Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

San Jose Sharks' Burns Offering Experiences to Benefit Military Families

01/30/2015 at 4:06pm EST

by Mike Shackil,

In this day and age, we hear constantly about how athletes are breaking the rules and doing the wrong things. While there are plenty of athletes doing the wrong things, there are plenty of athletes who are also doing great charitable work in their communities. Sports figures such as Jim Valvano, Peyton Manning, and Walter Payton have set the standard for athletes and their charitable work.

One organization that is helping athletes offer unique opportunities to their fans is IfOnly.com. This San Francisco based organization is focused on bringing unique experiences to normal people and connecting them to the top people in specific fields.

San Jose Sharks defenseman (and former forward) Brent Burns has taken up this behind-the-scenes opportunity with IfOnly.com. The Canadian player started his career with the Minnesota Wild and has had a decorated career with the Canadian national team. Burns was voted the best defenseman of the 2008 World Championships, and has played on the Canadian World Junior Championship team.

Burns is offering a litany of unique experiences through his involvement with IfOnly. First, they are offering a meet and greet with Burns at a San Jose Sharks game of the fan’s choice. Fans will be able to take in some exciting NHL action, and then meet up with Burns after the game. Also, Burns is offering an autographed picture and black alternative San Jose Sharks jersey. Burns is also offering the opportunity to receive a personalized audio and video message right from the hockey player himself.

The proceeds from these experiences and gifts will go towards the Defending the Blue Line charity. The goal of this organization is to provide the children of military members the opportunity to participate in organized hockey. The nonprofit was started by a group of active duty soldiers in 2009, and is governed by hockey legends and officials in addition to senior military officials. In 2013, the organization was able to give $1 million worth of equipment, cash grants, and game tickets to American military families. Current active, former, and late military members families are eligible to be a part of the organization. Defending the Blue Line has included baseball and softball in the scope of their work.

While the main scope of these offerings is tailored to the San Jose area, fans everywhere can take advantage of the experiences. Also, the effects and benefit of these experiences can and will be felt throughout the entire military community.

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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