AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks To Raise Money For Family Of Season Ticket Holder

March 1, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Americans goalie Tyler Plante and forward Steve MacIntyre often drive down to Culver Road, near Lake Ontario, to have dinner at Shamrock Jack's. This Wednesday will be no different as the two will visit one of their favorite restaurants.

This time, however, it will be the Amerks players and teammates Luke Beaverson and Evgeny Dadonov that will serve the guests as part of a fundraiser from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event is to help raise money for an education fund for the Tuite family. Co-owner Mike Petzing will present the group with special uniforms that night and can't say enough about the effort of the players.

"With their busy schedule and family life, for them to give back to the community is something special," said co-owner Mike Petzing. "They have made us more than fans. We have become friends."

The Amerks players will collect tips to benefit the family of 20 year old Jack Tuite, an avid Knighthawks fan and season ticket holder, who passed away on January 10th. After 20 years of suffering with Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy and the onset of diabetes at age 12, Jack passed away due to sudden heart failure, leaving behind his brother, Brendan (22); sister, Jamie (18); and parents, Jim and Patricia. Jack was just five months shy of his 21st birthday.

"It has to be the toughest thing in the word to outlive your kid," said Plante. "Anything we can do we will be happy to do (for the family)."

Plante learned of the story, while attending the Rochester Knighthawks' National Lacrosse League game on February 13th. That night, Amerks and Knighthawks Owner Styres presented Brendan with a large, framed autographed John Grant photo, a framed collage of Knighthawks photos and an autographed jersey, signed Jacks favorite player, John Grant Jr.

It was in the suite that Plante met Jack's father, Jim. Plante was so touched by the story he organized the players to hold the fundraiser, which will include a game-used goalie stick raffle. The stick is signed by the entire Amerks team. The Amerks and Knighthawks will also donate additional raffle prizes for the event.

The fundraiser will be held, appropriately, at Shamrock Jack's, which is where the Grant jersey, framed collage and game-ball are mounted. The mementoes reside at the family-owned restaurant operated by Jack and Brendan's aunt, Catherine, and cousin, Mike. All of the items are dedicated to Jack's memory.

To learn more about the fundraiser, go to amerks.com or knighthawks.net. To contact Shamrock Jack's go online to shamrockjack.com or call (585) 323-9310. When arriving just follow this simple instruction from Plante: "Tip big."

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