Berger Transfer will place drop-off boxes throughout the Twin Cities at select arenas and hockey shops, beginning August 26 through Monday, Sept. 29. On Saturday, Oct. 4, the equipment will be distributed for free to hockey associations and individuals at Xcel Energy Center from 9 a.m. to noon. Goalie equipment, as well as sticks and helmets, are in the most need.

“After five years, it is truly amazing how the hockey community continues to rally and donate their used hockey equipment to afford other hockey families the opportunity to start their children in the sport, or continue playing this great game,” Let’s Play Hockey publisher Doug Johnson said. “In addition to shin pads, elbow pads, skates, breezers and gloves, a greater need is for sticks, helmets and goalie gear. Hockey families come from all over the state to select this free equipment. Each year, every piece of the thousands of pieces of equipment is given away.”

Drop-off locations this year include: Apple Valley Sports Arena, Bielenberg Sports Arena (Woodbury), Bloomington Ice Garden, Braemar Arena (Edina), Burnsville Ice Center, Delano Sports Arena, Eagan Civic Arena, Hastings Civic Arena, Lakeville Ames Arena, Maple Grove Community Center, Minnetonka Ice Arena, New Hope Ice Arena, Plymouth Ice Center, Polar Arena (North St. Paul), Rogers Activity Center, Schwan Super Rink (at the National Sports Center in Blaine), St. Croix Valley Recreation Center (Stillwater), St. Louis Park Recreation Center, Tartan Arena (Oakdale), Waconia Ice Arena and White Bear Lake Sports Center. Total Hockey in Burnsville, Edina, Maplewood and Minnetonka, One Ten Cycles in Mendota Heights and Westwood Sports in Apple Valley are also drop-off locations.

For more information, please contact Doug Johnson of Let’s Play Hockey at 952.944-0023.