This is Our Ice

Do you ever notice that Minnesotans always talk about the weather? In February, we broke records for snowfall. In March, we’ve already tied records for our cold temperatures. It is usually in late winter that the days seem the longest and it feels like spring will never get here. Mindset is a powerful thing, so instead of wishing I were on a beach somewhere, in this final stretch of winter, I’m working on embracing all that Minnesota has to offer! After all, aren’t we the #boldnorth and the State of Hockey?

When my family was asked to participate in the Minnesota Wild’s This Is Our Ice Campaign, I knew this was the perfect opportunity for us to embrace our cold & snowy winters and celebrate our great state!  

My family decided to bundle up and make the short drive to Lebanon Regional Park on a particularly cold but beautiful sunny Sunday. We are so lucky to have a place like Lebanon in our backyard. No matter what the season, we love taking our boys onto the different trails to explore.  That day was no exception.  There was a sharpness in the cold but fresh air that was awakening to my soul. My boys hurried out of the car into our favorite park and onto the ice.

They didn’t care that the temperature was barely above zero.  They ran onto the ice with curiosity in their eyes, creating new tracks in the snow. My youngest plunged his bare hand into the freezing water and filled our jar up with water from the lake. We were ready to share our family adventures and memories with the rest of the state.  

On the day of the game the boys couldn’t wait, excitement and wonder filled their eyes.  It wasn’t only about going to watch a hockey game anymore.  It was about creating community and sharing our love for the state, watching that unfold on the ice as the players skated across the fresh water we brought. 

The night came and went in a blink of an eye.  We were fortunate enough to be honored at the game to share our story.  I could see the pride in my boys as they contributed the water that was special to them. They became a part of the game that night. The puck was dropped, loud cheers, dancing happened when goals were scored, and they devoured pretzels bigger than their head.  It was a night we won’t ever forget!

Coming home the following week and finding our water through the Minnesota Wild’s interactive map was just as exciting for my kids.  They couldn’t believe their names were right there, feeling a sense of belonging.

Embracing the final winter days isn’t always easy, but I also wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I love that the Minnesota Wild makes it easy to embrace our winters by creating such a fun tradition to participate in! I’m curious, what special water would you share? 

Click the video below to watch Ann and her family as they contributed their water to the Minnesota Wild’s Ice from Holland Lake at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, MN!