Bemidji State, Mankato to play Women's Face-Off Classic in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS — Two of Minnesota’s top college teams will square off in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic at Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids.

The game is set for 4 p.m. Saturday, January 31.

Thirteenth-ranked Minnesota State University, Mankato (11-12-1) will take on Bemidji State University (5-16-3) in the annual benefit game, which raises awareness for the museum located in Eveleth. The game, according to a news release, showcases NCAA Division I women’s college hockey to the fans, including young girls, who may aspire to play hockey.

“There is a lot of excitement building in the Grand Rapids community as the game gets closer,” stated Melanie DeBay, chair of the local Grand Rapids organizing committee, in the release.

“With the strong hockey tradition in the area, there’s a real sense of excitement to have a collegiate hockey game played in our arena, and fans are especially excited to come out and watch hometown hockey star Mercury Bischoff back on her home ice skating for the Mavs.”

Bischoff played for Grand Rapids/Greenway and was named Ms. Hockey last year.

The Beavers and Mavericks will battle for the Hall of Fame Game Trophy, which will be presented by Babbitt native Buzz Schneider, a member of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Gold Medal-winning team.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Foster Hope Scholarship Fund, a Grand Rapids-based charity awarding scholarships to local foster children.

During the intermissions, Grand Rapids/Greenway vs. Hibbing 10U’s will skate, and the Grand Rapids/Greenway Lightning 6U & 8U will play a short game. There will be a chuck-a-puck event, and Bemidji State’s mascot, Bucky the Beaver, and Minnesota State’s Stomper the Maverick will be in attendance.

Tickets for the game can be purchased online.