More than a Game

By: Lauren McQuillan

“More Than a Game” was the Hockey Day Minnesota 2023 theme.  White Bear Lake faced off against Stillwater while supporting Sophie’s Squad. Both teams stayed true to the theme of “More than a Game” though the game was for obvious bragging rights, it was clear there was a deeper meaning to this game for both teams.

On a Frigid Saturday morning, in the midst of the biggest hockey event in Minnesota – these two rival teams show support for Sophie’s Squad. Both teams have never played in front of a crowd of this size, with an even larger crowd watching on TV. Regardless of the score, at the end of the day, the two teams rallied together to support Mental Health Awareness.

Teal was the theme across the ice, with referees wearing Teal stickers in support of Sophie’s Squad. Girls put teal stickers on their sticks and lined them with teal tape, some even put the tape on their helmets. Instagram posts from both teams used #TurnOutInTeal and #HockeyHitsBack to show their support for Sophie’s Squad. Throughout the crowd, Sophie’s Squad hats, bracelets, and shirts were worn in support as well.

“I think it gives all of us just another reason to play” explains White Bear Lake 8th Grade Defenseman, Lyla Beck “It just makes everyone aware of how important mental health really is”. Freshman Forward for White Bear Lake, Madelyn Lee says “It’s really just an eye opener to realize anyone can be going through anything, and you just gotta keep positive and keep checking in on your teammates”. Lyla and Madelyn had the pleasure of playing summer hockey with Sophie Weiland, who Sophie’s Squad is named in honor of.

In addition to having a booth at Hockey Day Minnesota, Bally Sports North did a feature on Sophie’s Squad (click to view story). Sophie’s Squad started in 2021, and since then they have hosted many events at the Youth, High School, and even the college level. The support has grown tremendously over the past year and a half, Lyla shares how much the growth of Sophie’s Squad means to her, “It means so much to me that everyday people are being reminded that it’s okay to not be okay and that everyone has mental health and we are all here to support each other.”

The support doesn’t go unnoticed, for many teal tape can be a reminder that you’re never alone. “I think it was a reminder to me and everyone else, that we’re all in this together.” Lyla added, “Although we might not be friends while on the ice, off the ice we all need to remember that you never know what people are going through and we should always be there for each other”.

Sophie’s Squad is a mental health Non-Profit that was formed in 2021 to improve the mental health of athletes from youth to college. Sophie’s Squad works to reduce the Stigma behind mental health while educating athletes, coaches, and parents. At Hockey Day Minnesota, White Bear Lake and Stillwater fought hard on the ice but reminded us that off the ice we are all on the same team when it comes to mental health.

For mental health resources, or to donate/volunteer please visit www.sophiessquad.org

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