Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth will meet in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic on Nov. 6 at Isanti County Arena.
Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. CST.
Proceeds from the game will go to Matt Olson, the Isanti, Minn., native, who is recovering from a spinal cord injury he suffered last year while playing junior hockey.
“The fact that we have the ability to raise money for Matt and his family by bringing this game against Bemidji State to Cambridge-Isanti is humbling,” said coach Maura Crowell in a statement. “We couldn’t be more proud to do it. We hope to have a great turnout and raise lots of money for this cause.”
Olson continues his rehabilitation at his parents’ home in Isanti.
“The hockey community has always been a closely-knit group, and this is one more example of hockey people coming together to help one of our own who was injured playing the game we all love,” added Bemidji State coach Jim Scanlan. “Our team is honored to be playing in a game where all the proceeds will go to help a fellow hockey player: Matt Olson.”
This benefit contest will be played in a community hockey arena, the same place where Olson skated as a youngster.
“Every player got her start in youth hockey, so this is a great way to remember where we came from and why we play the game of hockey,” Crowell said. “Our players are role models to little boys and girls who dream of one day playing college hockey, so to have this chance to connect with the Cambridge-Isanti community, in a youth hockey arena, is truly special.”
“Playing in a youth hockey arena setting adds something very special to the experience for our players,” said Scanlan. “The game will do a number of very cool things, including showing all hockey fans in the area how talented our players are and how good our game is. And, more importantly, be an inspiration to all the young hockey players who come out and watch.”
Tickets for the game are $5 for students and $10 for adults and will be available at the arena one hour before game time.
