More than 1,000 active or retired military members are expected to be in attendance. The Wild, along with Thomson Reuters, have provided specially-priced tickets for military members and their families. Each military member in attendance will also receive a one-of-a-kind Military Appreciation Night challenge coin courtesy of Thomson Reuters.
The Wild will wear camouflage jerseys during pre-game warmups. Then, each will be autographed by the respective player and auctioned to benefit United Heroes League and the Minnesota Wild Foundation. Bidding for the jerseys will open Nov. 1 on the official
Minnesota Wild NHL Auctions page
.
Air Force Brig. Gen. David D. Hamlar Jr., M.D., D.D.S, will deliver the traditional "Let's Play Hockey!" announcement. An accomplished military and civilian craniofacial surgeon and Wild team physician since 2003, Dr. Hamlar also holds the distinction of becoming the first African American to achieve a one-star rank in the Minnesota Air National Guard.
The U.S. Army will provide a color guard to accompany the Wild's anthem singer James Bohn, also a veteran, for the Star Spangled Banner. The United Heroes League Mighty Mights will take to the ice during the first intermission. The second intermission will feature the Military Order of Purple Hearts - Minnesota Chapter.
Fans can fill out holiday cards for troops deployed overseas at Section 121, where the American Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program will be stationed throughout the game. The Veterans' Administration will provide information about their resources at Sec. 124.
Children of military members will partake in Wild game-night staples: Bench Buddies, Youth Starting Lineups, SuperAmerica® Kid, Zamboni® rides and the BMO Harris® Bank Flag Bearer. Fan contests and entertainment throughout the game will feature military family members.
