Maddie’s Magic Skates
at the 24 Hour Hockey Marathon
University of St. Thomas - St. Paul, Minnesota
July 18 - 19, 2026
University of St. Thomas hockey player Maddie Brown is turning her passion for hockey into support for kids and families facing pediatric cancer. As part of her Maddie’s Magic Skates initiative, she’s teaming up with LivFree to skate in our Minnesota 24 Hour Hockey Marathon right at her home rink of Lee & Penny Anderson Arena at University of St. Thomas. Maddie is raising funds, recruiting players, and reminding families they are never alone.
For Maddie, this mission is personal.
Through volunteer work with Children’s Minnesota and community hockey programs, Maddie has seen firsthand the strength of children battling cancer and the families walking beside them. Those experiences inspired her to create Maddie’s Magic Skates — an initiative focused on using hockey to bring hope, encouragement, and support to pediatric cancer families.
Maddie is bringing that mission to the ice through the LivSports 24 Hour Hockey Marathon in Minnesota and she wants your help! You can support Maddie in 3 easy ways:
1. Donate to her fundraiser and help her hit a goal of $1,000 raised by the time she hits the ice on July 18.
2. Play alongside Maddie! If you are a hockey player (17+ years old) you can register to play in the 24 Hour Marathon. Find more details below.
3. Buy tickets to cheer Maddie on as we kick off the game. Tickets are $5 kids/students and $10 for adults.
Player FAQs
For full player information, please visit one of the event specific pages
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This event is adult hockey and players must be 17 years and up. Men and women are welcome to participate. All skill levels are welcome! From recreational adult league players to D1 and semi-pro athletes, we place each player in a division that fits their ability.
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Players are grouped based on skill and experience in divisions that split the 24 hours of ice time. When players register, they are asked questions about their experience and preferred group. We’ll work with you to ensure a fun and competitive fit.
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Each player is asked to raise $1,000 to support LivFree’s mission and provide children and families in Minnesota and beyond, moments of joy that fuel their fight against pediatric cancer.
We provide tools, resources, and guidance to make fundraising easy and rewarding.
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Players average 7+ hours on the ice, they rotate through multiple ice times over 24 hours.
Longest shifts: up to 2.5 hours (typically overnight)
Other sessions: 25–90 minutes
You can view additional schedule details on your event specific page.
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All players receive:
Custom event jerseys and hoodie or shirt.
Swag (We work to partner with top hockey, fitness, energy and other companies for unique and exciting player gifts.)
Access to premium arenas, your own locker and shared team facilities, along with personal trainers and other support staff.
All meals, snacks and drinks provided throughout the event.
Memories and camaraderie that last a lifetime
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At this time we are only looking for players who can commit to a full 24 hour game. Your actual playing time will be approximately 7 hours.
Spectator & Sponsor FAQs
Details may vary by event/venue, so please visit specific event pages.
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We offer multiple sponsorship opportunities, including arena signage, branded swag, media coverage, and digital marketing exposure. Please contact us at LivSports@livfreetoday.org to determine the best fit for your company.
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Each marathon is kicked off with a Showcase and Ceremonies open to the public. Family, friends, media and sponsors may have additional opportunities to attend the event. Schedules will be venue specific.
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Yes, the public is encouraged to attend the ticketed Showcase event that kicks off every marathon. Friends and family will have additional opportunities to attend and cheer for our players. Please visit the event specific page for full details.
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LivFree welcomes volunteers! Please email us at LivSports@livfreetoday.org for more information.
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Donations can be made to a specific player or general donation account on our Donation Page.
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Two CT hockey dads talking during jersey fittings about an idea for a 24 hour charity hockey game in 2024. That idea grew rapidly into 100 Skaters, Goalies and Refs assembling to participate in this feat of endurance all while raising funds for LivFree’s mission of providing moments of JOY and HOPE to families affected by pediatric cancer.
The Purpose Behind the Game
The LivSports 24 Hour Hockey Marathon is more than a game — it’s about creating Moments of Joy for families impacted by pediatric cancer.
With each new marathon, LivFree spreads support to new hospitals and families in a game’s region. We strive to spread awareness for the fight these families are facing and directly bring joy to a child and relief to parents who need it most.
LivFree’s Mission
LivFree represents an important piece of the childhood cancer support community by bringing families together through a Moment of Joy. When a child and their family is ready to:
Take a break during a window in treatment,
Celebrate a treatment cycle coming to an end,
Or honor the life of their child,
LivFree is there to react, create, and deliver a smile at a local sporting event, museum, show, amusement park, or a special night out. These moments may seem small, but they are as mighty as the young warriors who inspire them.
The Impact
When our players hit the ice, they’re not just skating for fun or competition — they’re skating for families who are fighting the toughest battle imaginable.
24 hours on the ice creates:
Moments of Joy for children facing pediatric cancer
Memories of hope for families who need a lift
Connection and meaning for every player who chooses to make a difference
This is more than hockey.
It’s hope in motion.
It’s joy on ice.
It’s what LivFree is all about.
