(Rochester, NY) – The Rochester Americans announced today that the team will hold its fourth annual Amerks Community Assist Week from Nov. 7-12. This year’s community initiative will involve Amerks players, coaches and team officials supporting a variety of Military organizations and community outreach programs throughout the Greater Rochester Area to coincide with the team’s ongoing Military Appreciation Week efforts.
The Amerks’ Community Assist Week, modeled after a program launched by the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, will be a week-long endeavor and will take place between Monday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 12. The six-day venture will feature a host of Amerks players and staff meeting with the residents of Richards House for a luncheon at Veterans Outreach Center, the team’s partner for all Military Appreciation Week activities; assisting the Blue Star Mothers ROC with the collection of items to be packaged and sent to service members currently overseas; visiting and interacting with the staff and residents at the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua; and participating in the OASIS Learn to Skate program alongside several members of the Amerks Alumni Association.
The week’s events will also include the Amerks kicking off the 12th season of the popular Reading Power Play Program and The Moose visiting several area rinks on Saturday in support of USA Hockey’s Try Hockey For Free initiative.
The schedule of events for the Amerks’ Community Assist Week is as follows:
Monday, Nov. 7: Lunch and tour at Veterans Outreach Center
Amerks players and coaches will spend Monday afternoon getting better acquainted with the staff at Veterans Outreach Center, the team’s partner for the annual Military Appreciation Night game on Friday against Syracuse as well as the season-long sponsor of the Tickets for Troops program. Founded locally in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans, the Veterans Outreach Center remains anchored in our community and offers a comprehensive portfolio of supportive services designed to meet the needs of veterans and their families. Through the generosity of our community, all of these programs and services are provided free of charge. The VOC provides comprehensive resources to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families through direct service, community collaboration and advocacy while striving to be the nation’s best provider of community-centered supportive services for veteran families.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Assisting the Blue Star Mothers
A contingent of Amerks will assist the local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers with the sorting and packaging of donated goods to be sent to service men and women currently deployed overseas. The items, which include such things as Q-tips, lip balm, toothpaste/brushes, dental floss, beef jerky, sugarless gum/candy, granola bars, shampoo/body wash (travel size), sunscreen, peanuts and popcorn, will be collected at Friday’s Amerks game. The Blue Star Mothers ROC is part of a national organization whose mission is to support all members of the Armed Forces and their families through a variety of supportive events and activities. Blue Star Mothers have or have had sons and daughters serving honorably in the United States military.
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Canandaigua VA Media Center Visit/Amerks Reading Program
Several Amerks players and coaches will pay a visit to patients, staff and residents and take a tour of the VA Medical Center located in Canandaigua. Providing inpatient and outpatient care to veterans living in upstate New York since 1933, the Medical Center provides numerous health care programs and services. Located on 150 acres with 14 patient care buildings, the Canandaigua VA Medical Center provides primary care, mental health care, specialty care, disease prevention and wellness programs, post-traumatic stress disorder care as well as a community living center for veterans.
Later that night, forward Justin Bailey will usher in another season of the popular Amerks Reading Power Play Program at the Fairport Public Library. Currently in its 12th year, the Reading Power Play involves players stopping by local libraries, reading to kids and giving a hockey demonstration. Each appearance also features a raffle and an autograph session by the visiting player and The Moose. The Reading Power Play allows fans to meet players and The Moose, while also learning about hockey and the importance of reading. The program also rewards kids for reading and selects two grand-prize winners that will win suite tickets and the chance to drop the ceremonial first puck prior to Rochester’s home game on Sunday, Feb. 19 against the Binghamton Senators
Thursday, Nov. 10: OASIS Learn-to-Skate Program
Players will take to the ice with local veterans and members of the Amerks Alumni Association for a friendly skate following the team’s practice at The Blue Cross Arena. OASIS Adaptive Sports (Outdoor Adventures for Sacrifice in Service) is a non-profit organization offering instruction, equipment and support to disabled military veterans in a variety of sports-related activities. Through a collaborative partnership with the Amerks Alumni Association, the organization assists veterans in reconnecting and resuming productive lives in society through participation in outdoor recreational activities that promote independence, and social and emotional well-being. The mission of OASUS is to do everything possible to make each outdoor experience meaningful and thereby help the veteran regain physical and mental health, with formal evaluations done by professionals in these fields.
Friday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day game vs. Hartford as part of Military Appreciation Week
For the second straight week, the Amerks will sport Military-themed jerseys along with their matching socks as a tribute to U.S. Armed Forces during their Veterans Day game on Friday, Nov. 11 against the Hartford Wolf Pack. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase the jerseys through a silent auction on the upper concourse of The Blue Cross Arena. Following the game, the winners of the auction will be able to take the ice and be presented with a “jersey off the back” from the Amerks players. Proceeds from the jersey auction, as well as from the sale of special Military Appreciation Night Mystery Pucks on Nov. 4, will be donated to Veterans Outreach Center.
The Amerks are offering all United States Military Veterans, Retired, Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard service members one complimentary ticket to both Amerks home games during Military Appreciation Week with additional tickets available for just $14. In addition, the team is offering a T-shirt and ticket package for just $25 that includes a one-of-a-kind “Military Appreciation” shirt and a best-available ticket while $2 from each package sold will be donated to Veterans Outreach Center. Those interested in taking advantage of the offers can do so by visiting www.amerks.com/military or by calling 1-855-GO-AMERKS.
Saturday, Nov. 12: Try Hockey For Free Day
The Amerks will be supporting USA Hockey’s Try Hockey For Free Day on Saturday, Nov. 12 at various local ice rinks. As part of Saturday’s nationwide initiative, USA Hockey and participating programs are encouraging kids ages 4 to 9 to come to a local participating rink and try youth hockey. All locations have a limited amount of equipment available for use. Information on times and locations at local rinks can be found at www.tryhockeyforfree.com. The Amerks will support the efforts of local youth hockey programs by having the team’s mascot, The Moose, as well as staff at local rinks including Lakeshore Ice Arena, Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex and Thomas Creek.
