Black out Jersey Auction Raises Nearly $13,000 for Youth Hockey
March 10, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
Fighting Saints Black Out Jersey
(Dubuque Fighting Saints)
DUBUQUE, IA-The Dubuque Fighting Saints are committed to growing the game of hockey in the tri-state area, and the club's post-game jersey auction following the February 28 game against Waterloo raised nearly $13,000 to benefit youth hockey. That evening marked the 3rd annual BLACK OUT GAME presented by Truck Country, and net proceeds from the special jerseys worn that evening will go to the Dubuque Youth Hockey Association to help grow hockey participation.
"We're proud of our relationship with the Dubuque Youth Hockey Association," said Fighting Saints President Dan Lehv. "Along with outstanding partners like Truck Country and the generosity of Fighting Saints fans, we're collectively working to grow the sport of hockey in the tri-state area, and events like the BLACK OUT GAME go a long way in introducing more kids to the sport we love."
The special jerseys brought back a similar look to the club's BLACK OUT jerseys worn during the 2013-2014 season.
The black uniforms featured the Fighting Saints primary "D-Logo" in chrome on the front of the jersey, with white, silver and red accents on the body on the uniform. In total, $12,750 was raised in the BLACK OUT jersey auction with net proceeds in excess of $10,000.
Jerseys for all 24 players on the Fighting Saints roster, and the team's mascot, Bernie the St. Bernard, were auctioned off, with defenseman Keegan Ford's jersey going for a team-best $1,000.
"The partnership with the Dubuque Fighting Saints is helping to make DYHA and the Junior Saints stronger," said Jim Riley, President of the Dubuque Youth Hockey Association. "With opportunities like the BLACK OUT GAME with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, we are able to make hockey more affordable, and get more kids excited about participating. Once they get hooked on hockey, we have the benefit of a Fighting Saints presence in coaching help from staff and the players, which just makes the kids love the experience even more. These kids are Junior Saints now, but are dreaming of becoming a Dubuque Fighting Saint."
The Fighting Saints and DYHA entered a partnership in the summer of 2012. The youth organization changed the name of its travel teams from the Stars to the Jr. Saints with the partnership, and in turn, the Fighting Saints provided jerseys, socks, and warmups for the travel teams. Throughout the Fighting Saints season, DYHA players have the opportunity to take the ice during Fighting Saints home games, and support the team with the purchase of tickets for group nights at the rink. Additionally, the Fighting Saints foundation, the Northern Lights Hockey Foundation, helps reduce the cost of players moving from the "Little Saints" program up to the Jr. Saints with a donation for each player.
Youth hockey players in DYHA receive instruction throughout the season from Fighting Saints players and coaches with practices and clinics. These events include skating clinics and goalie sessions, and the Northern Lights Hockey Foundation and DYHA purchase ice time for these special events. The organizations also partnered for "Hockey Fest" this past September, which included a "Skate with the Saints" event and 3-on-3 youth tournament that coincided with registration for youth hockey. On select nights, DYHA teams are featured during intermission activities at Fighting Saints games and take the ice with the team through the "Riley Auto Blueline Buddies" program. DYHA also provides skaters to serve on the "ice crew" during each Fighting Saints home game.
This season was the third straight year Truck Country had partnered with the Fighting Saints for the BLACK OUT jersey auction. Including auction totals as well as donations for equipment, ice time, and rebates for new families, the Fighting Saints and the Northern Lights Hockey Foundation have contributed over $70,000 to DYHA since the start of the 2012-2013 hockey season.
The Fighting Saints are back in action this weekend with three games, including one on home ice. After a Prairie Farms Cowbell Cup game in Waterloo on Friday, Dubuque hosts Green Bay on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. for Irish Night. Tickets start at just $10 and are available online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com or by calling 563.583.6880. The Fighting Saints finish the weekend with a 3:05 p.m. road game at Green Bay Sunday.
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 Fighting Saints Black Out Jersey |
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