NHL Pros Play in Golf Tournament to Support Hockey Day MN in Brainerd | Lakeland News

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NHL professionals, along with men's and women's hockey players from the University of Minnesota, gathered at Madden's Golf Course on Gull Lake for the inaugural PNC Hockey Day Minnesota Classic Tournament. This event was organized by the Brainerd Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Committee to promote one of the region's most anticipated upcoming events while raising funds and expanding opportunities for local youth hockey programs. Notable attendees included Chicago Blackhawks player Cole Smith, a former resident of Brainerd, and NHL veteran Nate Prosser, who joined numerous other community members in supporting the cause on this dedicated afternoon. The tournament served as both a fundraiser and a celebration of community spirit, with participants enjoying eighteen holes at the Classic course alongside full access to practice facilities. Local business owners, alumni, high school students, and fans attended to show their support for Hockey Day Minnesota 2027, creating an atmosphere filled with cheering teams and positive interactions. Long-time supporters expressed amazement at how each community effort seems to surpass the previous one, noting that seeing college and professional players return to help build excitement means a great deal to everyone involved in strengthening local hockey culture. The primary goal of this initiative is to raise between two and three million dollars for Hockey Day Minnesota 2027, aiming to solidify the Brainerd Lakes area as a year-round destination within the state of hockey. Committee members emphasize that beyond economic impact and unforgettable experiences, the core mission focuses on ensuring children have access to hockey within their own communities by securing strong community backing. By educating residents about how this massive event will positively influence the local economy and social fabric, organizers hope to foster lasting pride and engagement among all participants. In addition to the main proceedings, a special moment occurred when incoming University of Minnesota freshman Brooks Cullen achieved a hole-in-one on the second hole during his participation in the tournament, although it was not captured by news cameras due to unfortunate timing. The event ultimately succeeded in bringing together diverse groups—from professional athletes to local students—to celebrate their shared love for hockey and prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration next year. Through these collaborative efforts, the community is taking significant steps toward realizing a vision that combines sports excellence with deep-rooted regional identity and economic growth.

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NHL players, University of Minnesota men's and women's hockey players, and many more took part in the inaugural PNC Hockey Day Minnesota Classic Tournament this afternoon at Madden's on Gull Lake's classic course. The tournament's mission is to support Hockey Day Minnesota 2027, while also help expand local youth opportunities. Reporter Miles Walker has the story. >> The Brainerd Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Committee brought the likes of Chicago Blackhawk and Brainerd alum Cole Smith, former NHL player Nate Prosser, and plenty more together for an afternoon dedicated to promoting one of the Brainerd Lakes area's biggest upcoming events. >> Super excited to be a part of it. The way the the town shows out and that kind of thing. It's awesome. And so, to be a part of a little part of it just today to help be a fundraiser for it and hopefully put on a great event here in in Brainerd. It's going to be awesome and, you know, really means a lot to have some college guys, pro guys that have been here, um, played in Minnesota hockey to come out and support. >> Brainerd Lakes area business owners, alums, high school students, and many more also stopped by to help support Hockey Day Minnesota's cause. >> I've been a part of every Hockey Day. Going The first one was back in 2007 up on Baudette Bay and and I've been a part of every single one in some way. What amazes me is is this kind of stuff. Every community seems to outdo the previous. >> And those helping support the Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Committee's efforts got to do so at one of the Brainerd Lakes area's more well-known golf courses, enjoying 18 holes at the Classic as well as full access to the practice facility. >> You know, we've been watching people come by. We got set up with the swag wagon here for our banquet later and, you know, seeing all the teams come by and they're they're kind of cheering and saying they're having a good time and and it's just fun to see that. The interactions, everyone having a good time. That's what we want to have. >> The Brainerd Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Committee is looking to raise between two and three million dollars for the event. The committee believes that things are on track towards fulfilling the goal of strengthening community pride, while generating both economic impact and unforgettable experiences, ultimately helping solidify the Brainerd Lakes area as a year-round destination and a true home in the state of hockey. >> It comes down to the experience for the kids. We want them to have hockey in the community. The only way you can do that is to strengthen it and get more involved and get community backing and things like that. It's knowing that it's coming and educating the community what it is and how much it's going to impact the community. Though, it's a huge event. >> Reporting in East Gull Lake, Miles Walker, Lakeland News. >> And although our camera, unfortunately, did not capture it, congrats to incoming University of Minnesota hockey freshman Brooks Cullen on knocking down a hole-in-one on hole two today. >> Lakeland News is a non-profit news organization. Donate to Lakeland PBS today to support your local news team.