EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was supplied to Augsburg by the Herb Brooks Foundation. For more information about the Herb Brooks Foundation, its programs, upcoming events, how to contribute and more, please visit www.herbbrooksfoundation.com. Become a fan of the Herb Brooks Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HerbBrooksFoundation to share the latest news, photos and videos with friends.

By Aaron Paitich

MINNEAPOLIS -- As if the Augsburg College men's hockey team didn't skate enough.

Every Wednesday afternoon, a group of Auggies run over to Matthews Park in South Minneapolis, just six blocks away from campus, to volunteer their time and efforts with the Herb Brooks Foundation's Rink Rat program. In its second year of existence, the Rink Rat program has given hundreds of inner-city children the opportunity to learn how to play hockey in a safe, fun environment at no cost.

Augsburg is returning for its second year at Matthews Park, which hosts the Seward Montessori School's Rink Rats -- one of seven different Rink Rat programs across the Twin Cities. They have bonded quite well.

“We are part of this neighborhood,” assistant coach Bruce Johnson said. “And we are fulfilling the college's mission to serve. It seemed like a natural fit for us and our hockey team to be apart of this.”

When the final bell rings at Seward Montessori, the kids walk over to the warming house, where all of the equipment is provided for them.

Gradually, the rinks fill up with more and more kids, all of different ages, skill sets, abilities and backgrounds – it's truly a melting pot on ice.

Soon you see the Minneapolis Police Athletic League (PAL) joining the fray, playing pick-up games with some of the kids and helping those who are skating for the first time. At the same time, you can find Fox Sports North shooting film for a segment it will air during their Hockey Day Minnesota coverage to promote youth hockey development. Community partnerships cover all ends of the ice.

After the Rink Rats' first year here, Helene Gauthier, community education coordinator at Seward Montessori, chose to renew this program instantly.

“It's the sort of program that you need partners in the community and that's why I chose to work with the Herb Brooks Foundation again,” Gauthier said. “Schools need to have partnerships. The Augsburg players provide great role models and it gives them a chance to give back to the community while meeting and working with new kids. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone.”

Senior captain Chris Johnson -- son of U.S. Olympic women's hockey head coach Mark Johnson, who played for Herb Brooks on the “Miracle On Ice” gold-medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic team, said it's tough for some people to get into hockey because of the barriers it presents, but these kids have a great starting point.

“Hockey in general is tough because it's an expensive sport -- that's the hardest part about it,” Chris Johnson said. “This is the best after-school program I've ever been a part of. There's nothing better than coming outside to play hockey. It's great to see the kids' smiles. They enjoy coming out here and we enjoy being with them.”

Directed by Augsburg alumnae Janet Marvin '86, the Rink Rat program will continue through February as long as the outdoor rinks are maintained. Last year, the weather didn't cooperate all winter, but the Auggies managed to get them some ice time in their home rink. Now, if only they could get out of practice a few minutes earlier to help in the warming house.

“I wish they could get here a little sooner. It's quite a workout tying 30 pairs of skates,” Marvin said.