Hockey NYS
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March 2012
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illie O’Ree stands at rinkside hockey development program. inside the Riverside Rink. In Hasek’s Heroes works in partnership front of him skates a group with the Buffalo Public School System of youngsters going through a series of to promote academic achievement as an hockey drills. integral component of athletics. The National Hockey League’s “It’s non-stop for the kids once they first black player quietly stands with a arrive in Buffalo,” commented Sean smile on his face. Green, executive director of Hasek’s He “When I look out there and see roes. “This is the fourth year that we have the talent and these kids, it really makes held this event. my heart feel good,” said the 77 year-old “We try and treat the kids like the O’Ree, who made his NHL debut during All-Stars they really are. It’s been deby Randy Schultz the 1958-59 campaign. “I told these kids to signed as a reward system for the end of janetrandy@aol.com go out and have fun and work hard. the kids hockey season. “I just want them to make things “Many of the kids participating in happen both on the ice and in their lives.” this event are economically challenged O’Ree was at the Rink as part of and are diversified coming from differthe 2012 Willie O’Ree Skills Weekend held in February in Bufent cultures. It ties into the NHL Diversity Program where their falo. The Buffalo Sabres partnered with Hasek’s Heroes and the theme is ‘Hockey Is For Everyone.’ NHL to host the weekend. “The coaches in the different cities are using it as an The event, which was held in Buffalo for the fourth incentive throughout their season. To be eligible the kids have to time, brought together 51 boys and girls from youth hockey show great academics, great hockey skills, great social skills and organizations throughout North America including Buffalo, be role models for their teams. In the end they are selected and Columbus, Philadelphia, New York City, San Jose, Boston, Van- treated like NHL All-Stars. couver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto. “We just want to give these kids opportunities that they All of the participants represented a youth hockey afmight not receive. We try to show them what happens when they filiate of the NHL’s “Hockey Is For Everyone” initiative. do well academically and socially. They get rewarded for it. Among the areas in New York State represented “For some of these kids it is the opportunity of a lifebesides Buffalo included the Genesee Valley Youth Hockey time. For some it is the first time on an airplane. For others it is Club, Ice Hockey in Harlem, the New Rochelle Youth Hockey the first time out of their State or Province. Association and the Westchester Hockey Organization, Inc. “For others it is the first time out of their city. And for Participants enhanced their skills through USA Hockey others it is the first time out of their neighborhood. It is quite the and NCAA Division I presentations during the on-ice drills and learning experience for the kids.” a skills competition. The weekend was also a cultural opportu O’Ree has a good feeling about this event. nity to meet NHL Alumni, NHL players, create new friendships “I want these kids to feel good about themselves,” and enjoy the attractions in the Western New York area. added O’Ree. “I want them to set good goals for themselves. Included in those visits were a trip to Niagara Falls, “If you feel good in your heart and in your mind, you NY, attend the game between the Sabres and Montreal Canacan attain any goal you set. My expression is, ‘If you think you diens and on the final day got the unique opportunity to play can you can. If you think you can’t you’re right.’ hockey on the ice at First Niagara Center, home of the Sabres. “I think there is a lot of truth in that.” The participants also paid a visit to “Kids Escaping Maybe Dave Smith, NHL Director of Fitness and Drugs,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of Medical, summed up the February weekend. prevention programs for adolescents and their families suffering “We just want to make a difference in the kids lives,” from alcohol and drug dependency. A presentation was made to concluded Smith. “If we do that then they might make a differthem by young adults in recovery and the consequences of their ence in other kids lives. use. “In the end it’s like a story that doesn’t have an ending. Among the alumni and players the kids got to meet It’s a story that could go on for a long time to come. included former NHLer’s Derek Smith and Morris Titanic and “That’s what makes this all worth while.” present-day Sabres forward, Nathan Gerbe. Hasek’s Heroes, founded by legendary Sabres goaltenPhoto Captions left top clockwise: Buffalo, Genesee Valley, der Dominik Hasek, provides a foundation of athletic developHarlem, Greater New York/New Jersey, Westchester, Goaltendment and educational support, enabling children from low-to ing, Haseks Heroes Participants, Nathan Gerbe signs automoderate-income families in the Western New York area to graph, Coach Dave Smith talks to playrs and New Rochelle. achieve their life goals. It provides them the opportunity to learn Center: Belly flop, Willie O’Ree talks to playres and former basic skating and hockey skills and, for those with the aptitude NHLer Morris Titanic helps player.(Photos by Janet Schultz) and commitment, the opportunity to participate in the tiered
Haseks Heroes Hosts 2012 Willie O’Ree Showcase