PLYMOUTH, Mich. – In conjunction with the 9th annual Hockey Weekend Across America celebration, the U.S. National Under-17 Team, part of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, will face the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the first-ever Milk & Cereal Bowl, an event intended to be staged annually to benefit the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m. ET at USA Hockey Arena.
Fans are encouraged to bring boxes of cereal to the game. NTDP corporate partner Pepsi will match all donations and fans will receive an opportunity to win prizes.
“It’s important for our program to be engaged with and support the community and we’re excited to be working with Gleaners,” said Scott Monaghan, senior director of operations for the NTDP. “Sunday’s game falls on the final day of Hockey Weekend Across America and with the day’s theme being ‘celebrate local hockey heroes,’ it’s a perfect time for everyone to join together as heroes to help provide for those that need our help.”
For every ticket sold for the game online at www.usahockeyarena.com, $4 will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.
In addition, fans are encouraged to purchase a toy cow for $3 at the game. The purchase of the toy cow represents one gallon of milk. NTDP partner Kroger and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan will match every purchase with a donation of a gallon of milk.
“Nutrient-rich milk is always in demand at Gleaners,” said Ken McClure, communications manager for the Kroger Company of Michigan. “With Kroger’s Michigan Dairy backing us, and our unwavering commitment against food insecurity, we appreciate this opportunity to partner with the Milk & Cereal Bowl campaign.”
“For kids, eating breakfast is associated with better performance and decreased behavior problems in schools,” said Melissa Gerharter, MS, RD, CSSD, and manager for Sports Nutrition Marketing for Milk Means More. “Also, kids who eat breakfast have a decreased incidence of obesity because they fuel the engine to kick up their metabolism.”
NOTES: Between Feb.14-20, when fans drop off a donation of two boxes or more of cereal at the USA Hockey Arena front office, they will receive a coupon for a free Penn Station six-inch sub and also a voucher for one complimentary admission to any remaining NTDP regular-season home game in 2015-16. All donations will be matched through the “Be a Youth Hockey Hero” initiative, thanks to Kroger, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Pepsi and Penn Station East Coast Subs.
