Here’s a press release of note from USA Hockey:
Fourth Annual Play With Purpose Charity Hockey Game Set for September 18
Charity game raises funds and awareness against distracted drivingPLYMOUTH, Mich. – The 4th Annual Gallagher-Kaiser “Play With Purpose” charity hockey game, presented by Hockey has Heart and StopDistractions.org, will be held on Saturday, September 18 at USA Hockey Arena. The game will be a USHL preseason tilt between Team USA and the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s contest will be used to support distracted driving awareness initiatives, led by StopDistractions.org. The game’s sponsors will help put together a memorable event that increases awareness of the dangers that come from using a cell phone behind the wheel.
With help from local government leaders and USA Hockey Arena, the annual event continues to grow, elevating support for distracted driving awareness to a national level. If this event can prevent a family from losing a loved one, or remind someone to put down their phone when behind the wheel, then it’s a success. This is a game that we all win.
“This year is extra exciting for me, personally, as my friend Dan Israel and I are co-owners of the Muskegon Lumberjacks,” said Bob Kaiser, owner and CEO of Gallagher-Kaiser. “Both Muskegon and Team USA have some of the best players in the world and we can’t wait to see these talented players come together in support of something so important. This event makes meaningful strides in raising awareness and generating the support that will help to end distracted driving.”
The game continues to bring forth top talent from the hockey community, but with a new twist featuring in-state rivals, the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Team USA’s Under-18 Team. For one night, these two teams will set their rivalry aside and play for a much bigger purpose – to help end distracted driving. The 4th Annual “Play With Purpose” game will be played on the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Rink at USA Hockey Arena to recognize, remember and honor the fifth anniversary of Mitchel’s death by a distracted driver on September 19, 2016. Together, the teams will dedicate this game in Mitchel’s memory and to help raise awareness in our local Michigan hockey community about the deadly consequences of distracted driving.
“All of us at Stop Distractions.org are excited to be a part of the 4th Annual ‘Play With Purpose’ charity hockey event at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth,” said Jennifer Smith, CEO and Founder of the organization. “Too many families have been impacted by these tragedies, and sadly, the number of distracted driving crashes continues to grow year over year. To reverse this trend, we all must act and it is great to see the hockey community coming together to help educate their families and fans on the dangers of distracted driving and recognize we all have a part to play to end this epidemic and save lives in Michigan.”
General admission tickets for the charity game are $12 and can be purchased by calling the USA Hockey Arena box office at 734-453-6400 or by visiting the box office in person. Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event for $15 on a first come, first served basis.
