Red Wings suit up for "Rock the Lockout" charity game

WINDSOR, Ont. - The lockout may be keeping us from seeing the NHL's best hit the ice, but it didn't keep a number of Detroit Red Wings from suiting up Saturday night.

Many of the team's biggest names were joined by others from around the league for a charity game in Windsor, Ontario.

The event, called "Rock The Lockout,'' drew about 4,500 fans and raised money for SPARKLES From Above, a nonprofit organization that helps children diagnosed with cancer.

"I couldn't wait for this. It's something I've been longing for, for a long time," Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall said.

"To be able to be in a game again feels really good."

Detroit Red Wings forward Dan Cleary, one of the players who helped to set up the event, was happy with the game and turnout.

"The lockout hasn't been fun. We just really wanted to get out and play. It's fun to get out for a charity game, but at the same time, we want to be playing in the NHL," he said.

Cleary said he wanted to have stars such as Sidney Crosby play, but it would've cost too much money - $100,000 - to insure his 12-year, $104-plus million contract to get the Pittsburgh Penguins center on the ice.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.