FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 9, 2024

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic

Features University of Minnesota and Bemidji State University

Two of Minnesota’s top college teams will square off in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. CST, at the Lakeville Hasse Arena in Lakeville, Minn.

The number two ranked University of Minnesota (4-0-0) will take on Bemidji State University (0-4-0) in the annual benefit game, which raises awareness for the museum located in Eveleth, Minn. The game also showcases women’s NCAA Division I college hockey to the fans, including young girls, who may aspire to play hockey.

“We are honored and thrilled to have two WCHA teams in the Women’s Hall of Fame game,” said Michelle McAteer, commissioner of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

“Lakeville is a passionate hockey community, fully committed to making this event a huge success.. The community has produced many women’s hockey players who have gone on to play college hockey, and I’m excited to see the stands full of people cheering on these two teams. The game features one of the most talented teams in the country, the Minnesota Gophers. They not only feature some of the best players in the league, but also players who will be contending for Olympic roster spots in 2026. The Gophers will be met by a determined squad from Bemidji State who will not be intimidated. The Beavers play a hard-working, disciplined style, and are eager to take advantage of every opportunity to move up the ranks. It will be a fun competitive battle.”

Michelle Roberts, Ice Cats head coach of the Lakeville Hockey Association said, “We are thrilled to host this game in Lakeville and in our home arena. It highlights our commitment to growing the sport and offering female athletes the opportunity to dream big and achieve their athletic goals. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for our female athletic programs to shine, as we have been working hard to grow our community both on and off the ice.”

The teams will battle for the Hall of Fame Game Trophy which will be presented to the winning team by Buzz Schneider, 1980 Men’s Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist.

Gate proceeds will go to the Hendrickson Foundation www.hendricksonfoundation.com whose mission is to grow the game of hockey by making it accessible to all people, despite any challenges they may be living with and creating a stronger and more inclusive State of Hockey.

“It is an honor to be the game’s charity recipient. We are proud to share this with the Lakeville community and everyone who will be packing the stands,” said Danny Hendrickson, executive director of the Hendrickson Foundation. “These proceeds will make a significant impact helping hockey programs in Minnesota for players with disabilities. This will help fund Special, Sled, Blind, Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Warrior Hockey. The game will also attract more players and families to play hockey with the ability to gain friendships and memories. Please help spread the word to future players that hockey is an option to all. Hockey changes lives.”

Additional ticket information and event details will be announced in coming weeks.

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.

Registration for the Fall 2024 Learn to Skate Session opens on Friday, August 16th at 7:00 AM.

Lesson schedule and details can be found on the Fall Session page.

If the registration link below is not showing as enabled, please ensure you are logged into your SportsEngine account.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

INCLUDE ACCESS TO ALL PUBLIC ACTIVITIES

• Good for all Before School Stick & Puck Sessions.
• Good for all  Other Stick & Puck Sessions.
• Good for all Dead Ice Stick and Puck Sessions.
• Good for all Public Open Hockey Sessions.
• Good for all Public Open Skating Sessions.

For additional details, check out the Ice Club Membership Page.

PART-TIME POSITIONS
OPERATIONS LEAD WORKERS - $17.48-$21.20 hr.
OPERATIONS WORKERS - $14.21-$17.92 hr. 
LEARN TO SKATE LEAD INSTRUCTORS - $20.76-$24.47 hr.
LEARN TO SKATE INSTRUCTORS  - $15.30 - $19.01 hr. 

To APPLY go to the City of Lakeville Website to Complete an Application.

Questions - Call Nick Ames @ 952-985-2170

The project is a joint partnership between Lakeville Arenas, the City of Lakeville, Lakeville Youth Hockey, and Heritage Figure Skating Club.

Major Construction of the new refrigerated outdoor pavilion rink at Hasse Arena began is nearly complete and the final landscaping and amenities phase will begin in September.

Quotes for remaining amenities are being gathered in July to determine what can be afforded with the remaining construction funds. Amenities planned or being considered are bleachers, sound system, warming houses, an equipment storage building, final landscaping with gathering area & fire pits, wind screens, player & scorebox radiant heaters, bleacher radiant heaters, studio 3on3 rink, dryland area/building, perimeter fencings, and cameras.  The amenities phase includes warming houses, a patio area, play area, wind screens, bleachers, fencing, and other items.

The facility will open in Nov 2024.

Quotes for remaining amenities are being gathered in July to determine what can be afforded with the remaining construction funds. Amenities planned or being considered are bleachers, sound system, warming houses, an equipment storage building, final landscaping with gathering area & fire pits, wind screens, player & scorebox radiant heaters, bleacher radiant heaters, studio 3on3 rink, dryland area/building, perimeter fencings, and cameras.