Good morning, Mankato.

Donors are encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts, including art supplies, journals and headphones for teens, to the 11th annual Great Mankato Toy Drive at NaKato Bar + Grill in North Mankato tomorrow from 8 a.m. to midnight; live music from Minneapolis bands starts at 9 p.m.

Free children’s coats will be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Spring Lake Park warming house in North Mankato, courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 5551 and Council 901.

Pancake breakfast fundraisers provided about 200 coats in various sizes with no need for registration or income proof.

A 68-year-old man, Curt Vogel, died in a Saint Peter garage fire this past Sunday while spending his final hours with his son during a battle with terminal cancer — the blaze destroyed a cherished 1966 Chevelle and his home, leaving his family facing significant loss.

Allison Doughty and her students presented a generational dance piece at the fall concert held at Ted Paul Theatre from Thursday to Saturday.

The Dance Showcase on Sunday features creative works including a hip-hop piece by Devaughn Lane (with live percussion).

Mankato-based Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc. received $500,000 from DEED’s Job Creation Fund to invest $4.5 million in facility improvements that will add 25 jobs over the next three years, while Winnebago Manufacturing received $120,000 for facility expansion that will create six new positions.

Mankato East girls hockey won 7-0 against Austin on Thursday, Dec.

4 at their home rink. The team scored early and maintained strong play throughout the game.

Minnesota State’s football team will face No. 1 Ferris State in the third round of the NCAA tournament, while the women’s hockey team earns a national ranking and the men’s team rides a six-game win streak.

Coaches and key players explain their plans (match details shared in team talks).

Mankato West boys hockey hosted Bloomington Jefferson on Thursday and tied 2-2 at their home rink.

Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks vs. St. Cloud State Huskies

2:02 PM — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Ticket prices not specified — Watch an exciting college hockey matchup between the Mavericks and Huskies.

Live Music by Dan Duffy Orchestra

6-9 p.m. — Wow! Zone — Enjoy delicious food with captivating swing and Hot Club music.

World Junior Pre-Tournament Game: Switzerland vs Minnesota State

7-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Ticket details not available — Witness a thrilling pre-tournament match between Switzerland and the Mavericks ahead of the World Junior Championship.

IIHF World Junior Championship: Denmark vs Canada

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center — Tickets available — Witness Denmark face off against Canada in this exciting pre-tournament match.

New Year's Eve Celebration at The Venue

7:30 p.m. — The Venue — Check ticket price — Celebrate the New Year with a festive night in Mankato.