NHL and Caps Donate to USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | Saturday, September 10, 2011 | , , , | 0 comments »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / September 7, 2011

NHL AND WASHINGTON CAPITALS TEAM UP FOR $10,000 DONATION
TO SUPPORT USA WARRIORS ICE HOCKEY PROGRAM

Caps’ forward Mike Knuble to participate in ceremonial
puck drop and check presentation

NEW YORK (September 7, 2011) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the Washington Capitals today announced plans to present a $10,000 donation to the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program during a special charity event in support of the nonprofit hockey organization.

USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, sanctioned by USA Hockey and a member of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone™ initiative, is a nonprofit organization serving military personnel wounded in defense of the United States. The nationally recognized program leverages the sport of hockey as a catalyst to assist disabled soldiers as they return to mainstream lifestyles.

The charity event will feature hockey-playing Capitol Hill staff members matched up against the Warrior team. Washington Capitals alternate captain Mike Knuble is scheduled to participate in the ceremonial puck drop and check presentation. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va.

“The NHL is proud to continue its ongoing philanthropic efforts with this donation in support of the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program,” said Ken Martin, Jr., NHL Vice President of Community Affairs. “On behalf of the NHL family we proudly present this gift in honor of these Warriors who find joy playing our great game.”

“Washington Capitals Charities is proud to partner with the NHL in supporting the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program,” said Elizabeth Wodatch, director of community relations for the Washington Capitals. “We admire the courage and dedication of these Warriors and appreciate their service to our country”.

“On behalf of USA Warrior Hockey and all military veterans we would like to thank the National Hockey League and the Washington Capitals for their generous donation,” said Michael Vaccaro, member of the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program and director of the charity event.

Founded in 2007, the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program trains and supplies injured soldiers with hockey equipment and the skills needed to use the sport of hockey as a rehabilitation tool to overcome both physical and mental injuries sustained in combat. In 2010, the NHL, Washington Capitals and Verizon Wireless partnered to donate multiple sets of official NHL-licensed ice hockey equipment and apparel in support of the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program. Verizon Wireless donated equipment used during the production of two TV spots for the 2009-10 NHL season.

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