AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Holding 'Salute the Troops Night' on Friday, November 11

Published on November 7, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Americans Vice President of Business Operations Rob Kopacz announced today that the Amerks will hold a "Salute the Troops Night" on Friday, Nov. 11 as the team hosts the Binghamton Senators in a 7:35 p.m. game at The Blue Cross Arena. In observance of Veterans Day, the Amerks will honor those who have served our country throughout the evening.

Fans are encouraged to donate care package items that will be sent to local U.S. military service members who are currently deployed overseas. The items, which can include such things as Q-tips, lip balm, toothpaste/brushes, dental floss, beef jerky, sugarless gum/candy, granola bars, shampoo/body wash (travel size), sunscreen, peanuts and popcorn, will be collected at the game and shipped by Blue Star Mothers ROC, which is part of a national organization whose mission is to support all members of the Armed Forces and their families through a variety of supportive events and activities. Blue Star Mothers have or have had sons and daughters serving honorably in the United States military. The Blue Star Mothers ROC table will be set up on the main concourse of The Blue Cross Arena. For a complete list of items that can be included in the care packages, visit amerks.com.

In addition to collecting items for care packages, the Amerks are also selling one-of-a-kind, military-themed "Mystery Pucks," each of which will be autographed by a current Amerks player and individually wrapped so the identity of the player remains a mystery until the puck has been purchased. Proceeds for the sale of the mystery pucks will go to Defending the Blue Line, which is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization "created by soldiers with the spirit of keeping hockey alive for the children of our nation's military heroes." DTBL's mission is ensuring that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. Friday's game also marks the return of Star Toss, where fans can purchase stars to toss on the ice for the chance to win prizes. All proceeds from the Star Toss also go to DTBL.

The Amerks will be hosting a special guest at the game, as Gary Vandertang, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army, will drop the ceremonial first puck. Last season, the Amerks donated a set of game-worn jerseys to Sgt. Vandertang for his ball hockey team to wear in a league created by soldiers in Afghanistan to help alleviate the everyday stress of being deployed overseas. Additionally, all military members and their guests can purchase tickets to Friday's game for just $10.

Finally, the Amerks Coat Drive continues Friday, as fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats by dropping them off in collection bins in front of The Blue Cross Arena Box Office, located in the lower atrium, prior to both Friday's game and Saturday's game (7:35 vs. Grand Rapids). The coats will then be donated to the Open Door Mission. Any fan that donates a coat will be able to purchase a $10 ticket in the best available seating location for that night's game.

Check out the Rochester Americans Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from November 7, 2011


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.

OurSports Central