UPDATE: Granite City Lumberjacks Honor Veterans With Defending the Blue Line Event [VIDEO]

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SAUK RAPIDS -- The Granite City Lumberjacks were able to raised $7,500 at last night's game which will go to the Defending the Blue Line organization.

Tonight's game against the Minnesota Flying Aces will be played in honor of veterans, as well as include a fundraiser for the Defending the Blue Line organization.

Karl Kise is the Director of Public and Media Relations. He says the programs helps children of veterans play the sport of hockey.

"While their loved one is serving overseas or back here, it helps those families afford their children to stay involved in the game."

Lumberjacks head coach Brad Willner says the team has a lot of family members who have served, and thought this would be a great way to give back to the community.

"As a team we have a lot of families that are serving in the military, and we feel with this event it not only gives back to our community, but our state and country."

Throughout the game there will be a silent auction that included tickets to a Wild game, signed jerseys by the players, as well as signed jerseys by NHL players.

"We have a Matt Hendricks signed jersey and an Alex Ovechkin one," says Willner.

Willner says win or lose the event tonight is what it's all about.

"I think our team will put on a great show, but the biggest thing is giving back to the veterans," says Willner.

To learn more about Defending the Blue Line visit their website, www.defendingtheblueline.org.