Urban Air Adventure Park, a leading global family entertainment center, is accelerating its growth with the signing of four new lease agreements. These agreements highlight the increasing consumer demand for high-energy, all-ages entertainment and underscore Urban Air’s ability to deliver large-format, immersive experiences in prime retail locations. The new parks will be located in key cities across California and Georgia, furthering Urban Air’s nationwide expansion.
Expanding in California with Three New Locations
Urban Air’s growth in California includes three new parks planned for Tracy, Fairfield, and Fresno. This marks the brand’s debut in Fresno, with a strong team of franchise partners ready to deliver the signature Urban Air experience. The new parks in California will expand Urban Air’s presence in the state, joining the five existing locations already operating, with additional parks under development.
The new California franchisees bring a wealth of experience to the brand:
Tracy, CA – Led by Anil Madahati and the Wave Wealth team, with nearly two decades of tech industry experience.
Fairfield, CA – Partners Sanj Purewal and Pinder Sangha, bringing over 33 years of small business ownership experience.
Fresno, CA – Parag Laddha, an experienced multi-unit franchisee, will oversee the brand’s entry into this new market.
These new additions reinforce Urban Air’s growing presence in California, a key market for the brand, and demonstrate the continued success of its franchise model.
Expanding to Georgia with New Location in Douglasville
In addition to its California growth, Urban Air is also making strides in Georgia, with a new location opening in Douglasville, GA. This new park will be led by Alison McReynolds and her husband Uwezu “Lonnie” McReynolds, both experienced multi-unit operators. The Georgia expansion comes at a time when demand for family-oriented entertainment continues to grow across the Southeast, offering a fun and exciting destination for families in the region.
Strong Demand for Family Entertainment Drives Growth
Ryan Slemons, Chief Development Officer at Unleashed Brands, expressed his excitement about the new openings, noting that they reflect strong consumer demand for Urban Air’s unique offerings. “Urban Air delivers a fun, memorable experience that families return to again and again,” said Slemons. He emphasized that the brand’s continued success in attracting families and franchise partners demonstrates the value of offering high-quality family entertainment in accessible retail destinations.
The new parks in California and Georgia will bring Urban Air’s innovative attractions to more communities, creating jobs, boosting local economies, and activating retail centers. Urban Air’s unique offerings, including obstacle courses, laser tag, dodgeball courts, and more, continue to be a draw for families seeking active, engaging entertainment.
Urban Air’s Success in the Franchise World
Urban Air Adventure Park’s success as a franchise is evident in its recent recognition as the No.1 entertainment franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchise 500 list. This accolade highlights Urban Air’s leadership in the family entertainment sector and its ability to scale quickly across the nation. With more than 400 parks either open or under development, the brand continues to lead the way in transforming indoor adventure parks into destinations where families can have fun, stay active, and make lasting memories.
Urban Air Adventure Park Continues to Grow and Innovate
The brand demonstrates its ongoing success through Urban Air Adventure Park’s four new lease signings in California and Georgia which show increasing demand for family entertainment that provides immersive experiences. Urban Air will expand its adventure-based attractions through new park openings which will reach additional communities throughout the United States. The expansion not only strengthens Urban Air’s position in the industry but also enhances its ability to create vibrant, engaging spaces where families can connect and have fun together.
Obsidian Entertainment was one of the busiest studios in 2025, releasing not just one, but three major titles last year. It began the year with Avowed in February 2025, followed by Grounded 2 releasing in early access in July 2025, and capped off the year with The Outer Worlds 2 in October 2025. Two of those three games were misfires in terms of sales (though they were fairly well received by critics, especially here on Wccftech), and a new report from Bloomberg digs into how the studio is looking to bounce back and "reinvent itself." If you can't guess which […]
Christian McCaffrey may be deep in offseason mode, but on Monday, February 2, the San Francisco 49ers star was right at home behind the counter at Raising Cane's, and he brought family with him. Ahead of Pro Bowl Week festivities, McCaffrey clocked in at the brand's Colma-area restaurant alongside his younger brother, Luke McCaffrey, for a brother-versus-brother "Raising Cane's Challenge" that blended football competition, fanfare, and Cane's signature chicken. The appearance comes as Christian prepares to headline the 2026 Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco, which will take place just ahead of Super Bowl LX, also hosted in the Bay Area, putting the 49ers star at the center of one of the NFL's biggest weeks.
