Former members of the USA National Hockey Team hit the ice with Gateway Youth Hockey players on Sunday, February 20, thanks to a West Wareham girl. Kindergartener Laura Clement was lucky number 100,000 to register with the USA Hockey's eight-and-under group.

The sign-up earned her youth hockey team 20 bags of equipment and a chance to skate alongside former Olympians Colleen Coyne, Karen Thatcher, and Kacey Bellamy. All three athletes have competed in and were awarded medals in the Olympics. Coyne, a member of America's 1998 gold medal team, is an alumni of Tabor Academy in Marion.

"We are thrilled to come to Gateway," said Kevin Kavanagh, who works for USA Hockey's membership-development team . "We want to reward Gateway [Youth Hockey] for growing the game and getting kids into the rink."

Youth hockey sign-ups have been steadily declining in recent years, Kavanagh noted. But, it's a trend that GYH hockey coach Ben Hathaway hasn't noticed. Currently, GYH boasts 170 youth players. Clement registered with GYH's Learn to Skate program in December after receiving a flyer from school.

"It's great for the program," said Hathaway. "We're really excited."

The Olympians joined Gateway Youth Hockey players at Tabor Academy. In addition to the 20 bags of equipment, USA Hockey will donate money to GYH. Clement was also given an autographed Olympic jersey along with a USA Hockey jersey to wear during practice.