BROOKLYN – The New York Islanders will host their annual Military Appreciation Night on Sunday, Nov. 8 when they take on the Boston Bruins at 5 p.m. at Barclays Center. The players are personally donating $30,000 to provide tickets to more than 300 retired and active service military members and their families. In addition, the Islanders have matched the players’ gift, making the total donation $60,000.
“It’s important that the men and women who protect us overseas are recognized, supported and applauded for their service,” Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk said. “We are able to play a sport everyday because of the sacrifices they make, so we’re happy to invite them to our game to relax and make some fun memories with their families.”
“It speaks to the leadership and character in our locker room that the players took it upon themselves to start up a collection for military appreciation night,” New York Islanders President and General Manager Garth Snow said. “The New York Islanders are proud to join the players in supporting our nation’s active military and veterans by matching the donation.”
The players will wear special camouflage-print military jerseys during Sunday’s pregame warm-ups and will personally autograph their jersey. The jerseys were auctioned off online leading up to the game on newyorkislanders.com. Winners will receive their jerseys the night of the game. To go along with the military theme, the players will use camouflage stick tape for pregame warmups.
The USO Show Troupe will sing the game’s national anthem. The “Defending the Blue Line” military charity group will also be in attendance for the game on the concourse. Throughout the game, various military members and veterans in attendance will receive recognition on the jumbotron scoreboard.