Sibling Rivalry Runs Deep As Christian And Luke McCaffrey Take Competition From Childhood To The NFL
Raising Cane's
The McCaffrey brothers went head-to-head in skills challenges, served Box Combos to cheering fans in the drive-thru, and posed for content as Caniacs packed the restaurant. But for Christian and Luke, the competitive energy wasn't new. In fact, it was very familiar.
"We always wanted to play in the NFL," Christian McCaffrey said during the press event, in which The Blast was in attendance. "I just wanted to make it to the NFL, and now if I have a brother playing at the same time, be able to train with him and do all those things in the offseason together… It's such a blessing."
That bond was forged early. "Everything we did, we did together," he added. "Having four boys in our family, it was two-on-two everything."
Luke McCaffrey echoed the sentiment, calling the moment surreal. "We grew up kind of pretending to do this, playing in the NFL, going against each other," he said. "It's cool when you get here and realize you never got to stop doing that."
The Raising Cane's Challenge Ended With Bragging Rights
Raising Cane's
The brotherly competition doesn't stop there. Christian and Luke McCaffrey also faced off in a series of Raising Cane's–themed challenges that turned the restaurant into an unofficial arena, complete with bragging rights on the line.
First up was a fresh-squeezed lemonade challenge, where both McCaffrey brothers raced to see who could squeeze the most lemonade. Despite the intensity, the matchup ended in a dead heat.
Next came the cup-stacking challenge, and this is where Luke made his move. The Washington Commanders' wide receiver outpaced his older brother, stacking Cane's cups at lightning speed to secure a win in the competition.
But Christian wasn't done. The final challenge tasked each brother with drawing the Raising Cane's logo in under one minute, and this time, the 49ers star delivered. Christian's logo earned him the win, and with it, the overall victory, sealing the Raising Cane's Challenge in his favor.
Why Raising Cane's Made Sense
Raising Cane's
Despite packed schedules, both brothers jumped at the chance to partner with Raising Cane's, and not just for the cause.
"We were just excited about the chicken," Christian joked, drawing laughs. "Now it's a double whammy."
Luke shared a personal Cane's memory from his rookie season. "Every single one of our away trips, I had to go get Raising Cane's," he said. "My car smelled like Cane's for a long time."
As for their orders? Luke always goes for the Caniac combo, no slaw, double toast, while Christian keeps it simple with the Box Combo.
Christian McCaffrey Opens Up About Being A Role Model
Raising Cane's
Seeing kids in McCaffrey jerseys is something the 49ers star doesn't take lightly. "It's huge," he said. "One of the greatest parts about playing professional sports is having an impact on the younger generation."
That sense of responsibility has only grown since becoming a father. Christian opened up about life with his wife, Olivia Culpo, and their six-month-old daughter. "Coming home is the best part of the day," he said. "Whether it was a good day or a bad day, you see her smile… it kind of takes away anything that happened."
He added, "Having a girl softened me up a little bit."
Christian McCaffrey Gears Up For The Pro Bowl
Raising Cane's
With the Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LX both set for San Francisco in 2026, McCaffrey's presence at this year's Raising Cane's event felt like an early preview of what's to come.
And if Monday was any indication, Christian McCaffrey is coming in hot.
Not many people can say they’ve competed in the Olympics. Even fewer can say they’ve done it five times. Hilary Knight is no stranger to elite competition, and as she gears up for her fifth (and final) appearance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games, she has a lot to be proud of. As one of the most decorated and influential figures in women’s ice hockey history, Knight’s trophy case is one that most athletes could only dream of: Four Olympic medals (one gold, three silver) and 15 World Championship medals (10 gold, five silver). She’s also currently the captain of the Seattle Torrent, and is the all-time leader in goals, assists and points at the IIHF Women’s World Championships.
