Pop-Rock Band O.A.R. Join Minnesota Wild For ‘Crazy Game Of Hockey’ Charity Event This Summer
The Minnesota Wild announced a new charitable event for the summer of 2023 that will include a celebrity hockey game and musical performances in the Twin Cities.
The "Crazy Game of Hockey" event, announced on March 27, is a collaborative effort with the pop-rock band O.A.R. and Minnesota-based and Grammy-nominated guitarist Cory Wong. The weekend will consist of three events, all tied to helping launch the newly-announced Wild Alumni Association.
As explained in a press release, the new organization was "created to help former players reconnect with their teammates and provide new opportunities and relationships with the current organization, both on and off the ice." The release says the association will "also help support the organization's business and community initiatives, with a focus on continuing to build a greater State of Hockey."
The release also quotes former Wild player Mikko Koivu, who explains that many former players still make Minnesota their home. Koivu said, "I am excited to be part of the Minnesota Wild Alumni Association and look forward to connecting with alumni and working together on events and initiatives that will strengthen our connection to the community we live in."
The "Crazy Game of Hockey" weekend of events includes three different activities. The first is a VIP event at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis on July 7 at 7 pm hosted by O.A.R.'s Marc Roberge and Cory Wong, featuring a red-carpet entrance, musical acts Yam Haus and Tigirlily Gold, stand-up comedian Natalie Friedman, food and beverage, and a live and silent auction.
The second is a celebrity hockey game at TRIA Rink in St. Paul on July 8 at 12:30 pm, featuring a number of notable figures. Some of the names announced include current and former Wild players along with other notable athletes and celebrities. Here's a list of personalities included in the event's press release:
Athlete Celebrities:
- Zac Dalpe (NHL)
- Ben Leber (NFL alumni)
- Joe Mauer (MLB alumni)
- Randall McDaniel (NFL alumni)
- Mike Modano (NHL alumni)
- Greg Ostertag (NBA alumni)
- Drew Stafford (NHL alumni)
- Tom Reid (NHL alumni)
- Hannah Brandt (USA Hockey star)
- Natalie Darwitz (USA Hockey star)
- Hilary Knight (USA Hockey star)
Non-Athlete Celebrities:
- Chris Culos from O.A.R.
- Jamie Hersch from NHL Network
- John Feitelberg from Barstool Sports
- Dan Finnerty of the Dan Band (from The Hangover and Old School)
- Natalie Friedman (comedian)
- Richard On from O.A.R.
Former Minnesota Wild players:
- Niklas Backstrom
- Pierre-Marc Bouchard
- Kyle Brodziak
- Matt Cullen
- Devan Dubnyk
- Darby Hendrickson
- Mark Parrish
- Clayton Stoner
- Thomas Vanek
Current Minnesota Wild players:
- Alex Goligoski
- Ryan Hartman
- Jon Merrill
Other celebrities are expected to be announced as the event gets closer.
The final activity of the weekend will be a concert at the Armory in Minneapolis that will feature Cory Wong and O.A.R. at 7:30 pm on July 8.
Tickets for the event are available now, including access to all three events for the cost of $300 per ticket.