Help Jo Play Hockey in Europe: One Last Shot at Her Dream!

Hi, my name is Jo Mahlum, and I am asking for your support as I chase a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to play hockey in Europe this summer before I play in my final season as a Green Knight at St. Norbert College.

If you know me, you know that hockey isn’t just a sport to me; it is a part of who I am. I’ve been playing hockey for 18 years, since I was a little girl. I laced up my skates every early morning, every cold practice, every hard-fought game, because I love it. The rink is my home, and my teammates are my family.

Aside from my love and passion for hockey, I grew up as a multi-sport athlete. I played all the sports, ranging from soccer to volleyball, to swimming, and softball. There was never a dull moment growing up. I loved being part of a team and putting in countless hours to become the best I possibly could at whatever it was I was doing. Outside of my athletic world, I enjoy spending my time outdoors camping with my family, going on hikes with my friends, or just spending a nice day out on the lake or at the beach.

This trip to Europe isn’t just a vacation, it’s an international hockey experience that could open doors I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. We’ll be competing against some of the best talent across several countries, getting exposure, growing our skills, and possibly catching the attention of professional scouts. I will be traveling across four different countries throughout my trip, spending three days in Budapest, Hungary, one day in Bratislava, Slovakia, three days in Vienna and Klagenfurt, Austria, and finally three days in Ljubljana, Slovenia. For me, this is about so much more than just the international experience and the games; this is about keeping the dream alive to one day play professional women’s hockey.

And here’s the honest truth: I need your help to make it happen.

The total cost of the trip is approximately $6,800.00. That includes flights, lodging, meals, team gear, tournament fees, and transportation across Europe for 10 days of games and training. While I’ve been working all summer trying to save every penny I can, it’s simply not enough to cover the full cost.

How the Funds Will be Used:

$2200.00 in flights across 4 countries

Lodging $1700.00

Ground transportation $400.00

Meals: breakfast is provided, lunch, dinner, and snacks $700.00

Tournament/coaching fees $1200.00

Team gear package $600.00

This trip would be my final chance to play internationally before I graduate from college with my undergraduate degree. After this year, my world will change. No more college hockey, no more team bus rides, no more lacing up my skates to play in one more game. Just the hope that I can find a path to keep playing the game I love at the next level.

If you’ve ever chased something with all your heart, you know how much this means to me. Any amount you can give, even $10, would get me one step closer to this dream. If you can’t donate, I completely understand, but you can still help by sharing this with friends, family, or anyone who supports women in sports.

I’ll regularly post updates on this page, such as photos, fundraising progress, and thank-you's to my wonderful supporters, so you will be a part of every step.

Thank you for believing in me, supporting women’s sports, and helping me live this dream, one skate stride at a time.

With gratitude and fire in my heart,

Jo Mahlum