The Minnesota Magicians have continued to make a positive impact throughout the Twin Cities metro area in recent months, donating their time and services to local hospitals, schools, and charities.
The magic began with the first annual Magicians’ Teddy Toss benefiting Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on December 20th. Following Mario Bianchi’s first period goal, fans showered the ice with an assortment of teddy bears and other stuffed animals. All told, the Magicians were able to collect and donate over 200 stuffed animals to children in need. Then, as a follow-up to the successful Teddy Toss, players Mario Bianchi, Matt Colford, Thomas Delaney, and mascot Presto took a visit to the Minneapolis campus of the hospital to make an appearance on Star Studio, the inter-hospital television network. The players were featured on the Kid’s Clubhouse program, where they played games, answered questions, and danced with the host of the show known as “The Dude.” The Magicians are scheduled to make their second appearance on Kid’s Clubhouse in mid-March.
When the players aren’t visiting the local hospital, they can usually be found at one of the local elementary schools visiting classrooms or playing floor hockey in physical education classes. To date, the team has visited Richfield STEM, Richfield Dual Language School, Sheridan Hills, and Edinbrook Elementary School. In the classroom, the boys teach the students the importance of healthy choices, the dangers of bullying, and the basics of the game of hockey. Visits usually end with the disbursement of free tickets followed by a swarm of young autograph seekers. By the time the day is over, it’s often difficult to tell whether the players or the students had a better time at school that day.
Most recently, the giving took place inside the rink and on the ice for the first annual Minnesota Magicians Pink Night for Susan G. Komen Minnesota. On February 8th as the Magicians faced off against the Springfield Jr. Blues, the team donned specially made pink jerseys in honor of breast cancer awareness and research. Following the game the jerseys were donated to fans through a live auction, with all proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Minnesota. Total donations exceeded $3,000, making the inaugural event a success that can be built upon for years to come.
While the Magicians inaugural season winds down toward its conclusion, the organization will continue making its presence felt around the local community.
For more information on the Magicians, visit us online at www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter – or call the Magic Line at 612-861-9356.