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Ohio Organization Works Around The Clock For Vets k Even in these uncertain times, the show will still go on for the 4th Annual 24 Hours of Hockey for Habitat at Chiller North in Columbus, Ohio. The event was originally scheduled to be held over Father's Day weekend, June 19-20, but has been moved to Aug. 14-15 to adapt to concerns over the current coronavirus pandemic. The event raises money for the Mid- Ohio chapter of Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build program that helps veterans save or attain the dream of home ownership. According to Brian Canavan, the organization's chief development officer, over the past three years the group has raised $150,000 and last year they were able to save 15 veterans from losing their homes and provide one veteran with a new home. The event is open to players of every skill level from beginner to ex-NHLers such as Jody Shelley and Jean Luc Grand-Pierre. The only catch is that every participant must commit to raising a minimum of $50. Over the course of the 24 hours, each skater is on the ice for a total of 12 hours (goalies for eight) usually split into two, three or four hour blocks. Players are given ample time to refuel and rest between their games. This year's program is tentatively scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and runs through 7:30 on Saturday night. For more information or to sign up go to http://bit.ly/Hockey24Hours. P COMMUNITY NHL Leaves Its Legacy With Innovative Sled Hockey Boards APRIL/MAY 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 9 48 States that held Try Hockey events, presented by SportsEngine 40 Number of young officials who attended an NHL game and met an NHL official 9 Hours of hockey coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network 10,450 Children experiencing Try Hockey For Free Day 1 (+1) Chipotle celebrated Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey Day with its buy one get one free offer for fans wearing hockey jerseys. 328 Rinks nationwide that hosted a Try Hockey For Free event 213,950 Total number of children, to date, that have been introduced to the sport through national Try Hockey For Free days Hockey Week Across America By The Numbers NHL In the lead up to the 2020 Stadium Series between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings, the NHL unveiled a revolutionary on-ice bench system that will benefit local sled hockey players long after the game is but a distant memory. The prototype system designed by Athletica Sport Systems features compact benches with rounded edges that can accommodate five to eight players. Set up of the boards on the ice takes less than five minutes. Sertich Ice Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., was the first rink in the country to receive a set of boards prior to the Stadium Series. "USA Hockey always says 'Hockey Is For Everyone' and they're doing everything that they can to bring traditional hockey to the disabled section," said Doris Donley, a disabled hockey representative for USA Hockey. "The boards, to me, were just one more layer of showing the inclusivity of hockey." Donley saw firsthand the impact these boards could have on the game, especially for rinks lacking the resources to host sled programs. The biggest factor is the affordability, which allows existing rinks to add this new feature rather than having to retrofit existing benches. Another impact is the overall safety of the players. In rinks that are without a sled hockey bench system, players line up against the boards while the game goes on right in front of them. These boards are designed to protect players while still allowing them to follow the play. Donley appreciates the NHL making the game accessible for more players. "It opens up a whole world," Donley said. "These boards say 'Hockey Is For Everyone' and this is just one more layer of putting that into action." USA HOCKEY