NHL A.S.S.I.S.T.s Bees Goal

Published on October 15, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TX: October 14, 2004 – The Killer Bee Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 non profit organization founded by the Central Hockey League's Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, received a huge contribution to aid the growth of hockey in the Rio Grande Valley today, as the National Hockey League today announced the donation of ice hockey equipment to The Killer Bee Foundation. The donation is part of the NHL A.S.S.I.S.T. program and is in recognition of the foundation's work with providing youngsters throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico the opportunity to play ice hockey.

"Not only do I thank the foundation board members for their hard work for making the foundation productive for the community and applying for this grant, but I truly appreciate the NHL's generosity in recognizing our program and the needs of our community," said Killer Bees President & General Manager Trey Medlock. "It is a good thing to see the NHL reaching out to our youth and giving them opportunities to play hockey. Even with the issues going on with their lockout, they are continuing to promote the game of hockey into our neighborhoods."

NHL A.S.S.I.S.T. was established in 1997 to Assist Skaters and Shooters In Succeeding Together by providing monies to youth hockey programs to be used towards the costs of equipment, ice time and travel to competitions. While NHL A.S.S.I.S.T. grants were designed to offset costs related to the game of hockey, their impact on the programs goes beyond financial assistance. The grants provide a vehicle for coaches to continue teaching youngsters about the core values of ice hockey: camaraderie, discipline, dedication and sportsmanship.

Since the program's inception in 1997, 89 youth hockey programs from around the globe have received a total of $700,000 USD in financial support, including organizations in such countries as China, Mongolia, Slovakia, Russia, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Romania, South Africa, the Ukraine and New Zealand. Grants are awarded based on a program's needs and its players' community service. Special consideration was given to organizations that welcome the participation of girls, the economically disadvantaged and the physically challenged.

"The Central Hockey League greatly values our relationship with the National Hockey League, and this most generous grant to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees youth hockey program is certainly appreciated," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "The NHL's commitment to growing the sport of hockey at all levels, and particularly at the youth hockey level, is commendable."

The mission of the Killer Bee Foundation is dedicated to providing the children of the multi-cultural Rio Grande Valley community the opportunity to experience ice hockey under the tutelage of professionals, business leaders and volunteers in a nurturing environment. Its goals are to raise money and to assist youth ice hockey costs, which include assistance with player's equipment and ice rental charges at the Dodge Arena. They also assist in officiating and certification expenses and provide scholarships to potential youth hockey members. The foundation raised money for various community non profit organizations, and also purchased $8,000 worth of Rio Grande Valley Dorados arenafootball2 tickets so that unprivileged children could attend the game.

The Killer Bee Foundation raised money through their annual Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament, various merchandise sales, raffles and donations. They have already scheduled the second annual Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament for October 25th at Cimarron Country Club. Last year's tournament was sold out with 36 teams and this season's event has already received reservations from 25 teams. The foundation plans to expand and grow during the 2004/2005 season and looks to increase their youth hockey scholarship program in the Outback Steakhouse Jr. Bees Hockey Program. Craig Lewis serves as the President of the Killer Bee Foundation and he is joined by foundation Vice President David Duff, Director Diane Atkinson and board members Dr. Jim Sorce, Trey Medlock, David Drefke PC, Stew White, Melissa Mikulik, Howard Adams and Nancy Hawkins. Individuals seeking additional information concerning the efforts of the Killer Bee Foundation or the Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament can contact Diane Atkinson at the Killer Bees office at 956-843-5652.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2004


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