New Jersey Devils winger Cam Janssen has seen firsthand the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has done to the Garden State. As one of the most heavily-populated regions in the country, New Jersey was dealt one of the worst blows by the storm that left many homeless and without power.
“It’s really tough on everyone. Playing for the Devils and having a lot of friends, family, and teammates up there... it really hits home.”
So on Saturday, November 17th, Cam Janssen – along with fellow NHL players Barret Jackman, Alex Pietrangelo, Brian Elliot, and St. Louis Blues alumni - will be lacing up their skates in Janssen’s home state of Missouri for a charity hockey game to raise funds for Responder Rescue, an organization that will benefit Hurricane Sandy first responders.
“I knew I wanted to help in any way I could,” explains Janssen, “so I asked a bunch of St. Louis Blues players I skate with every day if they’d take part. Everyone wanted to help get people excited about raising money for this tragedy.”
Fans who purchase a $20 ticket will be treated to a fast-paced game at the Hardees Iceplex in Chesterfield, Missouri, as well as raffle prizes, an auction featuring donated items from St. Louis Blues and Cardinals players, and – if you purchase a $200 VIP ticket - a private after party where fans can hang out with the players.
“I’ve organized this game to be on the same level as an NHL game. It’s no contact, but I think fans will appreciate the pre-season quality of this game. That’s what fans are craving, that’s what the players are craving too.”
In an effort to get some youth hockey players and fans in the stands, Janssen and Responder Rescue are making it easy for minor hockey teams to come out for the night, offering them admission at a discounted rate. For $120, a team of 20 kids and two coaches can come to the event.
“People often forget about first responders,” says Responder Rescue spokesperson Patrick Byrne, “They’re not the highest paid individuals and they make more sacrifices than most of us ever will. They work weekends, holidays, give up time with their families to keep yours safe. Any time we can help them, it’s worth it.”
If you’d like to purchase a ticket to ‘Cam Janssen Fights Sandy’, tickets are available here.
Can’t make it out but still want to help? Donations to Responder Rescue can be made here.