But back when Knight first found the ice, competing in the Olympics was just a pipe dream. “My dream was to play hockey at the Olympics,” she says in a 2024 interview with Togethxr, “and at the time, women’s hockey wasn’t in the Olympics.” The sport was finally added in 1998, and since then, has grown to new heights stateside with the creation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League as well as the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, of which Knight is a founding member.
As captain of the 2026 U.S. Women’s National Team, Knight hopes to bring home the gold one last time. Leading up to the games, she partnered with everyone’s favorite candy company, Hershey’s, for their Hershey’s. It’s Your HappyPlace campaign. As a supporter of Team USA, Hershey’s teamed up with multiple U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes to “share their stories of finding happiness, beyond the podium.” I got a chance to sit down with Knight and talk all things hockey, happiness and, yes, Heated Rivalry.
It's been 20 (!) years since you made your ice hockey national team debut. What made you first fall in love with the sport?
HK: Skating around the rink, feeling the wind in my hair through the helmet. I enjoyed meeting other kids and the challenge of learning such a dynamic sport.
Take me back to your childhood. Did you have a special post-game celebration ritual with your friends or family? Any core memories that stick out?
HK: A chocolate and almond Hershey’s bar post-game is one of my favorite treats. When I was younger, I would play outdoor hockey and come in to the warming house for a break and eat [some] Reese’s [Peanut Butter] cups and then head back outside.
Speaking of, you partnered with Hershey’s for these upcoming games. What does the campaign’s slogan, “happiness is the real gold,” mean to you?
HK: [This partnership] feels natural... “Happiness is the real gold” is about all the smaller moments that people don’t necessarily see. The quiet everyday moments.
Back in May, you announced that Milan-Cortina 2026 will be your final Olympics. What are you most excited about for these upcoming games?
HK: It’s the OLYMPICS! Super excited to represent Team USA and compete on the world stage.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to see for the future of women’s ice hockey in America?
HK: Consistent growth and investment.
Finally, we're dying to know—have you seen Heated Rivalry? What are your thoughts on the attention it’s bringing to the sport right now?
HK: Representation is important. Putting different identities and stories in front of a wider audience helps push the sport forward. It opens doors, sparks conversation and hopefully creates more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the sport and feel supported. I love all the buzz Heated Rivalry has generated.
As part of the New England Patriots team that won the 2017 Super Bowl, Malcolm Mitchell caught six passes for 70 yards, but it's his achievements outside of the sports world for which he is most proud.
The University of Georgia graduate and former NFL player's crusade for literacy carries on full steam with his latest children's book, "My Super Duper Me," which is scheduled for release on Aug. 18, 2026.
The picture book is the fifth for author Mitchell, whose first effort, "The Magician's Hat," was published in 2018 by Scholastic, the world's largest children's book company. "My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World" followed in 2020 with subsequent releases, "Hey, Georgia" and "A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor's Mansion" in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Illustrated by Deise Lino, "My Super Duper Me" centers on Theo, the new kid at school, whose struggles with reading, math, and playtime activities leave him feeling on the outside of things that seem to come easier to his fellow students. Theo finds kinship with the new librarian, Mr. Burton, who introduces the child to a special bookshelf that unlocks the door to positive self-esteem and encouragement.
Mitchell's enthusiasm for reading goes beyond the printed page. Through his Share the Magic foundation, the Valdosta native's mission to "inspire kids to read to a better future" empowers educators by providing free and engaging virtual reading challenges, inspiring students via in-school programs, and introducing the concept of book ownership.
The Georgia Writers Association named Mitchell the Children’s Author of the Year with awards in 2016 and 2023. Mitchell's other honors include the Promise Hero Award, the Pinnacle Award from the International Dyslexia Association, and the Champion of Children Award. Mitchell, in 2023, was appointed to the Georgia Council on Literacy.
Action News Jax and Telemundo Jacksonville are giving away tickets to PBR: Unleash the Beast which is coming to Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena February 20-21.
