Skate It Forward: TRIA Orthopedics Partners with Minnesota Wild to Support Community Hockey
The Minnesota Wild has partnered with TRIA Orthopedics for the Skate It Forward initiative to support community hockey in Minnesota. This partnership aims to preserve and celebrate community hockey in the state and ensure that the sport remains accessible to as many kids as possible. TRIA Orthopedics will match all contributions made to Skate It Forward on Hockey Day Minnesota 2026, allowing community hockey families and supporters to contribute to the initiative.
The initiative will provide grants to 11 pilot community hockey associations in Minnesota, thanks to the support of TRIA Orthopedics. These associations will receive recruiting grants for first-year players under the age of 8 who register for the 2025-26 season. The goal is to encourage more girls and boys to participate in community hockey across the state.
The NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund has also made a significant contribution to help launch the Skate It Forward initiative. This partnership aims to make hockey more accessible to players across Minnesota and promote the growth of the sport in the state. The initiative is inspired by the "pay it forward" movement and aims to support Minnesota's unique community hockey model.
Community hockey in Minnesota is known for its success and accessibility, with more than 250 indoor arenas and numerous outdoor rinks providing affordable ice time. The core objective of Skate It Forward is to increase community hockey participation in Minnesota by making it easier for first-time players to get involved. The initiative aims to build on the success of community hockey in the state and ensure its continued growth.
TRIA Orthopedics is a part of HealthPartners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being in partnership with its members, patients, and the community. TRIA provides comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine care, offering clinical and surgical services, research, and innovative programs to support the health and strength of the community.
To support Skate It Forward, donations can be made online or by sending a check to the Minnesota Wild Foundation. The foundation will also raise funds through grants, online auctions, events, and charitable gambling to support community hockey in Minnesota. The Minnesota Wild Foundation aims to improve the lives of families in the State of Hockey by supporting pediatric medical causes and youth hockey associations across the state.