Photo: GoFundMe

A team extends beyond the players on the court, field, or ice. Of course, there are the coaches, trainers, nutritionists, counselors, and even bus drivers. But, there’s also the janitor.

The Augsburg College men’s hockey team exhibited an amazing act of caring for Minasie Theophilis, a longtime custodian for the school.

Theophilis left Ethiopia and his parents and seven brothers and sisters to come to the U.S. more than 30 years ago. He started as a student at Augsburg College in Minneapolis and has been a part of the school’s custodial services team for more than 25 years. In fact, he has never returned to Ethiopia since he immigrated.

His mother recently passed away, but he was unable to attend her memorial service because he couldn’t afford the trip back to his home country. That’s why the men’s hockey team started a GoFundMe page to help one of their favorite “team members.”

Minasie is a huge part of the college, making friends with everyone that he encounters.  His custodial responsibilities mainly include the ice arena, where he has made an enormous impact on the men’s and women’s hockey teams.  As alumni make their way back to campus, Minasie always remembers them, greeting them with a huge smile or a big hug!  This past season he has joined the men’s hockey team’s weekly bible study, adding value with his insights and strong faith. He encourages the entire Augsburg staff with his bright smiles and his positive energy. I personally greet him with huge every morning!  Beyond his faith, positive energy and daily smile, the Ice Arena is spotless.  From cleaning the locker rooms and bathrooms to washing the glass before weekend games, the pride Minasie takes in his job is contagious (GoFundMe)

They set a goal of $3,000, and that was surpassed within the first nine hours. As of this posting, about $6,800 has been raised. So, Theophilis will be able to travel right away to be with his family. The team says they will set aside the extra money for Theophilis and his wife to take another trip to Ethiopia next winter.

A round of applause for college hockey’s greatest assist of the year.