Game #76: Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues, Tuesday March 29, 2011 at 7:00pm CDT, Scottrade Center [GAME PREVIEW]

For Wild fans, it’s getting harder and harder to find positives about the way the season is ending.  Cynicism has become common place, and it almost feels like a chore to sit through another game.  But then stories like the one in the above clip from yesterday’s NBC Nightly News come around, and put things into perspective.  It reminds us that it is only a game, but for some people, hockey provides a semblance of normalcy in their lives.

Defending the Blue Line is a Minnesota-based, non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to hockey families across the country, where at least one of the parent’s is a member of the United States armed forces.  We all know that hockey is an expensive sport for any family, but for many military families, it is pretty much a luxury.  The organization was started by soldiers with the hope that it wouldn’t have to be a luxury for families, especially when one member of the family is deployed over seas.  They make sure that kids have the equipment they need, transportation if needed, and money for things like registration fees and summer hockey camps.  Naturally, one of their main partner is the hometown, Minnesota Wild.  Players like Brent Burns donate tickets and coach kids.  However, this is not just for Minnesota families.  Defending the Blue Line has been awarded a grant from the National Hockey League Players Association and have teamed up with players on the Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, and Edmonton Oilers.

I doubt the broadcast with Brian Williams and Kevin Tibbles at NBC was timed in such a way to take our minds off of the abysmal play of the Wild.  However, like a friend of mine said, “Glad they focused on the story at hand without mentioning the horrible play of the Wild as of late!”  It would have been so easy for Kevin Tibbles or Brent Burns to mention something like that.  Thankfully, all realized the heart of the organization and the story.  That being the kids who are served by Defending the Blue Line. 

So when tonight most likely goes poorly, simply remember that tonight is simply a game.  It is not a matter of life or death.  Do remember however that there are families involved in hockey where there are truly issues of life and death.  I know times are tough for all of us financially these days, but do consider making even a small donation to such a worthy organization like Defending the Blue Line.  Even if you can’t afford to give money, they also need people to give time.  You can check them out at http://www.defendingtheblueline.com  You’ll be glad you did.

You can follow us on Twitter at @StateofHckyNews where we will have Live in game tweets updating you on the action. 

    

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