COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Stars & Stripes Showdown, a benefit hockey game featuring top American-born hockey stars, will take place Sunday, August 26, at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. Opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m. ET.
The game is being played in honor of the late Jim Johannson, with proceeds benefiting both the Jim Johannson Legacy Fund of The USA Hockey Foundation, and the Ellie Johannson College Fund.
Johannson, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53 this past January, spent the past two decades as assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. His positive impact on the sport in the United States was significant in many areas, particularly in the success of teams representing the U.S. on the international stage.
“This will be a special day to remember J.J. and help benefit two great causes,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director for USA Hockey. “Dylan Larkin has been a catalyst in this effort and I’d particularly like to thank him for all he’s doing to make this game a reality. It will be a fun event for fans with so many of our top American players on the ice at one time.”
Current athletes committed to attend include Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), James van Riemsdyk (Philadelphia Flyers), Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins), Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings), Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets), Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild), Zach Parise (Minnesota Wild), Danny DeKeyser (Detroit Red Wings), Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), Anders Bjork (Boston Bruins), J.T. Compher (Colorado Avalanche), Connor Murphy (Chicago Blackhawks), Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary Flames), Noah Hanifin (Calgary Flames), Patrick Eaves (Anaheim, Calif.), Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets), Jake McCabe (Buffalo Sabres), Colin White (Ottawa Senators), Andrew Copp (Winnipeg Jets), Connor Carrick (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Luke Glendening (Detroit Red Wings). Fans are encouraged to click here regularly for additional participating players and coaches as they are added.
Coaches for the game to date include Jeff Blashill (Detroit Red Wings), Tony Granato (Wisconsin Badgers), John Hynes (New Jersey Devils) and David Quinn (New York Rangers).
In addition to the game, festivities will include a live game-worn jersey auction; an online auction featuring game-worn jerseys and autographed NHL memorabilia; in-arena raffles; and a post-game meet & greet with players and coaches.
“We are all very excited to honor J.J. with this game,” said Larkin, who will enter his fourth season with the Red Wings this fall. “I, along with many others, am thankful for the impact J.J. had on my career, and we are all eager to help his family and continue his legacy.”
Tickets are available online at USAHockeyArena.com, by calling the box office at 734-453-8400 or by visiting the USA Hockey Arena Box Office in person at 14900 Beck Road, Plymouth, Mich., 48170.
NOTES: The Jim Johannson Legacy Fund was established to benefit grassroots community hockey programs across the country, something Johannson was passionate about throughout his life. The Ellie Johannson College Fund will assist in providing a college education for its namesake, the two-year-old daughter of Jim and his wife Abby
