Women's ice hockey Olympian from Waukesha County gives back to girls hockey program

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DELAFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58)- A two-time women's ice hockey Olympian from Waukesha County hopes to encourage young girls to get on the ice. Olympian Brianna Decker created a fund with the USA Hockey Foundation, and on Wednesday, she presented a check to the fund's first recipient.

The Brianna Decker Endowment Fund benefits youth girls hockey. For its first recipient Decker chose the Waukesha County Youth Hockey Association. The Olympian grew up playing on their teams, and now she's passing the torch to girls aspiring to be like her.

Girls lined up waiting to meet and get an autograph from Decker at the Nagawaukee Ice Arena in Delafield. There Decker presented a $2,500 check. The money will help provide hockey program grants to girls ages 10 and under.

The USA Hockey Foundation says the money Decker used to start the fund was a gift from the NHL after she agreed to skate in the NHL All Stars competition.

During the ceremony Decker said she created the fund to grow girls hockey in her hometown, something she holds near and dear to her heart.

"Obviously I wouldn't be where I am today without girls hockey,” said Decker. “I grew up around here and we only had boy's hockey for the most part so I know the game has grown a lot and this is an opportunity for me to grow the game even further.”

The USA Hockey Foundation says they support decker because she is a great role model for girls in ice hockey.

“As Olympians we make sure we're giving back to the community so that we can grow the game," adds Decker.

Decker will be inducted to the Wisconsin Hockey Hall Of Fame on Saturday, September 7.

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