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Action News Jax y Telemundo Jacksonville están regalando boletos para el espectáculo “PBR: Unleash the Beast,” que se presentará en el Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena del 20 al 21 de febrero.
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The 2026 MLB season is around the corner after next month’s World Baseball Classic and Livvy Dunne is helping out her superstar boyfriend as he prepares for both seasons.
Paul Skenes will represent Team USA in the WBC before returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, many eyes will be on the young star after dominating in MLB during his first two seasons.
Paul Skenes will take the mound against some of the best hitters in the world in the WBC next month, but for now he's dicing up Livvy Dunne pic.twitter.com/WMbtfADbQB
Dunne stepped into the batter’s box with her significant other as he threw some heaters her direction. The former gymnastics star was clearly caught off guard by her reaction.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise though after Skenes finished his first two MLB seasons posting under-2.00 ERA.
Livvy Dunne in attendance during the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Many MLB fans will be closely watching Skenes throughout the season not only for his on-field abilities, but also for the possibility of being traded to a bigger market. In 2025, rumors started to swirl about Skenes having interest in the New York Yankees.
Motor racing champ Lewis Hamilton is dating US TV star Kim Kardashian, according to a flurry of reports.
The Sun newspaper was first to reveal that the mum-of-four and British seven-time Formula 1 world champion enjoyed a romantic weekend getaway in the UK countryside.
Reality star Kardashian flew in from Los Angeles on her private jet to spend an evening with Lewis, which included an intimate dinner and a couple's massage, the outlet reported.
The brief stay at the exclusive Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds kicked off when Kardashian touched down on Saturday afternoon at Oxford Airport, before hopping into a car to make the nine-minute journey to the hotel.
An hour later, Lewis, who drives for Italian team Ferrari, arrived at the Grade II-listed property by helicopter, chartered from London's Battersea Heliport.
Neither one of the new couple shared anything to social media from their time at the hotel.
Lewis was also spotted using the gym and walking through the grounds in an oversized grey tracksuit with hood, the Sun reports.
The pair checked out at around 11am and left together.
World racing champion Lewis has known Kardashian for years, and was known to be close to her rapper ex, Kanye West. However, the pair have never been romantically linked until now.
The road to WrestleMania 42 started thousands of miles away from Las Vegas at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A grand spectacle on January 31 that saw only one left standing in each 30-man and 30-women over-the-top rope battle royal. In the end, Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns punched their respective tickets to WWE’s biggest event in April.
The event took place inside Riyadh Season Stadium at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a 25,000-seat temporary outdoor stadium incredibly constructed over the past month. Each Royal Rumble match started out with two superstars, followed by another every 90 seconds. Eliminations occurred by being sent over the top rope with both feet hitting the floor.
History was made in other ways during the show streamed on the ESPN+. AJ Styles put his WWE career on the line against Gunther, who beat John Cena in the GOAT’s last match. Plus, Sami Zayn looked to finally win the WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre. Did he do it?
Let us break down the rumbles of the Rumble below.
Roman Reigns Over Rumble
Roman Reigns (WWE)
Paul Heyman was not happy when he found out Bron Breakker drew number 2 in the men’s Rumble. “The Oracle” went off on Adam Pearce during the pre-show thinking the Raw general manager had something to do with the bad placement. Before Breakker got to the ring to meet number 1 Oba Femi, he was beat up by a hooded figure using Seth Rollins’ “Curb Stomp.” In a shocker, he was eliminated right out of the gate. The third man Solo Sikoa was next to face the Nigerian giant, followed by past winner Rey Mysterio. Femi would go on to eliminate Sikoa, Mysterio, the incoming Rusev, and Matt Cardona. Damian Priest temporarily stopped the streak. The high-flyer Je’Von Evans came in at number 8.
