USA Hockey Foundation

As one of the first females in Minnesota to transition from playing hockey with boys to competing in women’s hockey, Winny Brodt Brown knew she wanted to give back to the game when she retired as an elite athlete. “When I got out, I knew I wanted to stay involved,” she said. “At that time girls and women’s hockey was not where it needed to be at the high end in Minnesota.”

Brodt Brown started OS Hockey Training as a hobby in 2004.  She wanted to give girls in her home state the same type of training opportunities the boys had. She saw a need for better ice times, and a way for the girls to keep progressing through a program. “Within OS Hockey Training, there is always something higher to progress to,” said Brodt Brown. “It’s not just a U8 program, there are higher levels that girls can work toward.”

Brodt Brown who lives in Roseville, Minnesota, with her husband, Justin, and her two sons, Weston (2) and Branson (10 months), played for the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1996 until 2006. She represented Team USA in three IIHF World Championships, during which time she learned a great deal about battling adversity. 

“Hockey made me what I am today because of all the ups and downs I experienced,” she said. “I can now help young athletes navigate their way through similar situations.”

OS Hockey Training has between 700-1,000 girls and women in their program each year. “This is not just a camp,” said Brodt Brown of the program she created. It offers both summer and year-long programs with everything from U8 and all the way up to the professional Minnesota Whitecaps team she helped launch.

“My dad always told me to play the game because it’s fun,” said Brodt Brown. “I’m 37 now and it’s still fun, so I am still playing. I try to teach the girls I coach that the memories and friendships they make will last longer; that hockey is bigger than the games.”