Sophie’s Squad Hosts Double Header with Minnesota Duluth

Sophie’s Squad traveled north on Saturday, January 11th, to host a Hockey Hits Back night with the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The night featured a doubleheader in which Duluth took on St. Cloud State University in women’s and men’s hockey. Sophie’s Squad has been partnering with Duluth for several years, and it’s always been a great partnership. While Sophie’s Squad conducts most of our events in the Twin Cities area, the organization has deep ties with Duluth due to our co-founder, Gabbie Hughes.

Gabbie Hughes is a champion for mental health awareness and Sophie’s Squad. She played for Minnesota Duluth for five years and was the team’s captain in the 2022-23 season. Hughes was awarded the Hockey Humanitarian Award at Minnesota Duluth in her final season. She has carried that mission to the pros during her two years in Ottawa. While Gabbie is no longer in Duluth, her legacy is still clearly carried on. The head coach of the UMD women’s hockey team, Laura Schuler, spoke about that legacy after the team’s 3-0 victory.

“Obviously, this is such an important cause, and when things are important, they get recognition. We are so proud of Gabbie and so excited to carry that legacy on. Mental health is really important – let’s not hide it, let’s talk about it. The more open we can be about that, the better.”

Senior UMD defender Hanna Baskin echoed those statements and stressed the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being.

“Having Gabbie be so open about mental health and everyone here being so supportive if you are struggling with mental health is something that really inspired me to get involved.” Basking said, “Your mental health is just as important, if not more important, than your physical health.”

Minnesota Duluth’s players, coaches, and institution have been tremendous partners for Sophie’s Squad, and that partnership continues to be vital to the organization’s cause. Before the women’s game, Sophie’s Squad, St. Cloud State University, and UMD showed unity in the cause for mental health awareness with a pre game puck drop. Sophie’s Squad President and Gabbie Hughes’ father, Terry Hughes, dropped the puck.

The two teams also gathered on the ice after the game to pose for a picture with the Sophie’s Squad banner which reminds us all that it’s ok to not be ok. The UMD and St. Cloud men’s teams also showed support, donning our signature Hockey Hits Back shirts. Overall, the doubleheader was another instance of the great partnership between Sophie’s Squad and UMD. You can see pictures from the night below!

Sophie’s Squad ran booths at the game, allowing us to meet with the community face-to-face. We also ran the ever-popular chuck-a-puck fundraiser and had educational materials on mental health awareness available. Fans also had the opportunity to purchase Sophie’s Squad merchandise (the best way to support our mission, stay warm this winter and remind people that it’s ok to not be ok.)

Sophie’s Squad is committed to being a visible and active force in the community. Events like the one held with UMD are vital to that goal. We’re excited to hold events all over Minnesota and the surrounding areas. If you’re interested in seeing us soon, we have a full slate of upcoming events you can view here. We’re excited to see you out and about!