NHL Charity Hockey Game Was a Big Success!

On Wednesday, July 20, 2011, over 1100 fans descended on the Cottage Grove Ice Arena, as over 30 NHL players went head-to-head in the first-ever Stepan/Chorney/Taffe NHL Players Charity Hockey Game. Proceeds from the game benefitted the Hastings Hockey Association, Cottage Grove Hockey Association, and Defending the Blue Line – a nonprofit organization created by soldiers ensuring that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. Besides revenue from ticket sales, the Hastings Hockey Association received a grant from the NHL Players Association for 25 sets of hockey equipment, as a result of sponsoring the event. Most importantly, the NHL charity game was an opportunity for children and parents who love the game of hockey to get up close and personal with professional hockey players, which many described as simply - “priceless”. We want to thank Hastings natives Derek Stepan (NY Rangers), Taylor Chorney (Edmonton Oilers), and Jeff Taffe (Minnesota Wild), who helped organize the event and recruited other players to attend. They, along with many other NHL and minor league players attended and participated in the game. Perhaps more impressive than the display of skills on the ice, was the display of generosity before, during and after the game as players spent hours signing jerseys and memorabilia, giving away sticks, taking pictures and meeting fans. We greatly appreciate their time and thoughtfulness! Thank you to Brad Stepan and Matt Larson who were instrumental in organizing the event. Both put in countless hours and hard work over the last several months. This included things such as working on logistics at the ice arena, soliciting sponsors, working with the players, and selling tickets throughout the local communities. This event would not have happened without their vision and determination. Thank you to our event sponsors for their donations – C. Brown Associates, Dugarel's, iMap Professionals, The New Art of Dentistry, Radke and Mohrhauser, River Pines Dental, Ryan Electric, and The Stepan Agency. Thank you to Ben Utecht, Hastings High School graduate and Super Bowl winner, who sang the national anthem. A special thank you to Angie Schiller who created and maintained a Facebook page promoting the event. Finally, we appreciate all the time and hard work from many volunteers at the venue. We could not have done it without you!