AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Penguins To Honor Darcy Robinson

Published on February 14, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release


WILKES-BARRE, PA - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will pay tribute to former defenseman Darcy Robinson at the team's home games on March 21 and 22, it was announced today by Chief Executive Officer Jeff Barrett.

Robinson passed away on September 27 while playing for Asiago Hockey AS of the Italian Ice Hockey Federation. He suited up for the Penguins from 2001-2005, after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the eighth round (233rd overall) of the 1999 Entry Draft.

"Darcy spent four years in Northeast Pennsylvania, and became one of our fan favorites during the early years of the team," said Barrett. "We feel that it is only fitting that we ensure his legacy lives on in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area."

Many of the events during the weekend will center around the fight against dyslexia, a condition from which Robinson suffered. Several fund-raising efforts will go towards funding that battle, with the money raised benefiting local charities battling the disease, as well as the Robo's Readers school program.

"Our family is happy that the Penguins have taken an active role combating dyslexia," said Ernesta Marie Robinson, Darcy's mother, who will be in Wilkes-Barre for the weekend honoring her son. "Despite suffering from dyslexia, Darcy never let his condition dictate his life. He felt very strongly about doing all he could to help others with dyslexia, and we hope this special weekend will help in those efforts."

From March 1-March 21, fans will have the opportunity to sign a permanent banner featuring Darcy's nickname (Robo), which will be raised to the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza rafters prior to the Penguins March 22 game against the Providence Bruins. A $5 donation is suggested for each signature.

There will also be two special jersey raffles conducted during the March 21 and 22 games, featuring the home and away sweaters from Robinson's Asiago club. Tickets for both raffles will be $10 for one or $20 for three.

Additionally, the Penguins Break Away game program for those nights will feature articles about Darcy's time in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, as well as remembrances from former teammates. Lineup cards for both games will also feature photos of the former Penguins defenseman.

PENGUINS REMEMBER DARCY ROBINSON WITH FORMATION OF ROBO'S READERS PROGRAM

WILKES-BARRE, PA - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are proud to announce the formation of a new reading program which will pay tribute to former defenseman, Darcy Robinson.

Robo's Readers (formerly the Penguins' All-Star Reading Program) encourages local students in grads K-6 to open their minds by opening up books.

Introduced earlier this season, Robo's Readers already has more than 8,000 students in 300-plus classrooms across Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties participating.

Each participating classroom receives two posters which help the students track their reading progress. For every five books each child in the program reads, he or she receives one free voucher to an upcoming Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game. There is no limit on the number of free vouchers the students can earn.

In addition to the individual rewards for reading, the classroom which reads the most books combined also wins a pizza party featuring an appearance by team mascot Tux and members of the Penguins.

Robo's Readers pays tribute to Robinson, who passed away earlier this year while playing for Asiago Hockey AS in Italy. Despite suffering from dyslexia his entire life, the former Penguins defender (2001-05) was an advocate of reading for children, and regularly visited local schools during his time with the team to stress the importance of education.

"Our family is thrilled over the enthusiasm and popularity of the Robo's Readers program, and we are honored to have Darcy's name associated with it," said Ernesta Marie Robinson, Darcy's mother. "Darcy felt at home in Wilkes-Barre and made many friends during the four seasons that he played for the Penguins. Our family is grateful to the numerous Penguins fans who have sent letters and cards, along with pictures of Darcy."

Registration for the Robo's Readers program for the 2007-08 season is currently closed. The team will begin accepting classroom registrations for the 2008-09 campaign beginning in August 2008.

In addition to Robo's Readers, the Penguins are also planning two special Darcy Robinson Nights in March, with proceeds from raffles and other special events to be held during the game going toward programs focused on fighting dyslexia locally.

To find out how your classroom can become part of the Robo's Readers program, please contact Scott Stuccio at (570) 208-5421, or via email at sstuccio@wbspenguins.com.

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