Inaugural Maddie’s Magic Skates Camp
On August 21, 2026, the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, hosted the first Maddie’s Magic Skates Hockey Camp, bringing together current University of St. Thomas players and alumni for a day of on‑ice drills and off‑ice activities.
The event, held in Andover, Minnesota, featured sessions led by Maddie Brown alongside teammates Ella Boerger, JuliAnna Gazdik and Jenessa Gazdik. Participants tackled agility drills, competed in kickball, and enjoyed a series of games designed to blend skill development with fundraising.
Fundraising Goals and Community Impact
Through ticket sales, an auction of memorabilia from PWHL star Britta Curl‑Salemme and tickets to Minnesota Frost and University of St. Thomas games, the camp generated $1,485 for the Cancer Kids Fund at Children’s Minnesota. The initiative, known as Maddie’s Magic Skates, has already surpassed $2,000 in total donations since its launch last season.
Maddie Brown, a physician student at the University of Minnesota, set an ambitious target of $15,000 for the upcoming season. She plans to expand support by organizing volunteer drives, toy collections and additional fundraising events that spotlight children battling cancer.
The camp also highlighted the legacy of local talent, recalling Ella Boerger’s undefeated 2022 season with Andover High School and her receipt of the Let’s Play Hockey Ms. Hockey Award in 2023 after the University of St. Thomas fell to Gentry Academy in the championship game.
Looking Ahead
Organizers hope the blend of athletic training, community spirit and charitable giving will inspire similar programs across the state. By partnering with Children’s Minnesota and leveraging the reach of local hockey networks, the Magic Skates initiative aims to make a lasting impact on families affected by cancer.