Parise, Suter & Other NHL Stars Suiting Up For Defending The Blue Line Charity

With many of the big name NHL players flocking to Europe to play in a competitive league, there are still plenty of notable names hanging around back home, anxiously waiting for a new CBA to be completed.  In the mean time, those same players are finding ways to stay fit and the upcoming charity game where all proceeds go to the Defending the Blue Line Charity is a perfect example.  It’s also an opportunity for fans to watch some of their favorite NHL players up close and in action, albeit not to the same levels as if they were playing for the Stanley Cup.

The game that is slated for Sunday, October 28 at the Mariucci Arena will boast a total of nine Minnesota Wild, including goaltender Niklas Backstrom and the recently signed superstars, Ryan Suter and Zach Parise.

The entire roster can be seen here courtesy of the Star Tribune.

Other notable names include the Maple Leafs, James van Riemsdyk, Dustin Byfuglien of the Winnipeg Jets and Erik Johnson of the Colorado Avalanche.

Former Wild player, Wes Walz will also suit up in what will surely bring out the competitive juices and intrigue him to consider a comeback.  Although at the age of 37, Walz likely knows he’s best suited for retirement mode.

Wild captain, Mikko Koivu was scheduled to play in the game, but as of today he is on his way to Finland to play for his hometown team of TPS.

Michael Russo of the Tribune mentions that there could still be a few surprise additions which would only build the excitement level around this worth while cause.

For more information and tickets you can check out defendingtheblueline.org or mygophersports.com.

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