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Foundation Events and News

Membership Relief Fund

The USA Hockey Foundation launched the Membership Relief Fund in 2020 to assist families facing financial hardship by covering the cost of their child’s USA Hockey membership. The fund’s goal is to help youth players get back out on the ice so they can continue to play the game they love. Play may have briefly paused, and protocols may have changed due to the global pandemic, but nothing can stop the spirit and compassion of those who love hockey. Donations to the Membership Relief Fund have already and will continue to allow young athletes to be players and fans of the sport!

It is heartwarming to know what a difference our hockey family can make when we all come together to assist those in need. Our lives may have taken a pause from hockey due to the global pandemic, but it also ignited the spirit of helping one another. A sincere thank you to our caring donors who saw the Membership Relief Fund as a way they could help players get back out on the ice to play the game we all love.

Volunteer Spotlight

DON & JUDY MULDER

If you don’t know Don and Judy Mulder, then you have been missing out. Don’s sense of humor compliments the infectious laugh and twinkle in Judy’s eyes. They are a couple you won’t easily forget. It is because of loving people like Don and Judy that make being part of the hockey community special.

Don and Judy currently live in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Having been married for 25 years, they have five children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. They share a love and passion for hockey, not just for the game but for all involved in the sport.

As a kid growing up in Waupun, Wisconsin, Don said there was no organized hockey available. He learned to skate on the Rock River and ponds that flooded throughout the city. He had nephews who played hockey, and while watching them compete, he became hooked on the game. The rest is history.

Don loves that youth hockey programs include the entire family, and the tournament weekends are great as you meet many wonderful people and develop lasting friendships.

For decades, Don has helped increase the number of adult players in the USA Hockey family where he currently serves as the chair of the organization’s Adult Council. He’s also a past president of the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association and was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998, a humbling honor and his favorite hockey memory.

When asked why he gives back to the sport, he said, “Hockey is the greatest game for everyone, from beginner through adult. It can be a lifetime experience that you will enjoy every moment. It’s important to try and give back to the sport, be it financially or with your valuable time through coaching, officiating, volunteering, or administratively. It will come back to you in abundance!“

Judy’s love for the game began in high school. Her school had both a team and a men’s adult full-check team that shared the outdoor ice with casual skaters. The girls would lace up their figure skates and join in skating with the guys. Judy has been interested in hockey and skating ever since.

According to Judy, hockey has made for some great life adventures. While her favorite memories are far too many to list, they include watching the “ice mice” play and enjoying the great game of hockey.

“If you are considering supporting hockey, the sport of hockey is fun, healthy; it builds character, discipline, and so many other important life skills, including it’s an adventure,” added Judy. “Supporting hockey, in any manner, is a solid investment in our future!“

USA Hockey is proud to have this dedicated, passionate, and fun-loving couple share their time and love for the game. Next time you’re in Wisconsin, look them up. You will be glad you did.

2022 Golf Classic


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