Herbie's Heroes Hockey Camp & Defending the Blue Line

I have been waiting for the right time to promote this, and since Russo is now pimping it, I suppose the time is now, right?

Only July 23 & 24th, The Herb Brooks Foundation and Defending the Blue Line are teaming up to host a hockey camp for military kids at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine. The event is going to be very cool, with tons of training for the kids, food, media, and a unique hockey game featuring the HBF team of celebs and former NHLers against the DTBL Military All-Stars. The Military team is made up of currently serving military personnel and the one and only Brent Burns.

I have posted most of the good stuff up front, but there is more after the jump, including why you should care.

First off, let me tell you why I would put this on Hockey Wilderness. The first reason is the most obvious. Because I care. Both DTBL and HBF are great organizations dedicated to the basic premise that anyone who wants to play hockey should be able to play hockey. Defending the Blue Line has narrowed the mission to the children of military families who otherwise would not be able to afford to play the game they love.

The second reason may not be as clear. I am working with Defending the Blue Line, and have been for about a month now. I first contacted them after reading about them on HBF's Facebook page. After contacting them, I met with Shane Hudella, one of the founders of the group, and we talked about the group, why I wanted to help, all fo the details. The first thing I did for them was create the first issue of their quarterly newsletter:

DTBL Quarterly (click the link to download it)

Let me know what you think of the newsletter. More importantly, let me know what you think of the group. Support them. Go to their website: DefendingTheBlueLine.com. Make a donation, or buy some of the stuff under the tab labeled "Merchandise." Sweet composite stick available, hoodies, hats. Also, if you go to WSI.com they also have some very nice merchandise with the DTBL logo on it, with proceeds going to the organization.

You can also help simply by spreading the word. You can "Like" DTBL on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter mentioned above. If you feel the desire, they also need volunteers for different group events. You can contact them through the "How you can help tab" on the website.

Alright. So I think I have done all that I can to convince you that his is a great organization. It is now up to you what you do with that information. If you simply read this and do nothing, I can only imagine the hell that will rain down on you. (Of course, I kid, but I may make fun of you.) If you do choose to support the group in any of the ways I have listed above, please let me know. I will want to thank you for doing so.

As I mentioned, I am involved with the group. I am 100% committed to ensuring they accomplish their mission. I would love it if the Hockey Wilderness community came along for the ride.

The press release:

HERBIE’S HEROES HOCKEY CAMP FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

Herb Brooks Foundation Teams Up With Defending The Blue Line

 

SAINT PAUL, MN – Defending The Blue Line announced today a special donation of a hockey camp just for military kids, courtesy of the Herb Brooks Foundation. The creation of “Herbie’s Heroes” will go towards helping military families from Minnesota.

 

The camp will provide the highest level of on-ice training for deployed, currently serving or combat wounded service members’ children. Highlights of the July camp include a July 24 All-Star game at Blaine's Super Rink between the Herb Brooks Foundation (celebrity and former NHL Pro Players) and the Minnesota Military All-Stars (currently serving military players, as well as honorary Warrior and MN Wild Defenseman Brent Burns). The camp will conclude with a picnic and celebration of the military families.

 

“We are very excited to have been selected as a grant recipient by the Herb Brooks Foundation. Military families sacrifice so much, we are doing everything we can to help support their needs and keep their kids playing hockey,” said Shane Hudella, President of Defending The Blue Line. “Our service members’ children and families are so excited to have this great opportunity, and we are very grateful.”

 

Defending The Blue Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by a group of active duty National Guard soldiers in Minnesota. The charity assists families of all branches of the military with costs associated with hockey. They provide financial assistance for registration fees, free equipment, and recently through a growing partnership with the Herb Brooks Foundation, they offer a variety of hockey camps for military kids at no charge.

 

“With my Grandfather and Great Grandfather both having been in the military, I have a great appreciation and respect for the sacrifices our service members make to defend our freedom everyday. I think Defending The Blue Line is doing a great job of taking care of military families by helping out with equipment and other costs related to hockey, while the camps from the Herb Brooks Foundation will allow many more deserving kids to play the game,” said Brent Burns, Minnesota Wild defenseman and strong supporter of Defending The Blue Line. “I'm proud to be associated with these programs, and look forward to working with them on future projects.”

 

Herb Brooks Foundation Executive Director Skip Peltier commented on the growing partnership with Defending The Blue Line:

 

“Since our inception in 2003, the Herb Brooks Foundation has had the opportunity to give the game back to many deserving kids. Partnering with Defending The Blue Line and our military families is one of the most rewarding programs we have ever been involved with. Considering Herb’s Olympic legacy and patriotic spirit, we are honored to be helping the very people who give us the freedom to do what we do. We know this would make Herb very proud.”

Check out www.DefendingTheBlueLine.com

and of course, for more information on the Herb Brooks Foundation please visit their website at www.herbbrooksfoundation.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HerbBrooksFoundation. Follow them at www.Twitter.com/Herb_Brooks.

Later all.