MANKATO, Minn. --- A new era of corporate sponsorship in college athletics has arrived at Minnesota State, and Snell Motors has stepped forward to become the first-ever commercial helmet sponsor for Maverick Athletics. Following new NCAA legislation approved this year that permits corporate sponsorship logos on jerseys and equipment at the NCAA Division I level, Snell Motors will have its logo on the helmets of both the Minnesota State men's and women's hockey teams beginning this season.

The partnership represents a significant new opportunity for Minnesota State to generate additional resources in support of its student-athletes while creating a new platform for corporate partners to align with Maverick Athletics. Snell Motors, a longtime supporter of Minnesota State and the Mankato community, was quick to embrace the new opportunity.

"We are grateful to Snell Motors for being on the leading edge of this new sponsorship platform as our first commercial logo partner," said Kevin Buisman, Director of Athletics. "Corporate sponsorships like this provide valuable resources that can enhance the student-athlete experience, including creating additional opportunities in the NIL space. We appreciate Snell's continued investment in Maverick Athletics and their willingness to boldly embrace the changing landscape of college athletics."
 
Founded in 1969, Snell Motors is Mankato's local Buick, GMC and Cadillac Dealership and has been a long-time Maverick Athletics corporate partner. Snell Motors Owner and General Manager, Melissa Bradley, is a 2010 graduate of Minnesota State and also serves on the Minnesota State Foundation Board of Directors.
 
"Snell Motors has been a proud partner of Maverick Athletics for many years, so having the opportunity to be part of this first for Minnesota State is incredibly meaningful to us," said Melissa Bradley, of Snell Motors. "As an alum, I have a deep connection to the University and I am proud of the impact it has on our community. Seeing the Snell Motors name on the helmets of Maverick men's and women's hockey is a special way to celebrate that longstanding partnership and our continued commitment to Minnesota State."
 
The Minnesota State women's hockey team opens its regular season schedule at home this weekend as it hosts RPI at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Friday's puck drop is set for 11:00 a.m., with Saturday's set for 2:00 p.m.
 
The Minnesota State men's hockey team hosts Manitoba in an exhibition contest on Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m., before opening its regular season schedule on Oct. 9-10 as it hosts Wisconsin. Puck drops are scheduled for 7:07 p.m. and 6:07 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.