The Red Wings are set to host the annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by Kroger, this Thursday, Nov. 10 as they host the Original Six-rival New York Rangers for a 7 p.m. puck drop at Little Caesars Arena.
"As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day, the Detroit Red Wings proudly pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country," said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment director of community impact Kevin Brown. "On November 10, we invite Red Wings fans to join Kroger in celebrating Military Appreciation Night at Little Caesars Arena as part of our year-round commitment to honor servicemen and women who call Michigan home."
During pregame warmups, Red Wings players will wear camouflage jerseys and warm up with camouflage-taped sticks, which will be auctioned off online at
DetroitRedWings.com/Auction
from Nov. 10-17. The week-long online auction also includes limited-edition Military Appreciation Night pucks.
The auction beneficiary is the Motor City Veterans Hockey Association (MCVHA), which offers individuals with military affiliation a structured environment to play ice hockey, providing recreational therapy and camaraderie for veterans and their families.
The night before the game, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Kroger will host several members of the MCVHA at Little Caesars Arena to play a hockey game on the arena's main ice surface and enjoy dinner with a Red Wings alum.
More than a dozen veterans representing the MCVHA will then attend Thursday's game and sell 50/50 raffle tickets for the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the MCVHA.
"We're honored to once again support Motor City Veterans Hockey Association as the official beneficiary of fundraising efforts in conjunction with Military Appreciation Night," Brown said. "In addition to benefiting from the annual player-used jersey and stick auction, the Red Wings and Kroger will host the Motor City Veterans Hockey Association for an exciting on-ice experience at Little Caesars Arena leading up to Military Appreciation Night."
In addition to the 50/50 Raffle and Military Appreciation Night Auction, fans can honor veterans who have personally affected their lives and their families by completing an "I SALUTE" card and participating in a special photo opportunity in the Via concourse outside the Team Store.
The Red Wings will also honor colleagues who are active or former military members on Thursday, as well as Vietnam Veterans Chapter 109, with tributes on the video board throughout the game.
Limited tickets are still available for Military Appreciation Night at
DetroitRedWings.com/Tickets
, and fans can also support the military through Detroit's Salute to Service Program group packages, which include recognition for you or your organization and a ticket donation to local military personnel.
