Purdue University Northwest community rallies around hockey team at sixth annual Mane Event

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) hosted its annual Mane Event on Thursday, Feb. 5, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters for an evening of school spirit, networking and cheering on PNW athletics. The 2026 celebration took a new turn as fans bundled up and filled the Kube Sports Complex in Hammond to cheer on the PNW American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I men’s ice hockey team as the team faced Hope College.

The Mane Event took place in the Kube’s Up for One Lounge, with sponsors including Purdue Federal Credit Union. Prominent attendees included university leadership, local officials and numerous alumni.

“The Mane Event is our annual event where we invite the campus community, alumni, supporters, and business leaders and community leaders to join in supporting our awesome student-athletes,” said Katie Holderby, director of Alumni Engagement at Purdue Northwest. “We were excited to bring guests to the Kube to experience PNW men’s ice hockey in action. The Mane Event offers a lot of opportunities for us to reconnect with alumni, enjoy each other’s company and recognize our sponsors.”

Throughout the evening, VIP guests connected in the Kube’s Up for One sports lounge and enjoyed catering from House of Pizza. PNW mascot Leo roamed the arena, posing for photos, leading cheers and energizing fans between periods. Fans were also able to receive exclusive beanie hats marking PNW’s 10th anniversary celebration.

The event also highlighted the conclusion of the Chancellor’s Cup Challenge, a campuswide initiative supporting students through donations to the PNW Food Pantry. After the first period, Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford presented this year’s Chancellor’s Cup to the overall winner, the PNW College of Nursing.

“The Chancellor’s Cup Challenge is an annual initiative where the campus community rallies around students, especially those facing food insecurity, and donates goods to the PNW Food Pantry,” said Kale Wilk, PNW media and communications specialist. “The friendly competition is a great example of how people across campus come together to support students beyond the classroom.”

Students in attendance said the Mane Event strengthened the sense of community on campus. Trinity Rodriguez, a senior at PNW whose friend plays on the hockey team, said this year’s turnout made the experience especially memorable.

“I love the event. I go to a lot of games, but this one had a lot more family and friends,” Rodriguez said. “There are more people cheering and supporting our team. I’ve seen my professors here tonight and families of current students. Seeing our community come out is amazing. My mom and grandpa went to Purdue, so I’m the third generation, and I know I’ll continue to support PNW after I graduate.”

Holderby hopes attendees leave the event feeling connected and proud of the university community.

“There is a strong spirit with the Purdue Northwest community — that unity and family-like feeling we get when we’re all together,” Holderby said. “We’re gathered around the hockey team, alumni and supporters, and it gives us that chance to connect.”

The evening ended on a high note as Leo led the crowd in one final cheer and PNW secured a 2–0 victory, sending fans into celebration and capping off a night that showcased both athletic achievement and the strength of the PNW community.
For more information about Purdue University Northwest and upcoming events, visit pnw.edu.