March 4, 2025

This paid piece is sponsored by Silverstar Car Wash.

Quinn Rudrud wanted to be part of something special.

He wanted it so much, he packed up his hockey gear after a freshman year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and headed to Augustana University.

“Being part of a brand-new Division I program is a unique opportunity, and I wanted to help build something from the ground up,” said Rudrud, who grew up in Minnesota and played two seasons after high school in the North American Hockey League for the Bismarck Bobcats.

“The coaching staff, the facilities and the vision for the program made it an easy decision. Plus, Sioux Falls is an awesome city with great support for hockey, so it just felt like the right fit for me both on and off the ice.”

On the ice, his first full season at the Midco Arena “has been an incredible experience,” he said. “Every time we step on the ice, we’re not just playing for ourselves — we’re laying the foundation for the future of Augustana hockey.”

 The facilities are top-notch, “and the atmosphere on game nights is something special,” he continued. “Sioux Falls has really embraced us, and you can feel the energy from the fans every time we hit the ice. It’s a great place to play, and having that kind of support makes a huge difference.”

Off the ice, he has found a strong level of support from Sioux Falls-based Silverstar Car Wash, which offered him a name, image and likeness, or NIL, partnership.

“At Silverstar, we love being involved with local sports, and working with athletes like Quinn Rudrud has been a great way to showcase our brand while giving back to the teams and players that bring so much excitement to communities like Sioux Falls,” said Andrea Vetos, senior director of operations for parent company Mammoth Holdings.

“As NIL opportunities grow, we’re excited to explore new ways to collaborate with athletes who align with our values and can help spread the word about the convenience and benefits of a Silverstar membership. Plus, student-athletes are constantly on the go, and having a clean, well-maintained vehicle is just as important for them as it is for anyone else. It’s a win-win partnership that brings value to both sides while strengthening our connection to Sioux Falls and all of the Silverstar communities.”

The relationship with Rudrud and Augustana is one of several NIL partnerships supported by Silverstar. Others involve athletes on these teams:

• North Dakota State University women’s basketball: Taryn Hamling.
• University of Minnesota Gopher women’s hockey: Madison Kaiser.
• University of Iowa women’s basketball: Callie Levin.
• Iowa Wild Hockey in Des Moines.
• Quad City Storm Hockey.

“Partnering with student-athletes has a tremendous positive impact, both for our brand and the community,” Vetos said. “These collaborations help us reach new audiences, especially passionate sports fans who support their local teams. It allows us to engage with customers in a more personal and meaningful way, showing that we’re not just a car wash — we’re a business that values and invests in the people who make their community special.”

For the athletes, these partnerships provide opportunities to grow their personal brand while getting real-world experience working with local businesses, she added.

“It’s exciting to support them on their journey while also showcasing how Silverstar can make life a little easier — whether that’s keeping their car clean after long road trips or giving them one less thing to worry about during a busy season.”

For Rudrud, partnering with Silverstar has brought benefits far beyond a cleaner vehicle — although that’s a welcome one too.

“As a hockey player, I’m always on the go — between practices, games and travel — so having a quick and convenient way to keep my car clean is a huge plus. I love that I can just roll up, go through the wash and be back on the road in minutes,” he said.

“The unlimited membership is a game-changer because I never have to worry about my car looking rough, especially in the winter when the roads can get messy. The experience at Silverstar is always top-notch. The staff is great, the process is super-easy, and the wash itself does an awesome job. Plus, with all the locations around Sioux Falls, there’s always one close by.”

Want a closer look at how much Rudrud has enjoyed his Silverstar membership? Take a look:

“For anyone thinking about a membership, I’d definitely recommend it,” Rudrud continued.

“Whether you’re an athlete, a student or just someone who wants to keep their car looking good without the hassle, it’s totally worth it. Unlimited washes mean you can go as often as you need, and trust me — once you start using it, you won’t want to go without it.”

The relationship has been “an incredible opportunity,” he added.

“Silverstar’s backing goes beyond just me — it helps elevate our entire program,” Rudrud said. “It’s exciting to see companies invest in college athletes and be part of something bigger than just the sport. I’m really grateful for the partnership, and it’s been a lot of fun representing a brand that so many people in Sioux Falls know and love.”

At Silverstar, Vetos anticipates continuing to develop NIL relationships with college athletes.

“We see a lot of value in them and plan to continue developing relationships with student-athletes in the future,” she said. “These partnerships help us authentically connect with the community while also supporting athletes who work hard both on and off the ice and court.”