Great charity hockey games taking place around the area next few weeks

Hockey fans weary of the lockout have a few choices in the weeks ahead to satisfy, at least somewhat, hockey withdrawl.
The Red Wings Alumni will play a team of Carhartt employees Dec. 7 at Dearborn Ice Skating Center to benefit people with disabilities served by the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center (MORC).
Tickets for the general public are available game day only at the door for $10, while tickets are free for people with disabilities and their caregivers or family members who accompany them.
They’re dubbing this game the Anti-Lockout Game, which is a great touch.
Then, there’s the NHL Players Association Charity Hockey Game on Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Windsor’s WFCU Centre.
Proceeds from tickets ($41.75 or $137.00 for a family four pack plus service charges) will be going to SPARKLES From Above, a non-profit organization that works with “In Honour of the Ones We Love”.
Sparkles assists children with cancer on their treatment journey through the purchase of equipment and supplies at Windsor’s Met Hospital.
Many Red Wings plus local NHL players are on the two rosters.
Should an agreement be negotiated between the NHL and the NHLPA prior to 5 p.m Thursday the charity game will be cancelled and will not be rescheduled and all tickets will be refunded at that time.
Then, there’s a game between the Red Wings Alumni and surrounding police departments on Dec. 21 at Compuware Arena at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds (tickets are $20) will be given to the family of Patrick O’Rourke, the West Bloomfield officer who was killed in the line of duty Sept. 10.
If you get a chance, hockey fans, catch as many of these games as you can. All are outstanding causes, and the games will be enjoyable to watch.