PLYMOUTH, Mich. – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program will host their annual Star Wars Night on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at USA Hockey Arena. The game, which is sponsored locally by Hines Park Lincoln, will pit the U.S. National Under-17 Team against the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League.
For the fourth time, Team USA will wear Star Wars inspired jerseys during this event. Previous designs included Darth Vader (2014), Han Solo (2015) and the iconic Stormtrooper (2016). This season’s look will feature a fan favorite from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. A full jersey unveiling will be announced in the coming weeks.
The jerseys will be auctioned off online at the NHL Auctions page. Bidding will commence on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Proceeds will benefit C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Last year’s auction raised over $7,300 for the hospital.
Among the festivities planned for Star Wars Night are appearances by characters represented by the 501st Legion & Rebel Legion costuming groups, as well as a ceremonial puck drop. The Under-17 Team will wear the specially designed jerseys throughout the game. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.
Tickets to the game are available at the USA Hockey Arena box office located at 14900 Beck Road in Plymouth, Michigan, by calling (734) 453-8400 or at USAHockeyArena.com. USA Hockey is also offering special tickets that when purchased, a portion goes directly back to the hospital.
ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a new initiative called the National Team Development Program, originally based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.
