A now annual, and very meaningful, event is returning to AMSOIL Arena on Saturday.

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) hockey teams are hosting their fourth annual Sophie’s Squad event. It will take place during both the men’s and women’s matches with St. Cloud State University, and also coincides with a youth tournament.

“This weekend we have the Icebreaker tournament happening, so there’s going to be a lot of young, little athletes out there cheering us on. The importance for them to know too, that mental health is really, really important, and let’s not hide it. Let’s talk about it,” Laura Schuler said, head coach of UMD women’s hockey.

“I struggle with mental health myself. So I think that is something that really inspired me to get involved and help other people out, and know that, it’s like Shu (sic) said, it’s okay to not be okay,” Hanna Baskin said, a senior defenseman with UMD women’s hockey.

The No. 4 Bulldog women host No. 10 St. Cloud State first Friday at 3pm, then Saturday at 2pm for their Sophie’s Squad game. The men battle St. Cloud Saturday at 6pm.

Sophie’s Squad was created in-part by UMD alum Gabbie Hughes to raise awarness, and offer support, for athlete’s mental health.

UMD basketball is also dedicating their Saturday home games to Sophie’s Squad. The women tip-off at 1pm, and the men at 3pm, against St. Cloud State at Romano Gym.