Mankato, Minn. --- Maverick Athletic officials have announced a public reception event to meet new head men's hockey coach, Luke Strand on Sunday, May 7 (5-07). The event will be held in the Mayo Clinic Health System event center lobby area adjacent to the Maverick Hockey Reception Center from 5:07pm-7:00pm.

A short program to introduce Coach Strand will begin at 6:00pm, where President Edward Inch and Director of Athletics, Kevin Buisman are also expected to speak.  Prior to that, from 5:00-5:45pm, Blue Line Club members will have a chance to experience a "Maverick Hockey Open House" that will include a self-guided tour of the trophy room, the history of Maverick hockey wall mural, strength and conditioning center, team locker rooms, Maverick hockey honor walk, and the student-athlete lounge area.

A cash bar will be provided and the Maverick Machine will be on hand to perform.  All attendees will also receive a commemorative Luke Strand trading card that will include the 2023-24 hockey season schedule on the reverse side.  An after-event gathering will occur on the patio area of "The 507" (526 S Front St, Mankato, MN), weather permitting.

"A lot has happened since Coach Strand arrived on April 10.  It's been a whirlwind and we wanted to take some time to slow things down and further welcome Luke to our community," said Buisman.  "Maverick hockey means a lot to this area and we take pride in being southern Minnesota's team.  I hope our fans will take this opportunity to join us at this event and officially welcome Coach Strand to the (507) area code."