News Stories
Defending The Blue Line Instrumental in keeping Cleland Ice Rink Open at Ft. Bragg - May 2013
In April of 2013 Defending The Blue Line started a petition to help Cleland Ice Rink at Ft. Bragg stay open for the summer so that the military kids could continue with their love of hockey. Along with the Fort Bragg leadership and the help of the Carolina Hurricanes, it is going to stay open.
"Defending the Blue Line" descends on Tampa Bay - May 27, 2013
Captain Matthew Lunn of DTBL is the program manager from the Tampa area. This is a story about his mission on getting DTBL known in Florida.
Hastings-based non-profit continues rapid growth - March 2013
Shane Hudella, the Hastings man who founded Defending the Blue Line, stands in front of Air Force Two, which he flew on to Afghanistan in December.
Washington Capital Matt Hendricks Meets Praises Oversees - December 19, 2012
Matt Hendricks, a member of the National Hockey League who plays for the Washington Capitals, said he "met a lot of tremendous men and women" during this year's USO holiday tour sponsored by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.
DTBL On The USO Holiday Tour 2012 - December 2012
DTBL president, Shane Hudella joined Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey on the Holiday USO Tour. Also joining them were singer Kellie Pickler, Washington Nationals pitchers Ross Detwiler and Craig Stamme, Washington Capitals forward Matt Hendricks, and comedian and host of the CBS show "Excused" Iliza Shlesinger
DTBL Makes Presentation at Town Hall Meeting in Hastings, MN - December 13, 2012
The Minnesota Adjutant General held a town hall meeting at the Hastings MN National Guard Armory. At the meeting, DTBL representatives Chris Blauert and Rick Erredge presented information to the General and his staff about DTBL.
Charitable Donations Suffer During NHL Lockout - October 11, 2012
Hastings-based non-profit that raises money and helps military families keep their kids on the ice when dad, or mom, is serving overseas.
Ducks Visit Marine Corps Air Station Miramar with DTBL - August 2012
The special visit was developed through the Ducks’ support of Defending the Blue Line.
DTBL at Miramar - August 24, 2012
Hockey players with the San Diego Jr. Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks and Shane Hudella were afforded the opportunity to tour.
5 Best Military Sports Charities and Organizations
Veterans United Home Loans featured DTBL on their Google+ page from June 8-29, 2012.
Vet Uses Hockey To Give Back To Military Families - ESPN W
A story about DTBL's president and founder, Shane Hudella and the organization he started to help military kids play hockey.
White House Joining Forces Article about DTBL
Dr. Jill Biden, Mrs. Deanie Dempsey and USO President Sloan Gibson congratulate the finalists and winners of the Joining Forces Community Challenge at the Pentagon.
Giving Kids A Shot
A Hastings nonprofit is getting national attention for providing gear and funds to help the kids of military families play hockey.
Mission: Keep Kids On The Ice
Shane Hudella, Minnesota National Guard master sergeant, was chaperoning a hockey camp for military kids in Spooner, Wis., last August when he found out one of his wards was talking on the dormitory phone at 3 a.m.
Burnzie's Battle Honours - December 21, 2010
The NHLPA’s Goals & Dreams fund was part of a very special night in St. Paul, Minnesota, as they were invited to meet with several military families from the state, who wanted an opportunity to thank Goals & Dreams for an equipment grant they received earlier in the year.
Military Children Receive Charitable Assist From Hockey - July 16, 2010
DTBL is helping military families with struggles and obstacles when parents are deployed,
A Reason To Remember: Brent Burns - November 9.2010
Those who have followed the Minnesota Wild since its inception have watched the career development of Brent Burns since he was 18.
