Waterloo, Iowa-The Waterloo Black Hawks are proud to announce a new, player-created initiative which will benefit kids in the Cedar Valley.Over the summer, Black Hawks Assistant Captain Derek Arnold was inspired to suggest "Arnie's Army" as a way Waterloo fans could channel their enthusiasm for the team into something good for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County. Arnold's favorite NHL player is Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers. When he heard about the "Briere Bunch," which raises money for several good causes, Arnold wanted to do something similar in Waterloo to give back to the community.
"I look up to Danny Briere, on and off the ice," said the 19-year-old from Foxboro, Massachusetts. "I know the Black Hawks are role models for a lot of kids in Waterloo, and I hope we can help motivate them to go after their dreams the way we [the Black Hawks players] have gone after ours. Arnie's Army will help the Boys and Girls Club with all the work they do for kids."
Fans who would like to enlist in Arnie's Army can purchase a camouflage wristband, stamped with "Arnie's Army 29" (Derek Arnold wears #29 on his jersey) or a Waterloo Black Hawks hardhat. The Black Hawks are donating the wristbands and hardhats, so all proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County. In addition, the Black Hawks will provide a large quantity of tickets for use by Boys and Girls Club members and anticipate players participating in Boys and Girls Club activities on a regular basis.
"The Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County strives to provide a variety of opportunities for youth in our communities to develop strong character and skills," said Executive Director Jason Barta. "The partnership developed by Derek and the Black Hawks to create Arnie's Army will allow us to continue to provide those opportunities."
The first opportunity to pick up Arnie's Army gear will be Saturday, when the Hawks host the Lincoln Stars at Young Arena. Wristbands and hardhats will be available at the Express Employment Professionals Fan Service Table above Section D.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.