A cast of former National Hockey League players who live in Minnesota will battle a team of "seasoned locals" at the Bielenberg Sports Center Friday night to raise money for the East Ridge High School boys and girls hockey teams.
Former NHL players in East Ridge benefit game
Proceeds from game against local team will benefit the East Ridge High School hockey teams.

Fans will have an opportunity to get autographs from Woodbury residents and former Minnesota Wild players Wes Walz and Brad Bombardir, along with former NHL players Reed Larson, Gordie Roberts, Brad Maxwell, Phil Housley, Joe Dziedzic and others who will skate for the Minnesota-NHL Alumni.
"Those are some big names," said Craig Norwich, 56, a former NHL player who also will play in the game. Norwich, head coach of the East Ridge High School girls hockey team, said he expects it "to be a fun game. It's a nice thing to do for the kids and community."
The impetus for the exhibition game is to raise money that the teams' booster club pledged for new locker rooms being built on the north side of the arena at 4125 Radio Drive.
Earlier this year, the South Washington County School District appropriated $275,000 to help pay for the upgrade, but booster clubs from East Ridge and neighboring Woodbury High School, which also has teams that use Bielenberg, were to be responsible for contributing about $45,000 to complete the project. The total cost for the addition is about $320,000.
The game will give coaches in the Woodbury youth hockey programs and fathers of East Ridge hockey players the opportunity to skate against the former professional stars. Minnesota Wild TV analyst Mike Greenlay will provide color commentary. The Wild's head coach, Mike Yeo, also will make an appearance.
Between periods, the event will include games featuring local youth hockey teams and a performance by the Woodbury Figure Skating Club. There also will be raffles and a silent auction of autographed jerseys, sticks, pucks and other memorabilia, said Michelle Witte, a fundraiser spokeswoman.
"It's all about the state of hockey that night," she said. "I think it's a surprise that a lot of Wild players live in Woodbury. Our biggest crowd will be those who know and like hockey, but this also is a real chance for the community to see them and connect with the community."
This is the first year for the benefit game, but it could become an annual event, Witte said. To promote this year's game, the booster club designed a logo and circulated flyers around town.
Tickets for the game and related festivities are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Proceeds will go toward the locker rooms as well as to pay for things such as extra coaches and ice time.
"I think a lot of people are shocked what it costs beyond what the school contributes," Witte said.
Tim Harlow • 651-925-5039, Twitter: @timstrib
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