The Minnesota Wild today announced it will host its first-ever Girls Hockey Weekend, presented by Schwan's™ Home Delivery, on Dec. 17-18 at Xcel Energy Center.

When the Wild host the Arizona Coyotes at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, several elements of the game will be dedicated to celebrating and supporting girls and women's hockey, including the "Let's Play Hockey!" announcement, BMO Harris® Bank Flag Bearer and intermission activities. The celebration will continue with a post-game chalk talk and on-ice clinic for girls on Saturday and a second clinic on Sunday.

Proceeds from Saturday's Wild game program sales and the "Split The Pot Raffle" will benefit the Minnesota Whitecaps, the first and only women's professional-level hockey team in the State of Hockey.

"The Minnesota Whitecaps are excited to be a part of the first Girls Hockey Weekend at the Xcel Energy Center in December," said Laura Halldorson of the Minnesota Whitecaps. "The state of Minnesota has become a leader in girls and women's hockey over the years, and it is an honor for us to partner with the Minnesota Wild as they recognize and promote our sport with this special weekend of activities. We thank the Wild and Schwan's for providing this opportunity to grow the game and give little girls across the state the chance to dream of someday playing high school, college, Olympic or professional hockey."

U.S. Olympic medalist Natalie Darwitz and Laura Halldorson, one of the most successful women's hockey coaches in the nation, will headline the chalk talk and sign autographs immediately following the Wild game at the Michelob Golden Light Fan Zone located just inside Gate 4. All fans are welcome to attend.

Minnesota Hockey, along with assistance from Whitecaps players, will lead the skills clinic instruction on Saturday for a total of 50 10 & Under and 60 8 & Under girls, who will take turns on the ice. On Sunday, an on-ice clinic for up to 40 12 & Under players and 40 female players age 19+ will be held at Xcel Energy Center. Each registrant will receive a jersey for participating and can partake in a post-clinic Freschetta® Pizza party. Saturday's registration includes a ticket to the Wild game. For more information and to register for the clinics visit Wild.com/girlshockey.

All teams registered for the Wild clinics also receive free entry to the 2016 Girls Outdoor Hockey Classic on Dec. 17 at the John Rose Oval in Roseville.

The battle between Team USA and Team Canada in women's hockey, part of the U.S. Olympic Committee's Winter Champions Series at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich., starting at 3:30 p.m. CT will be televised live on the videoboard at the conclusion of the Wild game.

Additional details will be announced as the weekend draws nearer. For more information, visit Wild.com/girlshockey.