The state of Minnesota has become the go-to place for NHL players to try and stay in relative game shape over the summer with the emergence of Da Beauty League. Organized a couple years ago, the summer league features various professional, college and junior-aged players with proceeds going to charity.
This year’s tournament is currently in the playoff stage, with the two semi-finals games going on Monday night before the championship game on Wednesday. With an off-day between the final set of games, Vancouver Canucks right winger Brock Boeser, who currently leads the tournament in scoring with 30 points in just seven games, is teaming up with Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker for a special charity game.
The game will feature representatives from the Minnesota Special Hockey Team, including Boeser’s sister, Jessica, who potted a goal and an assist in last year’s fundraiser.
Two teams of six players each from all levels of hockey will partake in the game, including Jessica. Boeser spoke to NHL.com’s Jessi Pierce about the fierce, but fun rivalry he has with his younger sister.
"[Jessica's] always loved hockey, and she's always played. I used to go to some of her games, and sometimes my parents would drag me, but it was always fun to watch her play. She loves when she gets to be in the spotlight sometimes. It's awesome to see, and I know all those kids have a lot of fun. They're big supporters of us, so for us to support them in front of a huge crowd, they all have a lot of fun."
Caden Hronski, Zucker’s 13-year-old nephew, will also be suiting up for the game. Hronski has non-verbal Down syndrome and will be lining up next to his relative.
"I know from Caden's experience, for them just to be playing hockey in general, even without the NHL players, is an experience that they love," said Zucker. "They have a lot of fun and I'm excited to be helping out and skating out there with them."
On top of the game on Tuesday, Zucker will be organizing a stick drive later on Monday. Zucker is asking for about 200 sticks to help build a roof in the Zucker Family Suite and Studio inside the University of Minnesota Masonic Childen’s Hospital.
"We'll take any kind of stick," Zucker said. "It can be brand new, it can be broken, wood, graphite, pink, purple, green; it does not matter, we're going to take it."
