Hockey showcase in Plymouth for U.S players, including 4 Wings, to honor Jim Johannson

Detroit — Dylan Larkin, Jimmy Howard, Danny DeKeyser, Luke Glendening and coach Jeff Blashill are among Red Wings who will take part in a benefit hockey game in honor of the late Jim Johannson, later this month.

Billed as The Stars and Stripes Showdown, the game will feature many of the best American-born hockey players Aug. 26 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. The game starts at 2 p.m.

Johannson, 53, died unexpectedly in January. He spent more than two decades as assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, and was a key reason behind Team USA’s success in recent international tournaments.

Proceeds will benefit both the Jim Johannson Legacy Fund of The USA Hockey Foundation, and the Ellie Johannson College Fund.

“This will be a special day to remember J.J. and help benefit two great causes,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director for USA Hockey. “Dylan Larkin has been a catalyst in this effort, and I’d particularly like to thank him for all he’s doing to make this game a reality.

“It will be a fun event for fans with so many of our top American players on the ice at one time.”

Along with Larkin, Howard, Glendening and DeKeyser, other players currently committed to attending include Auston Matthews (Toronto), James van Riemsdyk (Philadelphia), Charlie McAvoy (Boston), Zach Werenski (Columbus), Ryan Suter (Minnesota), Zach Parise (Minnesota), Kyle Connor (Winnipeg), Anders Bjork (Boston), J.T. Compher (Colorado), Connor Murphy (Chicago), Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary), Noah Hanifin (Calgary), Patrick Eaves (Anaheim), Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg), Jack McCabe (Buffalo), Colin White (Ottawa), Andrew Copp (Winnipeg) and Connor Carrick (Toronto).

Blashill, former Red Wings assistant Tony Granato (Wisconsin), John Hynes (New Jersey) and David Quinn (New York Rangers) are coaches for the game.

In addition to the game, there will be a live game-worn auction, an online auction featuring game-worn jerseys, and autographed NHL memorabilia, along with in-game raffles and a post-game meet and greet with players and coaches.

“We are all very excited to honor J.J. with this game,” Larkin said. “I, along with many others, am thankful for the impact J.J. had on my career and we are all eager to help his family and continue his legacy.”

Tickets are available online at USAHockeyArena.com, by calling the box office at (734) 453-8400 or visiting the USA Hockey Arena box office

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

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