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2 and 2 Challenge Home

A Guide to Drive 8 & Under Participation for Your Local Association

What is the 2 and 2 Challenge?

The 2 and 2 Challenge guides youth hockey leadership through national programs and tools to drive participation at the 4 to 8 age group. By growing hockey at this age group, programs will experience long-term growth as these kids continue to develop.

What is the goal of the 2 and 2 Challenge?

 The blueprint guides youth hockey leadership through national programs and tools to realize their goal of acquiring 2 new players and retaining 2 additional players than the previous season's total in the 8 & under age category. 

By participating in the 2 and 2 Challenge, your program will be accomplishing two things:

  1. You will drive participation in the 8 & under age group and ensure that your program continues to grow as these players graduate to older age levels.
  2. Your association will establish itself not just as the best hockey program locally, but as the best youth sports option in your community!

2 AND 2 CHALLENGE

To complete the 2 and 2 Challenge, participating associations will utilize programs that emphasize the main driving forces of growth - Retention, Acquisition & Conversion.

Retention:  Welcome Back Week -- Sept. 17th - 23rd
Acquisition:  Try Hockey For Free Days -- Nov. 10th & Feb. 23rd
Conversion: Transition Programs -- Begins shortly after your Try Hockey For Free Day


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BRONZE STATUS

If you take advantage of our national programs (Welcome Back Week, national Try Hockey For Free Days and host a Transition Program), your association will be recognized as achieving BRONZE status of the 2 and 2 Challenge!

BRONZE REWARDS:

At the end of the season, associations that achieve Bronze status will be rewarded with the following:

  • National recognition from USA Hockey
  • Banner for display in your rink
  • Receive $100 credit with Pure Hockey. This credit can be used for items that will help your association continue its growth and development.  

Silver Status

Capitalize on the 2 and 2 Challenge and participate in two additional program listed below to achieve SILVER status.

  • Host a Girls’ Hockey Weekend (Oct. 6-7) event (must register through USA Hockey and be 8U focused)
  • Host both National Try Hockey For Free Days (Nov. 10 and Feb. 23); plus one additional event at any point in the season (*must be USA Hockey registered and utilize portal)
  • Create a female-focused initiative within your coed 8 & under program
  • Hold an equipment drive and/or purchase OneGoal equipment

SILVER REWARDS:

  • National recognition from USA Hockey
  • Banner for display in your rink
  • Receive $200 credit with Pure Hockey. This credit can be used for items that will help your association continue its growth and development.  

Gold Status

Achieve Silver status and participate in at least one additional growth initiatives and you'll reach the top of the podium as a GOLD status association!

  • Host a Season Ice Breaker event (season kick-off event)
  • Hold at least two parent meetings for 8U program during season
  • Apply for a growth grant

GOLD REWARDS:

  • National recognition from USA Hockey
  • Banner for display in your rink
  • Receive $250 credit with Pure Hockey. This credit can be used for items that will help your association continue its growth and development.