Madison families enjoyed a free, family‑friendly gathering Sunday when the Wisconsin women’s hockey team stepped out of the arena and into the car‑wash lane at Mr. Splash’s East Washington Avenue location. The event, organized in partnership with Wisconsin Athletics, gave local fans—especially young players from the Madison Patriots Hockey Club—an up‑close look at the team that captured the NCAA national title.
Champions meet the community
Attendees were invited to meet the Badgers, snap photos with the championship trophy and even pose with Bucky Badger, the university’s beloved mascot. The atmosphere was lively as children from the Madison Dragons girls’ hockey program, a branch of the Madison Patriots Hockey Club, mingled with the athletes, asking questions about training, teamwork and what it takes to win a national championship.
Local business backs the partnership
Dave Javan, spokesperson for Mr. Splash Car Wash, explained that the partnership with Wisconsin Athletics is designed to create more touchpoints between student‑athletes and the community. “They’re not just a hockey team. They are our national champions here in the state of Wisconsin,” Javan said. “Seeing these U‑10 players from a local ice hockey club get to see what they could become is fantastic.” He added that the car‑wash aims to be more than a place for clean cars—it wants to be a community hub that gives back.
Supporting youth hockey
As part of the event, Mr. Splash made a donation to the Madison Patriots Hockey Club to bolster the Madison Dragons girls’ hockey program. The contribution underscores the growing emphasis on expanding opportunities for young female athletes in the region.
Activities and giveaways
Beyond the meet‑and‑greet, families could participate in games, win giveaways and enter a drawing for six months of unlimited car washes. Javan noted that bringing women’s hockey to a parking lot is an unusual but effective way to reach fans who might not otherwise encounter the sport.
Local impact
“Going big, staying local is kind of the phrase that we use around here,” Javan said, highlighting the event’s alignment with Madison’s tradition of community‑focused initiatives. The gathering not only celebrated the team’s recent success but also reinforced the bond between the university’s athletic programs and the families that support them.
For more information about upcoming community events featuring Wisconsin Athletics, visit the university’s athletics website or follow Mr. Splash on social media.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
