(left) Dan Brooks was defenseman at the University of Denver from 1987-90.
Today he's a financial consultant in MinneapolisFrom: NHL.comby Rocky BonnanoDU Alum Dan Brooks is the son of legendary coach Herb Brooks who died in an automobile accident in 2003. Today the
Herb Brooks Foundation is assisting the children of military parents participate in various hockey programs.
The Herb Brooks Foundation is dedicated to providing more opportunities for kids to play hockey. True to Brooks' words, the Foundation will assist in "making hockey fun for kids and letting them learn to love the game the way we did."
In keeping with this ideal, the Foundation supports programs that emphasize the development of youth hockey players and coaches throughout the country. The Foundation also assists in providing more outdoor hockey facilities and programs, which directly impact the development of youth hockey players.
"The Herb Brooks Foundation really is multi-faceted," Dan Brooks, son of Herb and board member of the foundation, told NHL.com. "We want to make the game of hockey better at all levels, doing things for elite athletes all the way down to the less fortunate. While we want to make the game better, we also want to make people's lives better through the game of hockey.
"This situation came up, and knowing my father, if he was alive today, not only his love of hockey but for his country and the military, he would have been all over this and supporting it. We are fortunate to be partnered with Defending the Blue Line."
"This is our biggest endeavor, without a doubt," said Hudella, who expects 100 to 120 children to benefit from "Herbie's Heroes." "This camp has turned into an incredible event. Multiple television and media outlets will be on hand. It'll be a great time for families to have first-class training on the ice, a picnic, and just enjoy family togetherness.
"Part of the deal going into this is we're soldiers first. Once we accomplish our assigned missions, this is a great way for us on non-duty time to give something back to the next generation of soldiers."
"Herbie's Heroes" takes place on July 23-24 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. Children will receive about an hour and a half of ice time per day. At the conclusion of the skate on the second day, the rink is open to the public for the All-Star game. The contest is free (donations are accepted), and raffles will be sold to win the signed jerseys of celebrity skaters.
Confirmed celebrities are 1980 Olympians Dave Christian, Steve Christoff and Rob McClanahan, and former NHLers Tom Chorske, Darby Hendrickson, Joe Dziedzic and Brian Bellows. Dan Brooks, a former standout defenseman at the University of Denver (1987-90), will also suit up. Coaching the celebrity team will be former Minnesota North Stars defenseman Brad Maxwell.
"I'll give it a whirl, so that should be interesting," Dan Brooks said. "I haven't played in a while, so it'll be interesting for me to go out there. I'm excited to see that line of the three 1980 Olympians. Those are great guys and great players in their own right. It'll be a fun afternoon."
To learn more about these organizations, please visit www.defendingtheblueline.com and www.herbbrooksfoundation.com.
