WHL Spokane Chiefs

Pizza Factory and the Spokane Chiefs Raised $5,000 for the Washington Fallen Heroes Project

Published on July 20, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane, Wash. - Pizza Factory and the Spokane Chiefs raised $5,000 for the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project through the 2023 Military Appreciation Jersey Auction. The Washington Fallen Heroes Project honors post-9/11 service members who died in service or as a result of their service. Director Keirsten Lyons outlined their organizational goals, "Our mission is to assure they are remembered, support the families left behind, and engage our communities in doing both. We're so thankful for the Spokane Chiefs support in fulfilling all three of those! Not only do the Chiefs display more than 100 fallen hero banners throughout the concourse for all to see, they also provide tickets for surviving families to come enjoy the game, and most importantly, take the players on a walk-through of the banners before the game."

Chiefs players donned unique military appreciation jerseys for the January 21st matchup against the Victoria Royals in front of more than 8,500 raucous Spokane hockey fans. The game featured special pre-game ceremonies including Washington Air National Guard Rappelers delivering game pucks from the rafters of the arena to the ice. A member of the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard were present for the ceremonial puck drop. Director Lyons and her organization were instrumental in helping the ceremonies take place, "Military Appreciation is definitely not just a tag line for them, it is boots on the ground (or skates on the ice!) support, and we are so appreciative of the Spokane Chiefs organization."

Chiefs' Director of Promotions Josh Grubich has worked for the Chiefs for 9 years, with the annual military appreciation game a highlight of each season, "Military appreciation night is the least the Chiefs organization can do to support our current military members, veterans, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. The ovations that each military branch receives during puck drop shows how much this community supports our service men and women." Grubich continued, "Working with the Washington Fallen Heroes Program highlights the reality of the sacrifice that our service members give, and it is humbling to see the banners around the concourse each year for everyone to pay tribute to those who have fallen."

In addition to the impactful ceremonies taking place at the game, the Chiefs would go on to win 6-3 with five different goal scorers.

The game worn military appreciation specialty jerseys were available for fans to bid on via blind auction throughout the first two periods of the game, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the WA Fallen Heroes. This organization is committed to honoring fallen heroes from the Pacific Northwest, supporting their families, and engaging the community. Each year they showcase banners throughout the arena, featuring local fallen heroes, allowing Chiefs players and fans the opportunity to reflect on members of their community who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Western Hockey League Stories from July 20, 2023


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