(Rochester, NY) – The Rochester Americans are proud to support USA Hockey’s Hockey Weekend Across America, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21. The Amerks will host the Portland Pirates at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19 and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21.
The Hockey Weekend Across America festivities conclude Sunday, Feb. 21 with Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day, and the Amerks will be celebrating the life of Patrick Carr, the local youth hockey player who inspired the Rochester community during his courageous battle with cancer. To honor Patrick’s memory, the Amerks will wear “Li’l Fighter” decals on their helmets during the game.
“The Rochester Americans are proud to support USA Hockey and Hockey Weekend Across America and are especially honored to recognize Patrick Carr as a local hockey hero,” said Amerks Vice President of Business Operations Rob Kopacz. “Patrick is an inspiration to so many in the local hockey community and we encourage all local organizations to show their support by encouraging their teams to participate in the game or support Golisano Children’s Hospital in Patrick’s name.”
All registered USA Hockey youth members can receive a complimentary ticket to the game by visiting www.amerks.com/hwaa. In addition, that website can also be used to make donations to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Patrick’s name.
The weekend events begin Friday, Feb. 19 with USA Hockey’s “Wear Your Favorite Jersey” Day. Local players ages 14 and under who wear their youth hockey jersey to the Amerks game can receive a free ticket to the game with the purchase of a regular priced adult ticket. Fans who wear their favorite jersey to work or school are encouraged to send photos to the Amerks’ official Facebook and Twitter accounts for the team to share.
Saturday, Feb. 20, is “Try Hockey Day,” as hundreds of rinks nationwide will host Try Hockey for Free clinics, allowing thousands of children to experience hockey for the first time. Locally, there will be several Try Hockey for Free sessions where the Amerks mascot, the Moose, and/or staff members will be on-hand.
Local Try Hockey For Free events are currently scheduled to include:
· 10:00 a.m.: Webster Ice Arena – 865 Publishers Pkwy, Webster, NY 14580
· 11:00 a.m.: Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex – 2700 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd, Brighton, NY 14623
· 11:00 a.m.: Thomas Creek Ice Arena – 80 Lyndon Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
· 12:45 p.m.: Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex – 2700 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd, Brighton, NY 14623
· 1:30 p.m.: Falleti Ice Arena – 22 Evans St., Batavia, NY 14020
Sunday’s Amerks game is also Kids Day presented by I Love NY. The day’s family-friendly festivities will include a Pregame Skate at The Blue Cross Arena from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., a Bounce House, Face-Painters, Balloon Animals and other activities for kids. In addition, 2,000 kids in attendance will receive an Amerks folder courtesy of Wendy’s. The Moose will be celebrating his birthday during the game and has invited many of his mascot friends to join him, including Billy Buffalo, Otto the Orange and many more. For more, including $5 kids tickets, visit www.amerks.com/kidsday.
Hockey Weekend Across America was created by USA Hockey in 2008 to engage the hockey community in celebrating the sport of hockey at all levels and exposing the sport to new audiences.