An eclectic combination of names joined the field including Lucha Libre AA’s Mr. Iguana and puppet La Yesca and Trick Williams. Cody Rhodes drew number 11 looking for his third Rumble win. Two entrants, El Grande Americano met the Original El Grande Americano as they did the old Spider-Man finger point thing until both faced elimination. Number 14 was the debut of former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs, now Royce Keys. The new acquisition made an immediate impact by sending Priest over the top rope. Austin Theory, Bronson Reed, Ilja Dragunov, AAA’s La Parka, Dragon Lee, and Logan Paul at number 20. The Vision’s Reed, Paul, and Theory thinned out the ring with a series of eliminations. Fans erupted at LA Knight’s entrance at number 21. He took out Theory and Reed.
Next Heyman accompanied his former client Brock Lesnar, who took many of the opponents to Suplex City. The Lesnar and Femi face-off got the crowd hot. Number 23 The Miz didn’t want any of that. Lesnar ultimately dumped Femi out, but WWE built definite interest to see these two monsters face off. Knight and Rhodes teamed up to eliminate Brock Lesnar. Following Rey Fenix was Jey Uso, who would do his Yeet entrance. Number 26 Roman Reigns added more star power to the group. The “Tribal Chief” looked to have a WrestleMania flashback until Jacob Fatu broke up the party. The last ones out were Penta, two-time winner Randy Orton, and Gunther at number 30. Yes Gunther, the guy who beat Styles earlier in the night. McIntyre ensured Rhodes didn’t win the Rumble by causing his elimination. The final four came down to Gunther, Paul, Reigns, and Orton. Reigns took out Paul while Gunther eliminated Orton. Gunther looked to put Reigns to sleep, but couldn’t get the job done. Reigns became the sole survivor. Going on more than 10 WrestleMania main events now heading into Vegas, I don’t think anyone will ever be able to replicate the run he is on.
Liv’s Judgment Day
WWE
The show kicked off with the women’s Rumble with tag partners Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss drawing numbers 1 and 2. Things started out in jest before the third participant came out, Kiana James. Nia Jax. Ivy Nile (in Fallout inspired looking gear), Lola Vice, Candice LeRaae, Jordynne Grace followed. Many of them went after Jax, and rightfully so as she was a powerhouse. Grace had the first eliminations in LeRae, Vice, and Nile. Flair got Jax out, but also took out Bliss unintentionally. More star power came with Becky Lynch entering at number 9. NXT’s brightest Sol Ruca showed what she could do at number 10. Roxanne Perez (dressed inspired by Kim Possible’sShego), who broke the Rumble record last year lasting 1 hour 7 minutes, followed. Maxxine Dupri at 12 immediately went after rival Lynch and Natalya…I mean “Nattie,” who came in at number 13. Lynch took out Dupri. Nattie then quickly sent Lynch over the top rope for her troubles.
Liv Morgan, who was in all 9 women’s Rumble matches, entered at 14. Lash Legend made an impact out of the gate by eliminating Grace. The hits kept coming as Zelina Vega, Raquel Rodriguez, Chelsea Green, Giulia, Iyo Sky, Asuka, and Rhea Ripley entered the mix. Judgment Day ladies Morgan, Perez, and Rodriguez teamed up proving strength in numbers. Green’s “Secret Her-vice” member Alba Fyre helped the inaugural WWE United States Champion stay in it until she encountered Ripley. Other names joined the field in Bayley, NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, Nikki Bella, Lyra Valkyria, Kelani Jordan, and Kairi Sane.
Nikki and Brie Bella (WWE)
Nikki’s sister Brie Bella made a shocking return to WWE at number 29 to a monstrous reaction. Could the Bella Twins be going for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship? There was glimmers of “Twin Magic” as they eliminated Valkyria and Bayley. Legend took out both of them, which is certainly a nice feather in her cap. If that weren’t enough, the emerging talent knocked off Flair at 59 minutes and 50 seconds, and then Sky. It was “Tiffy Time” when Tiffany Stratton secured the 30th spot. In a twist, Morgan eliminated her own partner Rodriguez. This narrowed things down to her, Stratton and Ruca. At one point, Ruca looked to have taken it with a “Double Sol Snatcher,” but it was not to be. This was Morgan’s night as she heads to WrestleMania.
