Andover, Minn. — “It is greater than only a recreation,” Andover seniors Ella Burger and Madison Brown mentioned as they ready to host a psychological well being consciousness recreation in partnership with Sophie’s Squad.
Sophie Weiland dedicated suicide in the summertime of 2021 on the age of 14. The non-profit Sophie’s Squad was based later that 12 months with the aim of “enhancing the psychological well being of youth by means of school athletes by growing consciousness of psychological well being points and eradicating the stigma related to looking for assist.”
The group started internet hosting “Hockey Hits Again” nights, principally at the highschool and school ranges, to unfold the message that there’s at all times hope and there’s at all times assist.
Andover will probably be competing in a giant recreation on Saturday, January 7, in opposition to Proctor/Hermantown, however the primary focus of the sport will not be successful on the ice — it is going to be to boost consciousness of psychological well being and break stigma. About discussions about getting assist.
Teal will probably be current in a number of facets of the sport, from duct tape to ribbons worn in gamers’ hair.
The group’s message was harder for some members of the Andover staff. Ella Borger, together with goalkeeper Courtney Stagman and junior Nora Sawyer, all performed within the Sartell/Soak Rapids space, the place Sophie Weiland lived and performed.
Contribution picture.
“I am from Sarteilles and I used to see her on the rink and see her household. I performed a number of instances together with her older sister and my brother used to play together with her brother,” Buerger mentioned.
“It means so much to me and the opposite ladies on our staff that we’re doing this for Sophie.”
Little ahead Nora Sawyer’s father will throw a festive puck on the recreation. Nora performed a season at Sartell/Sauk Rapids in 2019-20 earlier than shifting to Andover.
Clint Austin/Duluth Information-Tribune
Sophie’s Squad has participated in lots of non-public occasions because the group’s inception and extra not too long ago
Minnesota Duluth ahead Gabe Hughes did a lot to coach the group
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Each Boerger and teammate Madison Brown assume it is nice to see older gamers spreading consciousness concerning the situation, and each hope to proceed to be a part of the motion once they head off to varsity subsequent 12 months. Each skaters are presently dedicated to play Division I subsequent season on the College of St. Thomas.
Each Brown and Buerger have struggled by means of just a few accidents this season and have needed to discover methods to remain mentally robust once they cannot get out on the ice.
Brown broke her collarbone early within the season and has not too long ago been cleared to start skating once more. “You simply wish to assist the staff as a lot as potential, so I simply attempt to keep constructive,” she mentioned.
Boerger has not too long ago had a sprained ankle and likewise needed to discover methods to remain constructive when off the ice.
“It may be onerous to see your teammates and shut buddies doing what you’re keen on, and you may take it without any consideration generally, however it makes you a lot extra grateful to lastly play,” she mentioned.
Contribution picture.
Proctor/Hermantown is among the greatest groups in Class A and they’ll journey to tackle Andover, the most effective groups in Class AA, for the Hockey Hits Again recreation on Saturday, January seventh, at 2 p.m.
All proceeds from the occasion will go to Sophie’s Squad and people coming to the sport are inspired to put on teal to assist the trigger.
To be taught extra about Sophie’s Squad, their mission, and how one can assist the trigger, you’ll be able to go to their web site
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