to hockey associations and individuals at Xcel Energy Center. Goalie equipment, as well as sticks and helmets are the most in need.
"After six years, it is truly amazing how the hockey community continues to rally and donate their used hockey equipment to afford other hockey families the opportunity to start their children in the sport, or continue playing this great game," Let's Play Hockey publisher Doug Johnson said. "In addition to shin pads, elbow pads, skates, breezers and gloves, a greater need is for sticks, helmets and goalie gear. Please consider finding gear in your basement or garage that a family can use for their child's enjoyment. Each year, every piece of the thousands of pieces of equipment is given away."
Drop-off locations this year include: Apple Valley Sports Arena, Bielenberg Sports Arena (Woodbury), Bloomington Ice Garden, Braemar Arena (Edina), Burnsville Ice Center, Delano Sports Arena, Eagan Civic Arena, Hastings Civic Arena, Lakeville Ames Arena, Maple Grove Community Center, Minnetonka Ice Arena, New Hope Ice Arena, Plymouth Ice Center, Polar Arena (North St. Paul), Rogers Activity Center, Rosemount Community Center, Schwan Super Rink (Blaine), St. Croix Valley Recreation Center (Stillwater), St. Louis Park Recreation Center, Tartan Arena (Oakdale), Waconia Ice Arena and White Bear Lake Sports Center. Total Hockey in Burnsville, Edina, Maplewood and Minnetonka, One Ten Cycles in Mendota Heights and Westwood Sports in Apple Valley are also drop-off locations.
For more information, contact Kathy Ross, Minnesota Wild, 651-602-5736, or Doug Johnson, Let's Play Hockey, 952-944-0023.