SkateNation Hosting Two Major Hockey Events for Charity

It’s going to be a big month for hockey in Richmond, with Richmond Hockey Fights Cancer presenting two major events in June. The organization’s signature event, Hockey for Hope, will once again raise money for the fight against cancer on June 18; while a second event, Jeremy’s Game, will take place June 25 to raise money and donations for the Central Virginia Food Bank.

June 15, 2011; 11:56 AM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

It’s going to be a big month for hockey in Richmond, with Richmond Hockey Fights Cancer presenting two major events in June. The organization’s signature event, Hockey for Hope, will once again raise money for the fight against cancer on June 18; while a second event, Jeremy’s Game, will take place June 25 to raise money and donations for the Central Virginia Food Bank.

Hockey for Hope – June 18, 2011

The seventh annual Hockey for Hope game will take place at SkateNation in Short Pump on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. This charity hockey game is a matchup between the RHFC team and the Virginia Hockey All-Stars (a combination team including players from the Henrico Firefighters, Sperry Marine Hockey Club of Charlottesville and members of other local charity organizations). Each Hockey for Hope player has been affected or has a loved one who has been affected by cancer, and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to cancer-related charities, such as the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer, the American Cancer Society, and Ride for Kids (part of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation).

There are two tiers of tickets available: $5 general admission tickets and $20 VIP tickets. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door and VIP tickets can be purchased in advance from a RHFC board or team member. A VIP ticket will provide exclusive access to an upstairs party room, sponsored by Capital Ale House, and includes a sandwich, two drinks and access to a player reception after the game. Various items donated by the NHL will be auctioned off during the game, including an autographed Mario Lemieux puck and an autographed stick from the Buffalo Sabers. RHFC hopes to exceed the $18,000 they raised at last year’s event.

“It’s wonderful to have such a great group of fresh people involved in the organization this year, all of whom have been personally affected by cancer,” said Lee Stryker, founder and president of RHFC. “This game will raise donations for a cause that’s close to many hearts, while also bringing a needed dose of hockey to Richmond.”

Jeremy’s Game: A Celebration of Life – June 25, 2011

Jeremy’s Game: A Celebration of Life is a charity hockey game to honor the memory of Jeremy Bannon, who was struck and killed by a car this past March at the young age of 29. Jeremy Bannon was a chef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and cared deeply about feeding people. Jeremy’s father, Dennis Bannon, was once a professional hockey player in Switzerland and has been involved with RHFC since its inception. Dennis created this event to honor Jeremy and raise money for a cause that was close to Jeremy’s heart – combatting hunger. All proceeds from the game will benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank (CVFB). Tickets to the game, which will take place at SkateNation June 25 at 12:15 p.m., can be bought in advance or at the door for $5, or you may donate five non-perishable food items at the game. Top food items requested include canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, spaghetti sauce, hot and cold cereals, pasta and rice. A donation of $1 creates five meals for families in need.

“Jeremy loved to feed people, whether in a restaurant or in his own home,” said Dennis. “I couldn’t imagine a better way to honor Jeremy’s memory than to combine his passion for food with his love for hockey, while helping a vital organization like the Central Virginia Food Bank.”

Notable players in this game include several Washington Capitals alums, such as Gord Lane, Gary Rissling, Yvon Labre, Blair Stewart and Alan Hangsleben. Other players include Peter Leboutillier, Kevin St. Jacques, RC Lyke and Scott Gruhl. Also attending and available for interviews is the NHL’s premier hockey mask painter, Frank Cipra. Cipra famously painted a mask for Sarah Palin during the last election and will be painting a special mask for Dennis to wear during the game in honor of Jeremy.

The game will be followed by autographs, a silent auction and a public skating session. The silent action will include signed jerseys from NHL stars Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Henrik Lundqvist and many others. SkateNation, in addition to donating the ice for the game, will be donating $1 of each admission to the public skating session to the CVFB.

June 15, 2011 11:56 AM 0