Prior Lake Boys Hockey Packs Smiles for Minnesota Kids

On Monday, February 9, the Prior Lake High School (PLHS) Boys Hockey team will lace up for a different kind of win—community impact. The team will be partnering with Bags of Smiles to pack care bags for children battling cancer and other serious illnesses across Minnesota.

The goal for the day: pack 300+ Bags of Smiles—each one designed to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to kids spending time in the hospital.

Founded in 2011, Bags of Smiles was created with a simple but powerful mission: to give kids facing serious illness a chance to be a kid and smile. Each bag is thoughtfully filled with high-quality toys, books, crafts, stuffed animals, and more. Bags are organized by gender and four different age groups, ensuring every child receives something meaningful and age-appropriate.

Since its founding, Bags of Smiles has delivered 35,000+ bags to children in 18 hospitals throughout the state of Minnesota. The organization is 100% volunteer-based and operates through three annual fundraisers, generous donations, and corporate sponsorships—making student-led service efforts like this one especially impactful.

By dedicating their time and teamwork to this project, Prior Lake Boys Hockey is showing that leadership and compassion extend far beyond the rink. Their efforts will help brighten hospital rooms and remind young patients that their community is cheering them on.