SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The Let's Play Hockey Expo, the world's largest consumer hockey show, returns to Saint Paul RiverCentre March 10-11. Powered by True Hockey and the Minnesota Wild, and held in conjunction with the Minnesota State High School League Boys Hockey Tournament, the expo is open to the public and offers a sneak peek at the hottest hockey equipment and merchandise, hockey schools and camps, training devices, apparel, celebrity guests and much more. 

This year Let’s Play Hockey welcomes members of the cast form the iconic movie Slap Shot. Slap Shot, filmed in 1977, celebrates 45 years as one of the greatest hockey classics of all-time. “Many guys in their 40s and 50s consider this to the greatest hockey movie ever made,” said Bryan Zollman, owner of Let’s Play Hockey. “We are excited to bring members of the cast to St. Paul where they have such a strong fan base.”

Members of the cast coming to St. Paul include Jeff Carlson, who played Jeff Hanson in the movie; Dave Hanson, who played Jack Hanson in the film; Allan F. Nicholls, who portrayed Johnny Upton, and Yvon Barrette, who played the legendary role of goalie Denis Lemieux.

“It’s very rare to have this many cast members in one spot at the same time,” said Zollman. “This is a huge opportunity for Slap Shot fans to get autographs, photos, and other memorabilia, but most of all an opportunity to meet these hockey heroes face to face.”

Also joining the Slap Shot crew is former North Star and Minnesota Fighting Saint legend Jack Carlson. Carlson was tagged to be one of the Hanson brothers in the movie, but was called up from the minors during shooting.

“Jack Carlson is a Minnesota hockey legend,” said Zollman. “We are excited to have him join us at the Expo. Anyone who knows Jack knows what an outstanding person he is and what a great ambassador for hockey in Minnesota he has been and continues to be.”

Hockey enthusiasts can check out gear from more than 70 exhibitors, including many companies exhibiting at the expo for the first time. Cutting-edge product demonstrations, grand prize giveaways, hourly door prize drawings and celebrity appearances make the expo one of the can't-miss hockey events of the season. In addition, a hockey memorabilia and sports card show will take place during the expo. There will be several grand prizes given away to expo attendees who register on-site.

“True Hockey is offering two pairs of custom hockey skates, valued at around $1,000 each,” said Zollman. “These custom skates are very popular amongst NHL players. True also has a wide array of sticks, gloves and goalie equipment. But in order to win you have to come down to the Expo and register.”

Other grand prizes include backyard rinks from Nice Rink, a home skate sharpening system from Sparx, a SuperDeker Pro, a Helios Performance Sensor, 10 custom jerseys form Title Wave Sports, an equipment air dryer from AirMax, Wild tickets from Hockey4All, and Wild memorabilia.

There will also be a SuperDeker Challenge for kids to test their stick skills in their specific age groups.

“We will also be giving away door prizes every hour on the hour,” said Zollman. “Most importantly, we want people to come down and celebrate the great game of hockey in our state of hockey. The state tournament is such a special event and this truly is special weekend for Minnesota hockey fans."