SAINT PAUL, MN – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild has announced the launch of the Big Assist Program presented by Treasure Island Resort & Casino to support youth hockey. For every assist made by Minnesota Wild players during regular season games this season, Treasure Island Resort & Casino will donate $200 to the Wild Foundation to support diversity in hockey programming.
A portion of the proceeds from the Big Assist Program will be used to support programs and initiatives such as:
- ‘Hockey Is for Me’ diversity in hockey program
- DinoMights ‘Learn 2 Skate’ program
- Removing any barriers associated with playing hockey by providing scholarships, equipment and access to opportunities to play to youth from diverse backgrounds
- Opportunities for youth hockey associations to apply for resources to support diversity, equity and inclusion in their community programs
The Minnesota Wild recorded 292 assists in 56 games during the 2020-2021 season.
“Our tribe is active and engaged in Minnesota, and giving back is integral to who we are as Dakota people,” said Shelley Buck, Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council President. “We are committed to diversity and inclusion and proudly support the Wild Foundation’s values, which closely align with Prairie Island Indian Community’s long history of supporting youth activities, fitness and leadership development.”
A proud partner of the Minnesota Wild for over two decades, Treasure Island Resort & Casino and the Prairie Island Indian Community have supported the Minnesota Wild Foundation through community giving since its inception in 2009. Through initiatives like the Big Assist Program, the Prairie Island Indian Community has donated over $1 million to the Minnesota Wild Foundation.
The Minnesota Wild Foundation exists to support the game of hockey and improve the lives of families in the ‘state of hockey.’ With support from Wild players, fans and donors, the Minnesota Wild Foundation supports pediatric medical causes, serves as the largest non-member funding source for Minnesota hockey, and provides fundraising opportunities for youth hockey associations across the state. Since its inception in 2009, the Wild Foundation has distributed more than $4.6 million in grants to hockey organizations and children’s medical related charities and has dispersed over $2.4 million to local charities through its Split the Pot Raffle program.