MINNEAPOLIS, Minn – Wars have separated soldiers from their families and made life difficult for everyone concerned. Sport and athletics have served a common thread to help close these gaps and bind separation and permit a feeling of being whole.
One organization, Defending the Blue Line , is using hockey to make a difference in the lives of so many of the nation’s heroes and their families.
Defending the Blue Line is a non-profit organization founded by National Guard soldiers with the goal of keeping the dream of hockey alive for the children of our nation’s heroes. They accomplish that mission by providing full sets of hockey gear for skater and goalies from mites to high school, association fees and ice time costs, as well as NHL tickets to games across the NHL.
They have helped nearly 1000 children at an average grant per child of around $1000. Major supporters include a bevy of past, present and future NHL players, NHL teams, and the NHLPA. Player supporters include fifteen current NHLers including Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks, Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks and Cal Clutterbuck of the Minnesota Wild. Past NHLers include the late Derek Boogaard, Brad Maxwell, Steve Payne, Lou Nanne, Phil Housley and JP Parise. These players have supported the mission of DTBL through a number of autograph signings, special events, and capital donations. DTBL also enjoys the support of eleven NHL teams. This support, plus that of its sponsors and individual supporters, makes it possible to help keep military kids in hockey distracted from the worries that come from being part of a military family.
“Deployments, moves, and other stresses of service can have a profound impact on the children of service members,” Bryan Reynolds said recently. “Allowing for the kids to keep their passion for the game alive, we hope to provide a sense of normalcy.”
Defending the Blue Line was highlighted in an NBC Nightly News feature ( video link ).
Defending the Blue Line is in a competition of sorts with other community organizations as part of a challenge from the White House to the public to share stories and efforts of supporting military families. Defending the Blue Line is highly ranked in the competition but needs some added support.
Pro Hockey News is pleased to know that Defending the Blue Line is making a difference in the lives of so many military families in the US and Canada.
To support Defending the Blue Line go to Joining Forces Community Challenge ( web link ) and review the options and consider voting for these worthy community partners.
Need more information? Contact Pro Hockey News ( email link ).
Pro Hockey News thanks Defending the Blue Line for their community service and efforts in supporting the nation’s real heroes.
Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.