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While the University of Minnesota Gophers women's hockey program has earned a reputation for dazzling on the ice, thanks to recent updates by local artists at KJ Branding, the halls and walls of Ridder Arena showcase a "wow factor" off the ice as well. Based in Buffalo, Minn., KJ Branding 's latest installment at Ridder includes updates to the tunnels leading to the ice, the coach- es' office, players' lounge and more. The project includes a combi- nation of various elements—acrylic plaques, gold aluminum com- posite boards, vinyl graphics and several backlit displays—designed to impress, inspire and show appreciation for alumni, current players and recruits. "We had initial talks with (Gophers head coach) Brad Frost last winter about giving that space a refresh and making it more functional with more room for future updates and expansion," said Karl Jaeger, KJ Branding co-owner. "The coaches had seen some of the work we did for other programs and decided it was time to freshen things up and make the space more modern." KJ Branding is a leader in the branding space, particularly in the college and high school hockey world, spanning big and small organi- zations and everything in between throughout the State of Hockey. The company had done the initial display work at Ridder back in 2012, so it was the right time for an update. According to Jaeger, the latest project features: • A celebration of championships through the years, including WCHA and NCAA tournament titles. • Ms. Hockey honorees and Patty Kazmaier Award winners that have come through the program. • The 19 Golden Gopher Olympians, including five gold medalists, with names like Darwitz, Marvin, Kessel, Stecklein and Brandt. • Program records and outstanding achievements, such as Krissy Wendell's career game-winning goals record, and more. "We focused on a variety of different ele- ments and textures to give the space some dimension and some pop," Jaeger added. "It's a top-notch program, so they need top- notch displays on the wall." According to Jaeger, an added benefit of working with a program like the U of M is the impact the work can make on current and future generations of players around Minnesota, and in its own way contribute to the growth of women's and girls' hockey. "Seeing how successful they've become and getting to know the coaches over the years, it is a special thing, and we take a lot of pride in it," Jaeger said. "My daughter played hockey and I have nieces that play, so seeing the growth of the women's game in Minnesota and in general is amazing. When I travel out of state, people talk about how popular women's hockey is in Minnesota and how many players we have. Minnesota is known across the country as one of the elite pro- grams. I'm not sure people here realize how special that is." Gopher women recruit local artists for stunning facilities update MADE IN MINNESOTA | By Steve Mann Elite Upgrades 08 08 M H J ON L I N E . C O M | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 Photo / Karl Jaeger Goals & Assists Goals & Assists KJ Branding's latest artwork celebrates the historic Gopher women's hockey program. "When I travel out of state, people talk about how popular women's hockey is in MN... I'm not sure people here realize how special that is." —KARL JAEGER, KJ Branding