Gunther Ends Styles’ WWE Career
Gunther (WWE)
Styles made no bones about making 2026 his retirement year in a similar way as Cena. However, he didn’t want his WWE run to end in January. Gunther very much was that final boss in a video game you can’t really beat without a cheat code. He already made Cena tap out at the end of his farewell tour after beating Bill Goldberg in his last match. Gunther dominated the “Phenomenal One” early on, even making Styles bleed. The all-time great fired back on Gunther, hooking him into his “Calf Crusher” submission. Styles played all the hits including a “Styles Clash,” which only got two. Gunther hit a low blow without the ref seeing followed by a powerbomb, and Styles survived.
Despite Styles putting up a valiant fight, the end came when Gunther applied his devastating sleeper causing his opponent to black out. It was 10 years ago Styles made his debut at the Royal Rumble. He finished up with the company as an active performer at the same event a decade later to a standing ovation and “Thank You Styles” chants. The legend took his gloves off to symbolically show it was the end….and then put them back on. Is this Styles’ last match ever? Say it ain’t so.
McIntyre Still Rules
Drew McIntyre/WWE
The WWE Undisputed Championship is the one title that has eluded Zayn during his tenure with the company. Zayn had never lost in Saudi Arabia, so the odds were on his side. McIntyre worked on Zayn’s lower back early into the match. The beloved underdog powered through against the imposing title holder and even hit a “Blue Thunder Bomb” for two.
However, McIntyre fired back with a series of “Future Shock” DDT maneuvers and a “Claymore” kick. Zayn managed to make it to the ropes to break up a three-count. The challenger came back with a “Helluva Kick” to become within an eyelash of securing the gold. McIntyre took the action to the outside with a powerbomb through the announce table. He became frustrated trying to keep Zayn down. McIntyre retained after two more “Claymore” kicks. This marked the 12th time McIntyre had defeated Zayn.
Jan. 31—GRAND RAPIDS — Ava Hills didn't mince her words on Saturday.
The Bemidji State women's hockey redshirt junior goalie stopped 38 shots the night before in a 3-0 loss against Minnesota State. It was enough to earn another start on Saturday when the Beavers traveled to Grand Rapids to play in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Face-Off Classic at the historic Yanmar Arena.
Through 58 minutes, Hills backstopped the Beavers to a 2-1 lead. And after making her 28th and 29th saves in a defending 6-on-5 situation, she let out a sigh of relief when the clock read collective zeros.
"We deserved that win," Hills said with an exhausted expression on her face, "and I'm just really glad we came out with it."
BSU erased an early one-goal deficit to notch its second comeback win over a ranked opponent, beating No. 13 MSU 2-1. Bemidji State had just one comeback win this season, but it was more of a letdown than a triumph.
On Nov. 22, the Beavers blew a 4-1 lead in the third period against 10th-ranked St. Cloud State. They trailed 5-4 after the Huskies scored four goals in just over 11 minutes in the third period. Isa Goettl tied the game with an extra-attacker goal with 32 seconds left in regulation before Hailey Armstrong buried the winner in overtime.
BSU's second comeback win was far less dramatic, but it snapped a seven-game losing streak and a 10-game skid in WCHA play.
"A comeback win, or any type of win for us, is huge right now," Hills said. "We've been fighting it a little bit. Being down and then being able to grind and get it back, I think that builds a lot of energy and confidence for this team. I'm looking forward to seeing what next weekend looks like because we're going to bring this into next weekend."
Junior forward Shelby Sandberg, who scored the game-winning goal with 7:57 left in regulation, added, "I think tonight gives us a lot of belief that we're able to stay with these teams and pull off comebacks against them if we have to. Having that mentality and knowing that we can finish off these wins will help us finish the year strong."
If there's a college hockey team that used to playing in prep venues, it's the Beavers.
Saturday was the 16th women's iteration of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Face-Off Classic, a game in which the Beavers have played in eight times before this season. Most recently, BSU played in it a little over a year ago on New Year's Day against the University of Minnesota at Hasse Arena in Lakeville.
