Veteran's Day game a success for Granite City

November 14, 2013

The Granite City Lumberjacks, proud members of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), are pleased to announce that their home game on Monday (Veteran's Day) was a huge success.

 

The Lumberjacks hosted the Minnesota Flying Aces for a game that honored the Military and had several special ceremonies throughout the night. All active military and veterans were admitted for free and over 500 fans turned out to watch the game.

 

All of it was done in cooperation with a charity called Defending the Blue Line (DTBL). DTBL’s mission is to ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. They accomplish this by providing free equipment for military kids, hockey camps, special events, and financial assistance for registration fees and other costs associated with hockey.

 

In addition, DTBL provides unique experiences for military families including attending National Hockey League, minor league affiliate, and collegiate and junior hockey games.

 

The Lumberjacks wore special United States jerseys during the game that were developed by OT Sports, which were then auctioned off following the game to fans, with all proceeds going to DTBL. The Lumberjacks are please to report that over $7,500 was raised to directly benefit DTBL.

 

“I had chills all night from the National Anthem, which was done with by lone trumpeter before the game to the jersey auction after the game,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brad Willner. “The entire experience of playing on Veteran's Day was very gratifying and to see so many active and veteran military there made is very special for our team. To know that the proceeds from the night are directly benefiting Defending the Blue Line makes us happy we could give something back.”