Blackhawks joined by Wounded Warriors at Winter Classic practice

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --The Chicago Blackhawks were preparing for the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on Monday, but they also took the opportunity to skate with the Wounded Warriors.

The Warriors, a group of wounded military personnel, joined the Blackhawks near the end of their practice at Compton Family Ice Arena at the University of Notre Dame to play some spirited and chaotic hockey. The Blackhawks play the Boston Bruins at Notre Dame Stadium on Tuesday (1 p.m. ET; NBC, TVAS, SN).
"It's awesome," Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat said. "I mean, those guys are heroes and they're heroes to us. So, it's definitely cool to be able to skate with them and maybe help their day. They brightened our day, so hopefully we did the same for them. It was just a fun time."

Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane shook hands and took photos with some of the Warriors as they left the ice. The Blackhawks have invited the Warriors onto the ice with them at several practices leading up to outdoor games.
"There's really not enough we can do to thank those guys," Blackhawks forward John Hayden said. "A lot of us sort of look up to and appreciate the team mentality and intangibles those guys have. They were very appreciative and thankful, but the honor is ours. It's cool to see them out there participating with us, playing with us, having fun with smiles on their faces. Those guys go through a lot physically and mentally. There's been a lot that's taken a toll on them, and to hear this can bring a smile to their faces and help get them through some of the things they deal with is special."