Charity Game in Sartell Raises $24K for Wounded Veterans

(KNSI) – More than $24,000 was raised for wounded veterans during a charity hockey game in Central Minnesota. The Warriors Hockey Showcase was held on January 15th at Bernick’s Arena/Scheels Athletic Complex in Sartell. The game featured the Minnesota Warriors taking on Blattner Company’s team in front of more than 400 fans.

The money was raised through free-will offerings at the door, raffle tickets, event activity sales and Blattner Company contributions. More than 40 local companies donated to the event.

The Warriors will use part of the donation to pay for ice time and travel expenses throughout the year. The Warriors play in national tournaments in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Missouri and play regionally throughout the year.

According to a press release, after not being able to play the Showcase in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event meant even more to the Warriors because it’s the largest fundraising event of the year for the Warriors. In the end, the Warriors beat Blattner 5-3.

Submitted by Blattner Company

Jeremy Koelln, who served from 2001-09 with the Minnesota Red Bulls, including a 2005-07 tour in Iraq, ended the night in style at the Showcase. Not only was he the winning goalie, but he also proposed to his girlfriend, Kaci. And even better, she said yes.

The Minnesota Warriors hockey program has about 45 teams across the country. The organization works the USA Hockey’s disabled hockey program. According to the press release, The Warriors’ mission is to provide a therapeutic, recreational and educational opportunity for wounded, injured or otherwise disabled veterans.