The Edina Girls’ Varsity Hockey team is hosting a game against rival team Minnetonka at the Braemar Arena West Rink on Jan. 10. This game is different from the others—the team has the goal of selling out the rink for the first time ever. The Edina and Minnetonka teams have put together a multitude of special events, one of the most important being a partnership with the non-profit organization Sophie’s Squad.
Sophie’s Squad’s goal is to spread awareness about the mental health of athletes, which is a message that resonates with the Girls’ Hockey team. “(I) chose Sophie’s Squad specifically because I really believe in mental health awareness. They teach about the importance of reaching out when you need help mentally,” JV Team Manager Lindsay Sorem said.
Another important part of the game will be collaboration with the Minnesota Frost, which is Minnesota’s professional women’s hockey team. They will be coming to sign autographs and take pictures before the game to attract more hockey fans.
But one of the main steps the team has taken is removing barriers to accessing sports, especially the cost. Through generous donations from local organizations, the team has made the game free. While entrance is free, there will be many opportunities for donation throughout the game through games and gear sales. All funds raised will be donated to Sophie’s Squad.
The game means something more to long-time team mom Laura Horton. Her two daughters, now in high school, have been in the game since age five. Horton is passionate about girls’ hockey and was devastated after the turnout for the state final last year. “There’s a waiting list for the Boys’ Hockey state final, but the girls usually only sell out about half the rink,” Horton said.
There is a similar theme throughout the regular season, where the Edina Boys’ Hockey team is able to sell out the home rink for games against conference rivals, Braemar’s West Rink, whereas the Girls’ Hockey team has never been able to do so. This has been a big disappointment for the members and families of the team. “Girls’ hockey in the state of Minnesota has grown so much over the past 30 years. The gameplay, and even skating on the technical level has developed so much. We want people to see that,” Horton said.
The idea for the sellout was born shortly following the results of the Class AA Girls Hockey State Championship final round, wherein the Xcel Energy Center was nowhere near full. The team began planning with rival high school Minnetonka almost immediately. Sophie’s Squad and the Frost organizations have also been a part of planning from the early stages. “They’ve been a part of the process since the beginning. Their values align with our vision for the game and for the team,” Horton said.
As the plans for the game grew, so did the meaning. “With a long tradition of hockey in both communities, with some of the largest youth teams in the country, and former players serving as coaches, we knew this moment could be a celebration of the growth of the sport along with a great rival game,” Horton said.
However, the rivalry with Minnetonka begins and ends on the ice. The Minnetonka team has played an integral part in making the celebration possible. They have been involved with planning since the beginning, sharing the desire to grow the Minnetonka Girls’ Hockey team fanbase. “[The Minnetonka Hockey Team has] been working with their athletic director. They’re helping with everything, Sophie’s squad, marketing. They’ve been an important part of the process,” Sorem said.
The growth of the girl’s team doesn’t stop at just this game. “We would love to keep the momentum from the game going, and we hope to grow the fanbase as much as possible,” Horton said.
