Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba might be a little more physical in his sophomore season, but he’s doing it for a good cause. For every hit Dumba throws on Xcel Energy Center ice, he’ll be donating money to help children of military members play hockey.
Wild’s Matt Dumba is throwing hits for charity this seasonIf you see Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba throwing around the body a bit more this season, just know he’s doing it for a good cause. On his Instagram page, Dumba announced a new program he’s calling Dumba’s Hits For Heroes, in which the Wild blueliner will
donate $100 to Defending The Blue Line for every hit he throws on Xcel Energy Center ice during the 2015-16. Defending The Blue Line is a charity which provides the opportunity for the children of military members to play hockey.
"Defending the Blue Line provides great assistance for military families and I’m proud to support them with a program fans can get excited for and track throughout the Wild season," Dumba
said in a release. "While I’ve worn the number 24 throughout my career, I wanted to do something special to acknowledge the history and excitement the number holds for Wild fans.” Dumba, who had worn No. 55 before 2015-16, switched to No. 24 for this campaign, the number of Wild fan favorite Derek Boogaard, who passed away in 2011. While it may not seem like the heartiest of donations, it’s worth noting Dumba is making this donation while still on his entry-level deal. This season, he’ll earn little more than $894,000 and, without a contract extension quite yet, will be headed to restricted free agency. “His generous gift of the ‘Dumba’s Hits for Heroes’ campaign will be a tremendous help that directly increases the amount of military kids we can get started in hockey this year, and we are very grateful,” said president of Defending The Blue Line, Shane Hudella
in a release. In 2014-15, Dumba lined up and knocked down 22 opponents in 26 games on home ice, which would have equated to $2,200 for the charity, but he was just getting his feet wet as a rookie. This season, look for him be doling out even more punishment, all in the name of charity.
