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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Players and Staff Step Away from Hockey to Bring Smiles to Pattison's Academy

March 13, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, S.C. - South Carolina Stingrays players and staff broke away from the hockey rink to play floor hockey with the students and teachers of Pattison's Academy for Comprehensive Education (PACE) Charter School in West Ashley this afternoon.

Forwards Igor Gongalsky, Patrick Gaul, defensemen Steve Spinell and Jeremy Price along with team president Rob Concannon taught students how to hold a stick, pass a ball and engaged in a friendly relay race in the school's gymnasium. Click here to view photos.

"It's a great feeling to give back," said Gongalsky. "When you see these kids smile and enjoy themselves, you try to do everything you can to see them smile again. It is a lot of fun."

Pattison's Academy serves children with severe and multiple disabilities and exposes them to community inclusive rehabilitative programs and therapies integrated with an educational environment. Throughout the season, the Stingrays make multiple visits to the campus and on Sunday, March 23, the team will host the Academy at the North Charleston Coliseum to watch them battle the Greenville Road Warriors at 3:05 p.m. After the game, the students, teachers and families will join the players on the ice for a postgame skating session.

"With our kids, it is real important for them to be members of the community and members of society," said Pattison's Academy Education Administrator Steve Kiernan. "They do not always get this chance. This is wonderful for you to come out. You go from being big, strong hockey players to gentle, nice people who are working with our kids. It is going to be fabulous to see them [on the ice on March 23]. I hear they will be on the Zamboni [Liquid Box FanZam] after the first period. They love it."

The Stingrays conclude a season-long six-game road trip on Friday, March 14 against the Gwinnett Gladiators at The Arena at Gwinnett Center at 7:05 p.m. in Duluth, Georgia and return to the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, March 15 to celebrate Lowcountry Food Bank Night against the Gladiators at 7:05 p.m. Bring non-perishable food items to the game to help stock the Lowcountry Food Bank's shelves during the spring and summer months!

Friday, March 21 is Family Four Pack Friday with the Stingrays! Grab four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas and large popcorn for $55 at the Coliseum Box Office and watch the Stingrays battle the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:05 p.m. at the Coliseum. College and military tickets are $5 at the Box Office with proper ID!

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