Every Labor Day weekend, Hockey Helps hosts a 24-hour hockey marathon, raising over $6 million "to help individuals struggling with addiction, mental illness, and cancer, and to provide support for children and youth facing economic disadvantages, illness, or related hardships.”
Who doesn't love hockey?
What about a 24-hour hockey marathon to benefit local charities on Long Island?
That's what took place at Clark Gillies Arena in Dix Hills on Saturday and Sunday.
Every Labor Day weekend, Hockey Helps hosts a 24-hour hockey marathon, raising over $6 million "to help individuals struggling with addiction, mental illness, and cancer, and to provide support for children and youth facing economic disadvantages, illness, or related hardships.”
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In honor of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away on Thursday along with his brother Matthew, Hockey Helps will donate $13,000 to The OhioHealth Foundation's Mental Health Services & Programs.
Former NHLers Adam Graves, Stephane Matteau, Arron Asham, Benoit Hogue, Brian Mullen, Colton Orr, and former NHL referee Kerry Fraser play a massive part in the event each year.
I had the privilege to play in the event in 2021 and had an absolute blast:
I'm a goalie only, so hold your criticisms on my shootout attempt; thanks.
New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal made an appearance on Sunday morning, which speaks volumes about the Islanders' commitment to the local community year in and year out:
Barzal and the Islanders should be back on the ice in a few weeks for training camp as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.
"What a great charity Hockey Helps is. I've only been around this great event for a few years," volunteer Brian Garczynski told The Hockey News. "They are in their 11th year, but I really wish I knew about this sooner. They help to raise money for many great causes like people struggling with mental health and cancer, to name a few."
Good friend Jonny Lazarus, the co-host of Morning Cuppa Hockey, took part in the event for the first time.
"I’ve never been a part of anything like this. It kind of made you feel like a kid again, just hanging out in the rink all day," Lazarus told The Hockey News. "It was super cool getting to play with and against some former Rangers like Brian Mullen — my old coach — Adam Graves, Stephane Matteau, Colton Orr, and Mike Hartman while the legendary referee Kerry Fraser was out there."
Lazarus added: "It was a little extra fun to go up against my friends Michael Del Zotto and Boo Nieves. What made the end of the day a little extra special was Mat Barzal showing up for the check presentation. Even though I’m a Rangers guy, it only felt right having some Islanders blood there. Not only was it great having the former NHLers on the ice, but also having Jilly Saulnier and Megan Bozek there representing the PWHL, and women’s hockey was very special for everyone involved. Not every day you get to share the ice with Olympic Gold Medalists, and getting to skate with my old friend Jilly, who I never get to share the ice with, made it a little extra cool."
To learn more about Hockey Helps and to donate, please visit https://www.hockeyhelpsmarathon.com/.