Game between St. Thomas and Minnesota State slated for Nov. 9 at Maple Grove Ice Arena
Two of the state’s top women’s college teams will meet in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic, Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. CST, at the Maple Grove Ice Arena in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Minnesota State University will take on University of St. Thomas in the annual benefit game that raises awareness for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth, Minnesota. The contest also will showcase women’s college hockey at its highest level to the fans in attendance including young girls who may aspire to play hockey.
“The city of Maple Grove is honored to host the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic,” said Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson. “It is sure to be an exciting game with two premier teams. These players exemplify the best in the sport and serve as role models for girls either interested in or already playing hockey. We are excited to welcome fans to our ice arena and share the strong foundation hockey has in the community as well as throughout the state. Our role as host helps to shine a light on the sport, encourage players of all ages, abilities and levels, and celebrate the much-loved tradition of hockey in Minnesota.”
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.MGCRIMSON.TICKETLEAP.com/2023. All ticket proceeds will go toward Sophie’s Squad, the nonprofit organization founded in 2021 to improve the mental health of athletes from youth to college by raising awareness of mental health issues and removing the stigma associated with seeking help.
“Sophie’s Squad meets hockey athletes where they spend much of their time – the rink,” said Sonja Olson, Sophie’s Squad director of programs and education. “When we host a Hockey Hits Back event, there is no charge to the athletes or the host, so we rely solely on donations to keep spreading our message. The funds raised at this event will allow us to impact more hockey coaches, players, and fans with our messaging and educational resources.”
The college teams will battle for the Hall of Fame Game Trophy, which will be presented to the winning team by Buzz Schneider, gold medalist, 1980 men’s U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. The postgame on-ice ceremony will also include a check presentation to Sophie’s Squad.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum (www.ushockeyhall.com) opened in 1973 with the goal of preserving the rich history of ice hockey in the United States while recognizing the extraordinary contributions of select players, coaches, administrators, officials and teams.
