From Boardrooms to Blades: Local Companies Lace Up for Veterans Awareness on the Ice

(KNSI) — Two central Minnesota companies have hockey teams taking on veterans to raise awareness about issues facing returning soldiers.

Blattner Company in Avon and Marco Technologies in St. Cloud have sponsored teams to take on the Minnesota Warriors. They are a team of veterans who travel the state to raise money for service organizations.

Marco’s team is a group of players from local recreational leagues, while Blattner’s team is made up of its workers. Blattner Community Relations and Events Planner Kimberly Shoberg admitted to KNSI News the Warriors have an advantage. “They are a skilled, fine-tuned team, and I would have to say our Blattner Company hockey team plays more for fun than for sport. They do get together once in a while, but not that often. And so they’re happy to come and support the Minnesota Warriors that evening.”

The money raised goes right to that team. “The Minnesota Warriors is an ice hockey program that provides recreational and therapeutic experiences to veterans of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded, injured, or otherwise disabled. So it really is a great way for veterans to feel supported and included,” Shoberg said.

The puck drops on the fourth annual Warriors Showcase Saturday, February 17th, at Bernick’s Arena, part of the Scheels Atheltic Complex in Sartell. The first game between Marco and the Warriors is at 4:30 p.m., and the second against Blattner is at 6:30 p.m.

The game is free to attend. The Warriors will have promo items for sale, raffles, chuck-a-puck and door prizes.

Minnesota Wild national anthem singer John DeCausmeaker will lend his pipes for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

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