RELEASE: Blackhawks to honor veterans on Thursday

The Chicago Blackhawks will honor those who have served our nation during a special Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 8 before hosting the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, Blackhawks players will wear one-of-a-kind camouflage jerseys during warm-ups that will later go up for auction.

This marks the ninth season that the Blackhawks will wear the jerseys, courtesy of Boeing, in support of USO of Illinois and those that serve in our nation's military, at home and away. Each jersey will be autographed by the player who wore it and auctioned off online, with all proceeds benefitting USO of Illinois. Additionally, a custom-painted goalie mask and a team-signed camouflage jersey will be included in the auction. The auction on chicagoblackhawks.com will begin on Thursday, Nov. 8, and run through 12 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 17.

The Blackhawks will recognize 50 members of the United States Armed Forces - all of whom served during the Vietnam War - during the National Anthem as part of the Veterans Day ceremony. Additionally, during the first intermission, United States Army Four Star General Stephen J. Townsend and USO of Illinois President & CEO Alison Ruble will honor two distinguished Vietnam veterans who represent all those who have served or are currently serving our country.

Through Boeing's generous support of this military appreciation night, 100 tickets were donated to allow military members and their guests the opportunity to attend Thursday's game. Many Blackhawks season ticketholders and fans also donated their tickets to USO of Illinois for active military members. The Blackhawks and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation provide significant annual support for USO Centers across Illinois, USO Military Youth Programs, as well as USO Community Connection Programs through Salutes on the Ice.

Thursday's game will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Chicago, streamed on NBCSportsChicago.com and the MyTeams by NBC Sports app and heard on WGN Radio.

About USO of Illinois
The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting nearly 325,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org

About the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation
The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation envisions a healthier, smarter, more secure world for families in and around Chicago. As the official charity of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is proud to bring hope to the communities that make our city so special and is committed to providing access to the programming and funding necessary for organizations to make a positive impact. Our goal is to grow the game we love while giving the people we serve a chance for something greater.