Rochester Youth Hockey team surprised with MN Wild Youth Hockey Spotlight game

(ABC 6 News) – The Rochester Youth Hockey Associations Pee Wee B white team took the ice for what seemed to be a regular game Thursday, but that quickly turned into a moment that they would never forget.

As these kids entered Graham Arena they were met with a special surprise.

“Tonight, you guys are playing with all the Minnesota Wild effects”

The Minnesota Wild hosted a Wild Youth Hockey Spotlight game featuring the Rochester Mustangs against the Wacesa Bluejays.

Each player received a custom jersey with their name on it and were welcomed with the full pro hockey experience.

“They get to experience the Wild experience,” Manager of Hockey partnerships for Minnesota Wild Kalli Funk said.

“This is incredible, I’m really excited for this game,” Reed Blood said.

“There was so much people when I walked in the doors,” said Grayson Bush.

“Super surprised and thankful for like everything that they’re putting on for us,” Aiden Hookey explained.

And of course the energy was intense.

All of the players had their names announced before the game.

Minnesota Wild mascot Nordy was on hand to join in on the fun.

Former Minnesota Wild players Stéphane Veilleux and Wes Walz even stepped in as honorary coaches.

“It’s amazing to see their hunger and wanting to do well and wanting to do well, and their attitude was really showing and to me that’s what it’s all about. Just giving back but also just a little feedbacks to the players at a young age like that i think is really important,” said former Minnesota Wild player Stéphane Veilleux.

A moment that will leave a lasting impact for not just these young players but for everyone involved.

“We haven’t been down here yet for one of these games and Waseca and Rochester haven’t been apart of it. So we were excited to bring it to the community of Rochester and have Waseca involved as well. It makes all the hard work that goes into it worth it, it’s so much fun,” Funk said.