To put the Red Wings' impact into perspective, the average red kettle collects $200 in donations each day. The donations collected by the four teams in just two hours on Friday would equal 81 days of bell ringing. Since 2005, the Red Wings have helped raise more than $150,000 for The Salvation Army.
"It's really great to have the Red Wings here," said Salvation Army Captain Jeff Eddy. "When they come out, we do a whole lot better, and people really love having them here to interact and sign autographs. Having the Red Wings here really helps us get the money that we need to continue the STRIVE Hockey Program."
Tatar, who along with Mrazek came in third in the competition with more than $3,072 raised, said while the bell ringing competition between players and alumni is fun, the opportunity to raise money for The Salvation Army is much more gratifying than competition bragging rights would've been.
"You're helping a good cause and it's nice to be here, nice to see the fans and talk to them. I wanted to help as much as I can," Tatar said. "It's a pleasure for me. There's nothing better than seeing them here with big smiles. People usually bring their kids, so it's awesome."
Tatar, a native of Slovakia, is rarely able to go home for the holidays because of the busy Red Wings schedule, but the forward said he's happy to have his family and friends come to Detroit to stay with him.
"My family is in town, and they're staying for a little while. We have a good stretch of home games now, so it's nice to have them around, especially around this time," Tatar said. "But, you know, we still have to play hockey, so you have to stay focused and do your job."