Hawks to salute veterans with camo-jersey auction

For the first time in franchise history, the Chicago Blackhawks will wear camouflage jerseys Wednesday during warm ups for their Veterans Day game against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center.

As part of the Blackhawks/Boeing "Salute to the Military" event, the one-of-a-kind jerseys will be autographed by the player that sports them and auctioned on-line at chicagoblackhawks.com between Nov. 11 and 18, with all proceeds benefitting the USO of Illinois.

The Blackhawks and Boeing are also hosting 50 military members and their guests at the 7:30 p.m. game as part of the "Salute to Military" program.

"We are truly grateful," said Anthony Enrietto Jr., USO of Illinois president and COO. "This relationship is the embodiment of the profound respect and gratitude that our country and these organizations feel for the men and women who wear the cloth of our nation. The outpouring of support from both sides has been amazing."

"It's an honor for our organization and players to take part in such a special cause," said Jay Blunk, Blackhawks senior vice president of Business Operations. "This is something that has never been done in our franchise's 83 years. We all stand in appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces each and every day and are excited to help pay tribute in this way."