Edina hockey players are well known across the state for their consistent success on the ice. They’ll soon be known for their efforts under it.
Edina’s Junior Gold A Team, made up of seniors at Edina High School, is participating in the South Metro Polar Plunge. What’s that mean for a group of bruising high school hockey players? It’s gut check time, and the test is braving the freezing water of Burnsville’s Crystal Lake on February 25 for the sake of Special Olympics Minnesota.
“I have never jumped into freezing cold water,” admits Peter McCann, a forward on the Junior Gold A Team. “But I think that knowing it’s all for a good cause will push our team to dive right in. After all, we are hockey players and we are used to the cold.”
Each year, the team participates in a community service project. Last year, players helped senior citizens in Edina by shoveling walks and driveways. “[This year] we thought we could do our part to help other athletes enjoy competing in their sports,” says forward and EHS senior Preston Blanek, who is expecting to plunge with not only teammates, but team coaches, managers and dedicated fans.
The team is aiming to raise $3,000. Readers interested in making donations to the team on behalf of Special Olympics Minnesota are encouraged to do so on their Polar Plunge website.
There, you’ll notice the team’s name is Feel the Sting—fitting for their school’s Hornet mascot, as well the feeling they’ll encounter at Crystal Lake. The Plunge starts at 2:30 p.m.
“The Polar Plunge is a testament to the fact that this team is willing to sacrifice for a good cause,” McCann says, “whether that be for winning hockey games or raising funds for Special Olympics.”
Skate with the Hornets
The Edina High School boys varsity and junior varsity hockey teams will stay above water level for their fourth annual Skate with the Hornets fundraiser February 5. The Hornets are inviting the public to come skate with them at Cornelia Rink and Warming House from 1:30-3:30 p.m., and asking for a donation of a bag of non-perishable food items for the VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) food program. Cash donations will also be accepted. Players will be available for photos and autographs, and snacks and hot chocolates will be available in the warming house.
