State tournaments are a time where young athletes are recognized for their hard work and outstanding achievements on the ice. Aunts, uncles, grandparents and other friends and relatives make an extra effort to attend games or watch online. Communities recognize and celebrate their teams with send off parties, decorated cars and buses and even the occasional closed school. Many tournaments even host special banquets for the participants.

The spotlight is truly on the players as teams prepare to hit the ice.

Yet, these same players occasionally find a way to shift the focus onto matters that transcend the game, even at a State Tournament.

This was one of those years as players from six of the 2016 Minnesota Hockey State Tournaments participated in a food drive to benefit Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) of Bloomington, MN, which operates the largest food pantry in Minnesota. Together, the teams collected and donated over 4,000 items.

“They’re role models for their peers,” said Patty Schulz, Advancement Director for VEAP, when describing the players’ efforts. “You don’t have to have a checkbook to make a difference. It’s really fabulous.”

The food drive was split into two phases. The first stage was conducted in coordination with the Girls 19U and 15U State Tournament banquet. Every team was instructed to bring their donations to the banquet, with the winning team receiving the “Biscuit in the Basket Community Service Award” for their efforts. By the end of the night, the girls had raised over 1,500 pounds in donated items.

“I was overwhelmed by the support showed by the girls,” said Assistant Director for District 6, Chris Evans, who spearheaded the organization of food drive.  “So many parents thanked us for providing a service opportunity for their girls. Sauk Rapids-Sartell went throughout their community and brought over 500 items to win the award.”

VEAP was stunned by the amount collected as well.

“For a drive, especially something like that, it’s incredible,” said Schulz. “Those girls should be applauded.”

“The fact that the girls focused on baby items was really awesome. If you’ve got a baby and are a low income family, the two things you really need – diapers and formula – you can’t purchase through the SNAP (food stamp) program.”

The second phase of the drive was held during the Junior Gold A, B and 16 State Tournaments at Braemar Arena in Edina. Teams were encouraged to bring donated items through 3 pm on Saturday, March 12th.

The Burnsville Gold Junior Gold B team earned the boys’ Biscuit in the Basket Community Service Award, by donating more than 800 items. Combined, the Junior Gold tournaments finished with another 1,325 pounds of donations bringing the total for both events up to a stunning 2,849 pounds.

All of the donations will be used by VEAP to provide low income families in the Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and south Minneapolis area with necessary food and supplies.

VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) founders believed that helping a neighbor in need ultimately strengthens the community. VEAP has been operating under this principle for over 43 years, providing a range of services to help low-income people meet immediate needs and reach their long-term goal of stability. Today, VEAP serves the residents of Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and South Minneapolis utilizing a unique mix of professional and volunteer services.