It was a breakaway success!
Local hockey teams faced off at Aviator Sports Center on March 12 to benefit families of blind children. The showdown was particularly exciting for one sightless woman who had never seen — or even heard — a hockey game, she said.
“I’ve never heard the sound of ice skates, and it was fascinating how they sounded as the skaters came by us,” said Mindy Jacobsen of Parents of Blind Children of New York. “Everybody was very excited and having a good time, and it was a noisy game.”
Staten Island’s Team Rugged beat city-wide squad the Moscow Penguins 8–7 during the Third Annual Rick Welch and Elaine Rink Memorial Ice Hockey Fundraiser.
All proceeds from the event went to the Parents of Blind Children of New York — a division of the National Federation of the Blind of New York State that helps parents provide their children with the best possible education and helps them get the best out of life, said organization president Carl Jacobsen, Mindy’s husband.
Kids and participants had the opportunity to win prizes in several raffles during the game, including New York Ranger tickets, New Jersey Devil tickets, autographed hockey memorabilia, and gift certificates to restaurants across Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Team Rugged captain Tommy Needham also organized the event, and he did a wonderful job making it fun and enjoyable for everyone, Carl said.
“I appreciate everybody who came and supported the effort,” he said. “It was a fun event and I thank Tommy for all his efforts.”
