Jan 13, 2022
Senior center Gabbie Hughes is having the most offensively productive season of her collegiate hockey career. But, she's looking to make a bigger impact off the ice. Hughes is helping to bring mental health awareness to the forefront after a tragedy last summer rocked the hockey community. Putting their grief into action, friends and family of Sophie Wieland created Sophie's Squad in honor of the 14-year old hockey player who took her own life on July 12, 2021.
The tragedy rocked the Hughes family. Gabbie's father, Terry, coached Sophie in youth hockey and Gabbie was able to get to know her. In this week's episode, Hughes tells the News Tribune's Matt Wellens and My9's Zach Schneider what Sophie meant to her.
The UMD women's team hosts Bemidji State Friday and Saturday, with the showdown on Saturday shining a light on mental health awareness as a Hockey Hits Back Sophie's Squad game.
The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.