USA Hockey Introduces 2 & 2 Growth Challenge

The idea of growing hockey on the local level can be daunting. Youth association growth by big numbers happens with small steps.

The number of children between the ages of 4 to 8 playing hockey has been shrinking. Over the last 10 years, acquisition of new players has dropped from 47,752 to 39,212 in 2008-09. To add to the shrinking numbers, 43.1% stop playing hockey by age 9, showing that retention is as important as recruitment.

The 2 & 2 National Challenge is a call to action for local associations. USA Hockey is asking hockey associations to recruit two more players than last year. For example, if an association brought in 22 new 4 to 8 year olds last year, then next year they should aim for 24 players.

The second half of the challenge is to improve the retention of 4 to 8 year olds by two players. If a club retained 30 players from the previous season, next year they should shoot for having 32 hockey players back on the ice.

For more information on the 2 &2 Challenge program click here (pdf).