Press Release

December 6th, The Darien Huskies Pee Wee Central States Major team played the Hornets Sled team. What an evening!

The Hornets Sled hockey team is made up of disabled kids under the age of 18 who are interested in having fun and learning the game of hockey. The Huskies Pee Wee hockey team is made up of all top level 11 & 12 year old athletes. The game was played on sleds which were all donated and cost $500 each. The score: Hornets 5 - Huskies 3.

This special event began on a high note with Clair Pinas singing the National Anthem and Rocky Saganiuk, Huskies Director of Hockey and JJ O'Connor, Hornets Director of Player Personnel, jointly making introductions. There was a 50/50 raffle which raised nearly $700 for the benefit of the Hornets Sled team. In the true spirit of Christmas giving, the winner, a hockey mom for Northbrook, IL, donated her winning to the Hornets Sled team.

The most exciting part of the evening was when Peter Bleka #25, of the Hornets scored a hat-trick. The crowd erupted as countless hats were thrown on to the ice. The Hornets were truly amazing to watch!

My mail box is overflowing with comments that have effectively captured the evening:

"I want you to know that this was a wonderful evening for me and my children and it generated much dialog about all we have to be grateful for this holiday season." - Mary Fran Oskvarek

"I don't think you can beat the experience the boys had last night!" - Tracy Ugone

"Congratulations to all of you for being a part of what hopefully is the beginning of something that will continue to grow." - Mike Conway

"I heard all of the Hornets saying what a fun time they had. A Hornets' hockey mom said her son was looking forward to this game all week." - Michelle Frodyma

"My son, Danny had a smile from ear to ear every shift he was out there!" - Frank Tranchida

"What an evening! I hope we maintain a relationship with the sled team. It was quite an eye opener for us ALL." - Mary Wiesemann

For more info on the Hornets Sled Team visit: http://www.usahockey.com/hornets_sled_hockey/main_site/main/hornets_sled_hockey

Thanks,
Janice Papais,
Manager
Huskies Pee Wee Central States Major
630-910-3320