The SUNY Morrisville men’s ice hockey team will be lacing up their skates Friday night as they play host to SUNY Canton at the Morrisville IcePlex, but for the team, it’s more than just a game; it’s the opportunity to share something they love with the young eyes that one day hope for the same opportunity.
SUNY Morrisville will be taking the ice in a benefit game for the Center State Youth Hockey Association, an organization that operates and plays out of the Morrisville IcePlex.
Offering youth hockey programs for all levels of play, from boys and girls as young as four years old in the learn-to-skate programs to as old as the 16-year-old level, the organization has seen a decline in its total membership over the past two years. During the 2022-23 season, the Mustangs have taken the initiative to work with the association on and off the ice, to not only teach the fundamentals of hockey, but important life skills that go along with being a part of a team and greater community.
The Mustangs are inviting all members of the SUNY Morrisville campus and surrounding community, along with members of the Center State Youth Hockey Association, to their Friday night benefit game. Morrisville will be wearing promotional gameday jerseys that will be made available in an online/in-person auction for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Center State Youth Hockey Association for an even better experience.
Bidding is currently open online with the online auction ending Thursday, February 2 at 5 p.m. Online bids through the Morrisville Mustangs’ social media platforms can be placed by contacting Mustang Assistant Coach Andrew Veglucci at vegluca@morrisville.edu. Available jerseys may also receive in-person bids on Friday, beginning at 5 p.m., at the IcePlex and will close at the conclusion of the second period.
“We're looking forward to a great event Friday night in support of the Center State Youth hockey program,” head coach Kevin Krogol said. “We've been able to strengthen our relationship with the Center State program over the course of the season with our heavy involvement, and we are looking forward to another opportunity to support and grow this tremendous program and continue to give more kids in the local area an opportunity to be involved in the game of hockey.
“In all, we're looking forward to outstanding events and a great opportunity to show not only our athletic department but our institutional support for the Center State program here on campus.”
For more information, contact the men’s hockey office at 315.684.6488.
To read the full feature story on the event, please visit our Morrisville Athletics website.