BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Sept. 20, 2022 – Two of Minnesota’s top college teams square off in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Faceoff Classic when Minnesota takes on St. Cloud State Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. CT

While last year’s event took place at Ridder Arena, the pair of WCHA foes head off campus this go-around as they drop the puck at the Andover Community Center in Andover, Minn. this season.

St. Cloud State takes on No. 2 nationally ranked Minnesota in the annual benefit game, raising awareness for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth, Minn. The game also showcases women’s college hockey at its highest level to the fans, including young girls, who may aspire to play hockey.

“It is a huge privilege to compete in the Hall of Fame Game against Minnesota,” said St. Cloud State women’s hockey head coach Brian Idalski. “Our team is very excited to have the opportunity to grow the game and expose women’s college hockey to the next generation of players is always special. Our players understand the impact they have on young players and embrace being role models.”

Tom Roddy, girl’s director for the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association, said, “Our girls hockey players along with the entire Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association and Andover community are overwhelmed with excitement to be hosting this game in our home rink. Andover has built a culture of loving the sport of hockey, working hard, and encouraging athletes to reach their highest potential. We look forward to seeing these high-caliber athletes on our ice.”

Connecting some of the best hockey across multiple levels, the WCHA is home to 19 national champions, while the Andover hockey programs recently claimed the Minnesota State High School Class AA title in both boys’ and girls’ hockey in 2022.

“Andover has built a great tradition with our girls hockey program,” said Nick Giacomini, president of the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association. “There are many girls who have goals of playing at the Division I level who will be thrilled to have this game played in their home rink. This will be a great experience for our girls, their families, and the community to witness the hard work, training, and dedication it takes to play at this level of hockey.”

Home to the Andover High School Huskies, the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association, and the Andover Skate School, the ice arena includes team rooms, a referee room, access to the Pro Shop and seating for 1,000.

"Andover is thrilled to host the game," Andover Mayor Sheri Bukkila said. "We are excited to welcome the players, families, and fans to see why our residents are proud to call Andover home. I can't wait to see the game."

Beyond the ice arena, the Andover Community Center features a full sports complex, fieldhouse, indoor track, pro shop, meeting rooms, and the Andover YMCA.

“The Andover Community Center is a beautiful facility that is something we are proud to call our home,” Giacomini said. “We are honored to be selected to host this event in our city. Andover is a strong hockey community and there will be a great deal of excitement and support surrounding this event which truly make this a great day for hockey.”

Two Gophers return to their hometown with the event being held in Andover, in sophomore Peyton Hemp and freshman Madison Kaiser. Kaiser attended Andover from 2018-21, where she was a 2020 MSHSL State Tournament Champion in 2020 and runner-up in 2021. The 2022 WCHA Rookie of the Year, Hemp joined the Gophers after being named All-State, All-Metro, and All-Conference before graduating from Andover in 2021. Hemp and the Huskies made three State Tournament appearances, where she was named 2021 Minnesota Ms. Hockey.

“We are thrilled to once again be playing in the Hall of Fame Game and being a part of this special event,” said Minnesota women’s hockey head coach Brad Frost. “The community of Andover really appreciates their hockey and has done a great job growing girls’ hockey from a grassroots level. Having this game in Andover will be wonderful for us, as well as those who love hockey.”

The teams battle for the Hall of Fame Game Trophy which will be presented to the winning team by Buzz Schneider, 1980 Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum (www.ushockeyhall.com) opened in 1973 with the goal of preserving the rich history of ice hockey in the United States while recognizing the extraordinary contributions of select players, coaches, administrators, officials, and teams.

For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on Twitter and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at the new wcha.com.