ST PAUL, MN - MAY 6: The National Anthem is observed by before Game Three of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Minnesota Wild and the Chicago Blackhawks on May 6, 2014 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

ST PAUL, MN - MAY 6: The National Anthem is observed by before Game Three of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Minnesota Wild and the Chicago Blackhawks on May 6, 2014 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

On Wednesday United States Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain released a report on U.S. Department of Defense spending for patriotic moments during sporting events.

It stated that there are 122 contracts in the NFL, NHL, Major League Baseball and MLS – totaling $6.8 million for “paid patriotism” meaning different situations during games that seemed spontaneous – such as military salutes for service people attending games – were actually paid for by the Department of Defense. There were other "perks" that were listed in the report as well.

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The NHL teams named in the report include the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars.

Said the report:

“By paying for such heartwarming displays like recognition of wounded warriors, surprise homecomings, and on-field enlistment ceremonies, these displays lost their luster. Unsuspecting audience members became the subjects of paid-marketing campaigns rather than simply bearing witness to teams’ authentic, voluntary shows of support for the brave men and women who wear our nation’s uniform. This not only betrays the sentiment and trust of fans, but casts an unfortunate shadow over the genuine patriotic partnerships that do so much for our troops, such as the National Football League’s Salute to the Service campaign.”

Through a league spokesman, the NHL declined to comment on the matter.

According to the report, the Bruins (Contracted by the Massachusetts Army National Guard) received $280,000 for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The Hurricanes (Contracted by the United States Air Force) received $75,000 for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 fiscal years. The Florida Panthers (Contracted by USAF) received $40,000 for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

The Minnesota Wild (Contracted by the Minnesota Army National Guard) received $570,000 taxpayer dollars for fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2015. The Detroit Red Wings (Contracted by the USAF) received $41,500 taxpayer money for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The Dallas Stars received $10,000 taxpayer dollars for the 2012 fiscal year by the USAF and $24,000 in 2012 and 2013 fiscal years from the Texas Army National Guard.

Said the Minnesota Wild in a statement sent to Puck Daddy.

“For years, the Minnesota Wild has dedicated efforts and funds to support military members and their families. The intent of our marketing partnership with the National Guard is tied to their recruiting efforts. The contracts, as they have been written, may not have clearly distinguished the promotion of recruiting efforts from moments of recognition. Therefore, we will clarify this point in the current contract with the National Guard, and look to continue our proud tradition of honoring and supporting our troops.”

Such “paid patriotism” and perks in the deals included the following according to the report.

Boston Bruins

• Opportunity for the MNARNG Voices of Freedom to perform the national anthem (FY2013)

• Opportunity for a color guard and reenlistment ceremony (FY2013)

• One in-game recognition ceremony for 20 honor graduates of the MAARNG Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) and 43 tickets to the game (FY2012, FY2013)

• Recognition of two MAARNG soldiers and their guests during each home game in November (FY2012, FY2013)

• Access to one luxury box for 18 people and one executive view suite for 25 people on military appreciation night (FY2013)

• Four loge tickets to 10 regular season home games (FY2013)

• Forty tickets for soldiers recognized during military appreciation month (FY2012, FY2013)

• Forty general tickets to Bruins home games (FY2012, FY2013)

Carolina Hurricanes

• One 18 person suite for influencers and prospective applicants (FY2012, FY2013, FY2014)

• Pregame access to one conference room to give a one-hour presentation for center of influence opportunities (FY2012, FY 2013, FY2014)

• One Hurricanes autographed team stick (FY2012, FY2013, FY2014)

Florida Panthers

• Opportunity to host eight USAF group nights including 25 upper level tickets for high school seniors and recruits and a pregame Air Force information session and chalk talk with Panthers management and coaches (FY2012, FY2013)

Story continues