BSU also played in a preseason exhibition game against the Gophers at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd on Sept. 20.
"For me, I just love being able to play in youth rinks like this," Sandberg said. "It reminds me of my time growing up in Minnesota. I enjoy how fast the ice is in these rinks. It reminds me of my time in youth hockey. Nothing but great memories."
Before Saturday's game at Yanmar Arena, Coleraine native Claire Vekich dropped the ceremonial puck. Vekich played for Bemidji State from 2021-23 before transferring to Minnesota State. She graduated in 2025 and now plays for the Montreal Victoire in the PWHL.
Instead of Minnesota State captain Taylor Otremba taking the ceremonial faceoff, another native of the Iron Range stood in her place.
MSU freshman forward and 2025 Ms. Hockey winner Mercury Bischoff received a loud ovation from the Grand Rapids/Greenway faithful in her return to Yanmar Arena. She scored 233 goals and 148 assists in 155 games in her six varsity seasons.
Saturday was Bischoff's first game at Yanmar since she graduated in the spring of 2025.
"What other college hockey player has a chance to play a college game in their high school rink in front of their fans and their community?" BSU head coach Amber Fryklund said. "It's so special for her. We're really grateful we got to be a part of this game today with her. She's a legend and a hero here, so it's amazing to see her get that moment."
Otremba gave the Mavericks the first lead, finishing off a 2-on-1 rush with Zoe Lopez midway through the first period.
Izy Fairchild tied the game late in the first on the power play, scoring five seconds into the 5-on-4 advantage for BSU. The goal was Fairchild's fourth this season.
"On film this morning, Coach (Sarah) Bobrowski(-Laird) highlighted that there was an evident seam there off the faceoff," Fryklund said. "We looked at that this morning and saw that. We had Izy there and she absolutely buried it. ... That was a huge goal, and our power play really needed it, too."
The downside to playing a college game in a community rink reared its ugly head against the Beavers in the second period.
Kate Johsnon was assessed a penalty for boarding. Due to technology limitations, the play could not be reviewed for a major penalty. The officials convened for an extended moment and decided Johnson's infraction was worthy of a major penalty without a review.
However, Bemidji State killed off the major penalty and went into the second intermission tied 1-1.
Just under eight minutes into the third period, Sandberg paid off a long offensive shift with the go-ahead goal.
"It started by just being hard on the forecheck and buzzing around," Sandberg said. "I just had a go-to-the-net mentality, always keeping my stick on the ice. That's what got it done for us tonight."
The Beavers (6-19-2, 3-18-1 WCHA) closed out the remaining time in regulation to pick up their sixth win this season and a series split against Minnesota State (12-14-2, 6-14-2 WCHA). It's their third win over a ranked opponent this season.
"It was big," Hills said. "When you're playing in a 6-on-5 in those last few minutes, it's huge to have all of us on the ice working together instead of working as individuals. We did that; we played the whole game that way. Obviously, we had some ups and downs, but that's just hockey. At the end of the day, everyone bought in today and had that energy, that grit and that growth."
Hills stopped 67 of the 71 shots she faced this weekend, raising her save percentage to .901. She was named BSU's MVP by the Face-Off Classic organizing committee. Otremba earned the honor for MSU.
"It's just working with my teammates, communicating on and off the ice," Hills said. "I'm playing the puck more so we don't get hemmed in our zone as much as possible. Yeah, I'm making the final save, but I have so many girls in front of me who put in so much effort to make it easier on me. Without them, it'd be a very different game.
"At the end of the day, it's just hockey, and stuff like this is so fun to be a part of, especially with this team. This is the best team to be a part of."
Bemidji State 2, Minnesota State 1
MSU 1 0 0 — 1
BSU 1 0 1 — 2
First period — MSU GOAL: Otremba (Lopez, Bischoff) 9:17; BSU GOAL: Fairchild (Bray, Smith) PPG, 16:35.
Second period — No scoring.
Third period — BSU GOAL: Sandberg (Carney, Senden) 7;57.
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