Comets in the Community
February 20, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
Despite being a week between one of the busiest stretches of the season, with two weekends in a row of three games apiece, the Comets still passed go and landed on community chest, where they pulled one of the biggest cards of the season. More than half of Utica's roster was out and about in the Mohawk Valley, visiting six different locations over two days.
Tuesday began as Kellan Lain and Joe Cannata each visited a Berkshire Bank location, with Lain and Cannata starring in each one. The players each gave away 20 tickets to lucky fans, who had already arrived at the bank in anticipation before even the players got there. As per usual, both players were happy to oblige to any autograph and picture requests.
Four of the team's most active community presences were also around on Tuesday, as Colin Stuart, Alex Biega, Yann Sauve and Brandon DeFazio were at the Rescue Mission on Rutger St. in Utica. The players were on hand to help serve meals and greet locals who came in that day.
"It just really exemplifies a caring community, for them to come out, take time out of their schedule," Ernie Talerico, Executive Director of the Utica Rescue Mission, said in an interview with WUTR. "I mean they're practicing day in and day out, going on the road for games so for them to come out and show how much they care about our community, it means a ton to us."
Tuesday marked an especially important day for Sauve, who took the time to help those less fortunate, as he celebrated his 24th birthday.
"Being a hockey player is more than just playing hockey," Sauve said to WKTV. "We're visual and a big part of the city right now, and I think it's good to give back."
The Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization that provides services for the homeless, abused and disabled. The Comets' presence on this particular day helped to prepare meals for some of these people.
The players visited a Junior Comets practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening, where they ran drills to help the next generation of hockey players. Joacim Eriksson and Nicklas Jensen were at The AUD on Tuesday, while Alexandre Grenier and Alex Mallet were present the following evening.
Frankie Corrado, Jeremy Welsh, Alex Friesen and Patrick Kennedy, in addition to Utica mayor Mayor Robert Palmieri were at the Utica Youth Bureau on Wednesday evening. For one evening, at least, the players switched their athletic prowess from the ice to the hardwood as they took to the court for some basketball action.
The four players and the politician shot around with five young athletes, who were named as All-Stars from the local Dick Miller Basketball League. Corrado, Kennedy and Friesen were each victorious in their shooting contests, but things did not go quite as well for Welsh, who made just seven shots in a defeat.
Mayor Palmieri put in a valid effort, but was defeated by young Isaiah Warmack, who won the overall contest, as he netted 22 baskets to earn a gold trophy. Each of the participants received a medal for participating.
After the contest, Kennedy took his gold medal for his win and gave it to his opponent Isabella Iaino as a show of sportsmanship. The Olympic Winter Games might be an entire world away, but the spirit has traveled well to Utica.
The Comets are in action this weekend with three games on the road, but be sure not to miss the Utica Comettes at the Labatt Blue Bubble Hockey Tournament of Champions on Friday evening. The Comettes will be at O'Donnells at 7:00 p.m.
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