A Summer Showdown for Hockey Futures
The charity hockey game will take place on July 18 at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, bringing together a roster of NHL talent that includes Matt Boldy, Mitch McLain, Eric Pohlkamp, Cole Smith, Calen Anderson, Mason Shaw, Nate Prosser and Cole Schwindt. The gathering is more than a showcase; it is a fundraiser designed to bolster hockey programs in Brainerd, Northern Lakes and Little Falls, ensuring that youngsters in the region have access to quality ice time and development resources.
Tickets for the event start at $7 for kids aged 15 and under, making the experience accessible to families while generating vital support for grassroots hockey initiatives. Former Brainerd Warriors now playing professionally, such as Mitch McLain of the Henderson Silver Knights, have spearheaded the organization of the match, underscoring their commitment to giving back to the community that shaped them.
Fundraising for Local Programs
All proceeds from the game will be directed to the Be Next McLain Family Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial resources, educational workshops and mentorship opportunities for young athletes. The foundation’s mission extends beyond the rink, offering skill‑building sessions and academic support to help participants thrive both on and off the ice.
Mitch McLain, who also leads the Lakes Hockey Academy’s summer training program, has been recognized with the Man of the Year award for his extensive charity work with the Silver Knights. His involvement in special education programs at John F. Miller School in Las Vegas further illustrates a multifaceted approach to community service that blends sport, education and youth empowerment.
A Legacy of Giving
The charity game is part of a broader calendar of events that includes the upcoming Hockey Day Minnesota, scheduled to be hosted at the Brainerd International Raceway in January 2027. This continued focus on Brainerd highlights the city’s growing role as a hub for hockey development in the Midwest, drawing attention from NHL affiliates such as the Vegas Golden Knights and their AHL farm team, the Henderson Silver Knights, with whom McLain recently signed a two‑year contract extension.
Beyond the ice, the event underscores the power of sport to unite diverse communities, from the lakes of Minnesota to the desert streets of Las Vegas where McLain previously contributed to special education initiatives. By leveraging the star power of current and former NHL players, the Be Next McLain Family Foundation hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders across the region.