On Sunday, March 1, the Minnesota Wild will hold a Diversified Hockey Celebration during their 4 p.m. game against the St. Louis Blues at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This event aims to highlight and support Minnesota Wild Diversified Hockey programs designed to create inclusive opportunities for athletes with varying abilities across different hockey disciplines.
Programs Emphasizing Inclusion in Hockey
Minnesota Diversified Hockey encompasses several specialized categories including Blind Hockey, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey, Special Hockey, Sled Hockey, and Warrior Hockey. These programs feature unique adaptations that distinguish them from traditional hockey, while ensuring the sport remains accessible to all players regardless of physical or sensory limitations.
Game Features Highlighting Diversified Hockey Participants
The Wild will incorporate multiple honors and activities recognizing the diverse hockey community during the event. Brady Hadfield of Minnesota Blind Hockey will deliver the traditional “Let’s Play Hockey!” call, while Lauren Christie from St. Cloud Blizzard Sled Hockey is set to serve as the game’s Flag Bearer. Joe Meinhardt, president of the Minnesota Warriors St. Cloud Region and a United States Army veteran, will be recognized as the Cub Community Hero. Vietnam War veteran Tom Aydt from the United States Marines will serve as the Guardian of the Game.
An American Sign Language interpreter will provide interpretation during the National Anthem, enhancing accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing fans. During the first intermission, players from Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey will take the ice, followed by Special Hockey players in the second intermission. Additionally, Diversified Hockey participants will take part in pregame activities such as the Fist Bump Tunnel, Bench Buddies, and Zamboni rides.
The Diversified Hockey players will assist with selling game programs and benefit from a $1,500 Minnesota Wild grant to support their individual programs.
Community Engagement Across the Arena
Attendees will find informational booths across the concourse featuring the Minnesota Wild Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey, Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey, Minnesota Warriors Hockey, Minnesota Wild Sled Hockey, and Minnesota Wild Special Hockey programs. Additional representation will come from the Hendrickson Foundation and the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota to further promote inclusivity.
Ticket Information and Ways to Support the Event
Single-game tickets for this event are available through the Grand Casino Arena Box Office, wild.com/tickets, and ticketmaster.com. The Minnesota Wild also offers flexible ticket packages, including Flex, 11-Game, half, and full-season memberships. Group reservations and suite rentals can be arranged by contacting the Wild Ticket Sales Representatives via phone or email. Fans are encouraged to follow @mnwildPR on X and visit the team’s official website for updates, press releases, and additional information about this inclusive celebration.
