Blackhawks play with golden retriever puppies after practice

Sometimes you just need something to brighten up a bad day, or in the case of the Chicago Blackhawks, a frustrating season as they continue to rebuild.

Enter 13 puppies, who were brought onto the Fifth Third Arena ice following Friday's practice and are available for adoption through the Determined To Rise (DTR) Animal Foundation.

based in Mokena, Illinois, a suburb south of Chicago, with a focus on the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, neglected, abused and injured animals.
Forward Colin Blackwell helped arrange the event. He and his fiancée Lauren have fostered a few dogs from the foundation, including a Great Dane that was recently adopted.
"[DTR] rescued some of these puppies from kill shelters, so trying to find homes for them," said Blackwell as he held a yet-to-be-named puppy. Blackwell said they're probably going to name some of the puppies, who ranged in age from 8- 12 weeks old, after Blackhawks players.
"We've just been lucky to be a small part of it and help out a couple of dogs," Blackwell said. "Everybody loves dogs and [wanted to] have them come on the ice and meet some of the guys. Just trying to find them new homes and just do a little good in the world. Golden retrievers, little puppies, I think that makes everybody happy. Just one of those days that's a feel-good day."

Indeed, it had the desired effect. There were plenty of smiles around the Blackhawks locker room afterward.
"I don't care what kind of mood you're in, it's hard to stay stuck in it when there's a bunch of puppies running around," captain Jonathan Toews said. "Everyone is smiling ear to ear."

As for how the puppies liked being on the ice, that seemed to be a mixed bag.
"It looked like some of them were buzzing around. They're better skaters than me," Blackwell said. "Overall, it was pretty good, running around, playing with each other. Good to see a lot of smiles on everybody's faces."