ST PAUL, Minn. — *Editor's note: The above video first aired Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.
The Minnesota Wild left sticks outside their locker room Wednesday to honor Charlie Boike, the 17-year-old St. Cloud hockey player who was killed in a crash Saturday night.
"Tonight, we’re leaving some sticks out for Charlie Boike, his family, and the St. Cloud hockey community," the team posted on social media ahead of Wednesday's game with the Detroit Red Wings.
Officials said Boike was driving a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer south on 23rd Avenue at the time of the crash. The vehicle left the road, entered the ditch and rolled, police said. Police noted that roads were slippery at the time of the crash and had been wet all day due to weather conditions.
Charlie's mother, Erika Boike, said her son had just been inducted into the National Honor Society earlier this year.
"He had a smile that will light up the room in the darkest of rooms. He would do anything for anybody. He had a way of being able to connect with all ages," Erika Boike said. "Make sure you hug your kids extra tight. You just don't know if there could be another last time."
A GoFundMe for the family has already raised more than $50,000 as of Saturday night. The family plans to use the money to create a scholarship fund in Charlie's honor.
"The outpouring from the community has been unimaginable and so overwhelming. This community is definitely the glue that keeps a family that's struggling together," Erika Boike said. "I would give it all back to have him walk through the door right now."
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