NHL ice hockey franchise the Minnesota Wild has launched a new fan tradition by which the ice sheet at its Xcel Energy Center will include water from local ponds, lakes and rinks.
The new campaign, called ‘This is Our Ice’, will see fans collecting water from local sources around Minnesota to bring to the arena to be filtered and frozen onto the ice.
“Every winter, when our ponds and lakes freeze over, a rebirth happens as we embrace the frozen beauty of our state,” said Wild president Matt Majka.
“Lake bays become our hockey home, and everywhere you turn, kids young and old play pick-up hockey. That’s what This Is Our Ice is all about — inviting fans throughout the State of Hockey to bring a piece of their hometown hockey heritage to our arena.”
A ‘Flood the Rink’ event day will be held on September 16 at the Xcel Energy Center, where supporters have been asked to bring a maximum of three ounces of their local water to contribute to the Wild’s ice rink.
Those who decide to collect local water for their team’s home rink have been encouraged to share a photo of themselves gathering the water on social media using the #OurIce hashtag, explaining why they chose that location.
During the Wild’s season opener on October 14, the pre-game ceremony will highlight the initiative by adding more water from some iconic Minnesota hockey hotbeds. Some of the hometown hockey stories will be shared on the team’s social channels.
“Growing up playing hockey in Minnesota, I felt a sense of camaraderie that I believe is unique to this state,” said Wild forward Zach Parise. “It’s not just hockey players who are a part of the game. It’s every Minnesotan who has picked up a stick. It’s our families, friends and communities. That’s what This Is Our Ice means to me – the feeling that we are all contributing to the legacy of hockey in Minnesota.”
Image: Brood_wich
