More Than a League: Hockey Finder Community Honors One of Their Own

There are moments that remind you why you lace up your skates every week — not just for the game, but for the people. On May 31, 2026, the Hockey Finder community gathered at Maple Grove Community Center to honor one of their own.

Georgianna Steinbrueck — known to everyone who knew her simply as "G" — passed away unexpectedly last December after a short illness. She was a beloved member of the Hockey Finder community, a familiar face on the ice, who played in multiple leagues and could be found playing as a sub in several others in the west metro.

A Game Filled with Heart

What started as an idea among G's friends and teammates grew into something remarkable: two full games, fifty-six skaters and goalies, dozens of family members and friends in the stands, and one very special young hockey player. G's oldest son, Paul (6), joined the teams for warmups and then took shots on the goalies between periods. "I don't think there was a dry eye in the house," said Steve Barthel, who helped organize the fundraiser with Jen Christen, Misty Nielsen, and Mary Barthel. It was one of those moments that needed no explanation. It just meant everything.

Paul told his grandparents after the game that it had been "the best day of my life."

Community Shows Up — Again

When G was hospitalized last fall, Hockey Finder players didn't hesitate. They rallied, fundraised, and showed up for her family in both big and small ways. The memorial games continued that same spirit, bringing everyone together to remember her and do something lasting for her kids.

Hockey Finder donated both ice times so that every dollar raised would go directly to G's family. A silent auction added to the total. Champlin Athletic donated the memorial t-shirts. "Photo Frank” offered his photography skills, while his wife, Erin, and Laura Schwartz donated their time to officiate games.

When the final numbers came in, the community had raised over $4,000 for G's two young children, Paul and Sophie, going toward 529 college savings plans.

"Seeing someone with a Hockey Finder t-shirt or jersey on means you're most likely looking at a quality person." — Steve, event organizer and longtime Hockey Finder player

The Georgianna Steinbrueck Memorial Cup

G's legacy will live on in more ways than one. Hockey Finder also paid for a new faceplate on the Thursday night league trophy, now officially named the Georgianna Steinbrueck Memorial Cup. Every season, players will compete for that trophy in her honor.

An Annual Tradition in the Making

The group gathered afterward at The Lookout in Maple Grove — sharing food, memories, and yes, a Fireball shot in G's honor. The energy was one of uplifting remembrance, exactly what her family and friends had hoped for.

And they're not stopping here. The organizers hope to make the G Memorial Games an annual event — a recurring reminder that in this league, you don't just make friends. You make family.

"It's something we hope to continue," Steve said. "The Hockey Finder spirit has been strong throughout this entire ordeal — from G being hospitalized, to her funeral, to this great event. We want to make this an annual tradition."

Donations to Paul and Sophie's college savings plan can be made through  Jen's Venmo(@Jen-Christen-1).