Kris Versteeg Drops Opening Puck At UM Hockey Game

Florida Panthers forward Kris Versteeg attended the University of Miami men’s hockey game Sunday afternoon as a special guest along with Redline Lady Panther Danielle Castellano. The two were on hand to drop the opening ceremony puck and to take in some hockey in South Florida. Versteeg also signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans during the game and could be spotted in an unfamiliar place by the fans, sitting among them in the stands.

Prior to the game Versteeg spoke with the team in the locker room, stating that they were part of something big in Miami by starting the team. “When I talked to them in the room, I talked about how they can be pioneers for helping pave the way for other players to come play in Florida.” Versteeg said in an interview during the game. As fan’s are beginning to gain knowledge of the team, crowds continue to grow and as Versteeg put it, 20 years from now when it’s potentially much bigger they can take pride in it.

When asked about off-season surgery Versteeg responded saying that he’s working on ice while recovering and taking things day by day until he’s deemed healthy. He also spoke about an upcoming game in Chicago organized by former Chicago Blackhawks and current San Jose Sharks forward Adam Burish titled “Champs for Charity” in which proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House charity. It could be seen almost as a reunion for Versteeg and his former Blackhawks teammates if he happens to be cleared by next week when the game is scheduled to take place.

Also on hand at the game was Jason Mizrachi, the voice of the Hurricane band during football games and Director Billy Corben who is known for his most recent work on “Broke” which aired on ESPN. Corben also had a few words for the team in the locker room during the first intermission, in which the team presented him with a UM Hockey jersey.

The UM Men’s Hockey team take on Duke University October 26th, starting at 8:30PM at Kendall Ice Arena where special guest Ed Jovanovski will drop the opening ceremony puck.

http://youtu.be/w7mEM3x3HXo
Kris Versteeg talks during the University of Miami Hockey game.