It was a glorious day to celebrate the 16th Annual Herb Brooks Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, July 25 at Victory Links Golf Course in Blaine. With a full field of avid golfers and supporters of youth hockey, the day was a monumental success as the proceeds generated from the event goes toward funding Herb Brooks Foundation (HBF) youth outreach programs throughout the year.
HBF programs include introductory “learn to skate” and “learn to play hockey” clinics throughout the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. HBF clinics are offered free of charge to the participating kids which removes one of the key barriers of participation for young people who lack traditional access to the sport.
In attendance were several former 1980 Olympians, current NHL players, major Division I college coaches and staffs, several local college players, and countless supporters from the corporate community who believe in the mission of the HBF while supporting the idea of “growing the game for kids” just the way Herbie envisioned.
Duane Koepp receives Herb Brooks Youth Hockey Hall of Fame Award
A longtime youth hockey coach in St. Cloud received the Herb Brooks Youth Hockey Hall of Fame Award after the Herb Brooks Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, July 25.
Duane Koepp has been a coach for the St. Cloud Youth Hockey Association since 1976. The association came into existence in 1974.
Koepp has spent the last 25 years as the lead coach for the junior mite program, which is for players ages 5-6. That is the first age group for youth hockey players and includes a lot of beginning skating instruction.
Koepp "has not only helped all of those players, but coaches like myself, learn how to play, work and have fun in the game," SCYHA coach and The Rink Live's Mick Hatten said in introducing Koepp. "When he's talking to junior mites in a large group or one-on-one, he gets down on one knee so that he's talking to them at their level.
winners from the team competition and skill shots
Team Scramble Results – Top 3 Teams:
1st Place – Team Brodt – Vic Brodt, Kyle Brodt, Justin Brown & Ethan Prow – 56 (-15)
2nd Place – Team Miracle 1980 – Buzz Schneider, Dave Christian, Patrick Klinger & Dustin Parker- 57 (-14)
3rd Place – Team Arrowood/Carolina – Kevin, Marc, Poppy & Noah Arrowood with Mimi – 59 (-12)
Flag/Skill/Proximity Results:
3rd Hole – Scheels Closest to the Pin in 2 shots – Kyle Brodt
8th Hole – RBC Wealth Management Closest to the Pin – Tom Betti
9th Hole – Old National Bank Longest Putt – Mark Gherity
12th Hole – RJM Construction Women’s Long Drive – Julie (Yeazle) Cherney
16th Hole – RJM Construction Men’s Long Drive – Bryce Brodzinski
17th Hole – Da Beauty League Closest to the Pin – Bob Kowalski
Skins Winners:
Team Let’s Play Hockey – Bryan Zollman, Mark Bahr, Eric Workman & Cari Wahlgren – Eagle - Hole #14
Team UMD Bulldogs – Nick Swaney, Hunter Miska, Will Francis & Nick McCloskey – Eagle - Hole #5
If you are interested in contributing to the success of the HBF, please go to our donate page to make a contribution. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
https://www.herbbrooksfoundation.com/donate
Follow the HBF on social media for the latest news and information.
Thank you to all NSC and Victory Links staff, volunteers and supporters of the HBF who help to make the annual golf fundraiser such a huge success. Also many thanks go out to everyone associated with the HBF who continue to pass on the life and legacy of America’s Coach, the late, great Herb Brooks to future generations.
#GrowingtheGameforKids
