By Jim Clare, AHAI Vice President of Membership

2 and 2 Challenge: What it is and who reached it in Illinois

The 2 and 2 Challenge is a comprehensive growth program for local associations. The program guides youth hockey leadership through national programs and tools to reach their growth goals of acquiring two new players and retaining two additional players than the previous season’s total. To complete the 2 and 2 Challenge, associations utilize three programs that drive growth – Retention, Acquisition & Conversion 

RETENTION—Welcome Back Week September 19th- 25th

Reaching out with a personal invitation to return to youth hockey is crucial. For this program, associations coordinate phone calls inviting families back to youth hockey.

ACQUISITION—Try Hockey For Free Days November 12th & February 25th

Try Hockey events provide associations the opportunity to attract new families to the rink. Last season, over 26,000 kids were introduced to youth hockey through this program.

CONVERSION—Transition Program

Children that sample youth hockey do not always become new hockey players. A low-cost, low-commitment program to easily transition families from trying hockey to participating in youth hockey programs will significantly increase the likelihood of adding more players. Examples of how this can be achieved is offering a Learn-to-Play program or mixing prospective players into existing beginner programs.

While many associations experienced growth, only Arctic Ice Arena, Bloomington Recreational Hockey, Decatur Youth Hockey Association, Glenview Park District, Leafs Hockey Club and Park District of Oak Park successfully met their 2 and 2 Challenge goals of growing by two for both new and retained players. Congratulations to them all.

To learn more and to accept the 2 and 2 Challenge, visit www.2and2Challenge.com

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