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Hockey is hard enough.

Getting on the ice should be easy.

Inspired by the pay it forward movement, Skate It Forward is a philanthropic initiative of the Minnesota Wild Foundation dedicated to preserving, strengthening, and celebrating community hockey in Minnesota.

Community hockey is the combination of local non-profit community hockey associations, vibrant statewide high school hockey, and municipally operated ice arenas that make hockey much more accessible and affordable in Minnesota compared to anywhere else in the nation.Skate It Forward will reinvest proceeds back into community hockey in Minnesota with the primary objective of encouraging even more kids in Minnesota to play hockey.

Minnesota Community Hockey News

TCS Live Minnesota: Elite Hockey Coaching Conference Debuts in the State of Hockey

Minnesota Wild Foundation Launches Skate It Forward to Strengthen Community Hockey Statewide
SLP Youth 2 (1)
St. Louis Park Youth (2)
mite jamb 104 (2)
hockey without limits 17 (1)
mn wild mite 24 13 (3)
warroad 124 (2)
MPLS spotlight 13 (1)

Community Hockey Builders of the Game

The Minnesota Wild's "Community Hockey Builders of the Game" program presented by Andersen Windows, recognizes dedicated advocates for growing community hockey at the grassroots level within a Skate It Forward Pilot Association. These individuals embody the spirit of the State of Hockey through tireless efforts to make the sport more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all. Through leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment, they help build stronger communities and inspire the next generation of players and fans.

Selected candidates will receive four game tickets, Wild merchandise, in-arena recognition and be featured on the Wild Gives Back social channels.

October's Community Hockey Builder: Kendra Hansen

Association - Waseca Youth Hockey Association

About Kendra - Kendra wears many hats within the Waseca Youth Hockey Association — Squirts Team Coordinator, Recruitment Coordinator, and Grant Manager. Her dedication and hard work have been instrumental in growing the game of hockey in Waseca and making it more accessible for all families. As a hockey mom of four, Kendra’s passion for the sport runs deep. Her tireless efforts, both behind the scenes and in the rink, embody the spirit of Skate It Forward. Thank you, Kendra, for all you do to support our players and families in the State of Hockey!

November's Community Hockey Builder: J.P. West

Association - Anoka Youth Hockey Association

About J.P. - J.P. serves as Anoka’s Recruitment and Retention Director and as the District 10 Representative on the Minnesota Hockey Membership Development and Growth Committee, where he helps drive participation and inclusion at every level of the sport. A three-generation hockey family, the West legacy trace back to his uncle Dennis, who skated in Anoka’s inaugural 1953 season. His own journey began in 1980 in the city’s original “Ice Is Nice” Learn-to-Skate program—now known as the Mini Cyclones Learn-to-Skate, which he oversees today. Under J.P.’s leadership, the Mini Cyclones program is on pace to surpass last year’s record 177 participants, 1st-Year Mites have grown by over 50%, and more than $18,000 in grants have been secured to make Mini Cyclones and first-year Mites free for families.

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