Jan. 22, 2013
Notre Dame, Ind. – The Notre Dame hockey team will participate in a special online auction tied into this weekend’s games against Ferris State on Jan. 25-26 at the Compton Family Ice Arena.
The Irish will wear specially designed jerseys for the series with the Bulldogs that will then be auctioned off to the highest bidders on the Notre Dame website -UND.com (). The proceeds from the auction will then go to Defending The Blue Line, a great organization that helps kids in military families stay in the game of hockey despite the significant family stresses brought about by additional training and deployment requirements.
To date, Defending The Blue Line has helped over 5,000 military hockey families with equipment, hockey camps, special events like family NHL games, and financial assistance for fees associated with hockey. The group was recognized in 2011 by the White House in a special service hosted by Michelle Obama, and has been featured in major dailies across the nation. Brian Williams and NBC Nightly News ran a feature Defending The Blue Line in its popular program “People Making A Difference.”
The fund-raising effort is being spearheaded by Irish senior left wing Nick Larson (Apple Valley, Minn.) who got involved with organization due through his father – Dan Larson.
“My dad is involved with Defending The Blue Line which is based in Minnesota,” said Larson.
“I’ve done some things in the past with them, like skating at events with groups of other college and NHL players to help raise money for this cause.”
Bidding for the jerseys is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 23 at Noon and will run through the remainder of January, ending on Jan. 31 at 9:30 p.m. (EST). Bids on the jerseys will start at $200.00 with all the proceeds benefitting Defending The Blue Line.
Fans must be registered to bid on these special jerseys by setting up an auction profile (user name/password/billing information) in advance. To register a new profile, link to . The winning bidder has the option to have their jersey autographed by the player wearing it, and also one additional player (NCAA rules stipulate a minimum of two signatures per jersey).
“The idea for the jersey auction was based on what Kevin Deeth did a few years back with the Wounded Warriors and then knowing about Defending the Blue Line gave me the idea to put the two things together,” says Larson.
“The last jersey auction that the Notre Dame hockey team was involved with was a huge success due to the contributions of our fans, former players and alumni. I can’t think of a better group – our servicemen and their families – to try to raise money to help them for all the sacrifices that they make for our country.”
While the online auction is one way to contribute to this event, Notre Dame hockey will have several options available at the games versus Ferris State. Team memorobilia will be available in a silent auction that will be held each night during the Ferris State series. Fans can also just make a flat donation to the cause online when they CLICK HERE.
On Friday, Jan. 25, a Humvee will be parked outside the Compton Family Ice Arena for fan photo opportunities. On Sat., Jan 26, the Humvee will be driven on the ice during the first intermission for a Chuck-A-Puck Promotion with fans aiming for an artillery shell placed at center ice. Closest to center ice will receive a Reebok “Defending the Blue Line” jersey like the team will be wearing that night. Pucks will cost $5.00 with all the proceeds going to Defending the Blue Line.
“It’s the Notre Dame culture with every sport to get involved in the community,” explains Larson.
“With the hockey team whenever we have a chance to get out in the community, we do it because we are given so much on a daily basis. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be out giving back and this is an excellent opportunity for everyone to do something for the families who help defend our nation.”