CCHA Hockey: Notre Dame to auction off jerseys this weekend for Defending the Blue Line

This weekend, Notre Dame plans on wearing specially designed uniforms on the ice to benefit Defending the Blue Line, whose mission is to ensure that children of military members are able to have the opportunity to play hockey by providing free equipment and other financial help.

The jerseys will be worn for both games against Ferris State at Compton Family Ice Arena and then individually auctioned off by the school. All proceeds from the auctions go to Defending the Blue Line.

"We could not be happier with the way this entire process has played out, and we are extremely excited to be involved with a proud college program like Notre Dame," said Defending the Blue Line president Shane Hudella.

The idea behind the specially designed uniforms, which feature the words "strong of heart" on the collar, came from Fighting Irish forward Nick Larson following a similar auction former player Kevin Deeth did. It's an organization that's he has worked with in the past and being able to spearhead fundraising for DTBL is something that's dear to his family.

"My dad is involved with Defending The Blue Line which is based in Minnesota," said Larson, a native of Apple Valley, MN, in a statement released by the school.

Larson is one of several players in a list that includes NHLers Zach Parise, Brent Burns and George Parros who have helped the organization. This isn't the first time Defending the Blue Line has taken part in a jersey auction. Previously the Minnesota Wild did something similar with DTBL when they auctioned off camouflage sweaters worn in warm-ups.

"It's through the generosity of people like the Larsons, and great institutions like the University of Notre Dame, that we are able to continue our mission of keeping hockey alive for the children of our nation's heroes!" Hudella added.