Vinni Lettieri, a previous forward with the New York Rangers, has assembled a top-tier team for the Da Beauty League, a summer hockey league showcasing NHL players in Minnesota. Lettieri, designated as one of the captains in the league, ensured the recruitment of some familiar faces from the Rangers during the recent draft.
During the drafting process, Lettieri secured the services of defensemen Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller, as well as forward Jonny Brodzinski. Among the three, Lindgren is the sole player with whom Lettieri shared the ice, albeit briefly, during the 2018-19 season. While Lettieri did not have the chance to play with Miller or Brodzinski in New York or the NHL, all of these players are well acquainted due to their Minnesota upbringing. They have crossed paths in youth leagues, high schools, and college before transitioning to professional careers.
Established in 2015, the Da Beauty League offers a platform for local NHL and NCAA players, alongside those from other professional leagues, to engage in competitive hockey during the offseason. The league, comprising four teams, plays seven games each before progressing to the playoffs. The games take place on Wednesday nights at Braemar Arena in Edina, Minnesota, from July 10 to August 28.
While the pursuit of bragging rights is a paramount concern in the Da Beauty League, the spirit of fun also underpins the games. The 4-on-4 format consists of two 23-minute halves, during which each team has a two-minute “hot puck” sequence, wherein any goal scored counts double.
The level of banter and friendly taunting among the players reaches remarkable heights during these games and overtime periods. Notably, the league features a “goofy” overtime shootout format, where the first team to score three goals emerges victorious.
This summer, Lindgren, Miller, Brodzinski, and Lettieri will represent Team Walser, a team that includes defenseman Nick Jensen, recognized for a knee-on-knee hit on Rangers defenseman Adam Fox during a game between the Blueshirts and Washington Capitals this past spring.
Several other players with ties to the Rangers are also participating in the league this summer. Ryan McDonagh, an original league member, has been chosen to play for Team Anderson, alongside Rangers adversary Jake Guentzel. Former Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei is part of Team Tria after being selected by captain Nate Schmidt.
Beyond their participation in the summer league, Lindgren is currently engaged in contract negotiations with the Rangers and has recently filed for arbitration as a restricted free agent. The team is actively pursuing a more enduring contractual agreement with Lindgren in order to secure his future within the organization.
The Da Beauty League offers these players an exciting opportunity to stay sharp during the offseason, while also enjoying some light-hearted competition on the ice. Witnessing former teammates and rivals unite for a friendly contest adds an extra layer of excitement to the league, and fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to observe these players showcase their skills in this distinctive setting.