Fourth-annual charity game to benefit new academic scholarship for at-risk youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Sunday, March 4, 2012, a team of federal lawmakers, Congressional staff and administration officials will face off against federal lobbyists at Verizon Center, home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Washington Capitals, for the 2012 Congressional Hockey Challenge™.
The friendly, yet competitive, game of ice hockey will benefit the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) in support of an entirely new academic scholarship for at-risk youth and participants of the NHL's Hockey is for Everyone™ (HIFE) initiative.
After an impressive victory in the inaugural 2009 event, the Lawmakers have lost the last two games to the Lobbyists, and are looking for redemption.
“We have some strong additions to the lawmaker roster, so I think it’s our year to bring home a win,” said Congressional Hockey Challenge™ veteran, Rep. Pat Meehan (R-PA). “I’m looking forward to getting out on the ice. It’s an opportunity to have a little fun and some friendly competition, all while supporting a great cause.”
With the support of the NHL and the Washington Capitals, this special event will feature appearances by Caps and NHL alumni (TBA), special guests and celebrity coaches, including: NHL legend and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Pat LaFontaine, NHL Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly, Washington Capitals alumnus, Alan May and NHL ambassador and hockey pioneer, Willie O’Ree.
The event will also include a silent auction featuring NHL and Caps memorabilia, trip and hotel vouchers, meals at area restaurants and other unique and valuable prizes. In addition, there will be a suggested donation at the door of $10 on the day of the event. All proceeds from the silent auction and door donations will benefit the Fort Dupont Ice Arena, home of the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, the oldest NHL-recognized inner city youth development ice hockey program in North America.
U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) will be joined by Congressional Hockey Caucus co-chairs Reps. Pat Meehan (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Brian Higgins (D-NY) and Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN). Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Rep. Erik Paulson (R-MN) will make their Hockey Challenge debut for Team Lawmakers.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 40 years since I took my first real cuts playing hockey on Turkey Pond’s black ice,” said Sen. John Kerry. “I can’t wait to get back out on the ice and try to do my Bruins proud while raising money for a great cause – this year with a face mask, of course.”
Federal lobbyists representing a diverse group of industries and interests will defend their hard-won title.
The Congressional Hockey Challenge™ is aligned closely with the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone™ initiative – a unique program providing support to nonprofit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to play hockey. Through this collaboration, participating lawmakers and lobbyists will have the opportunity to raise funds for their individual state’s hockey programs.
“I’m excited to participate for the second year in a row in this great event. Supporting a charity that will benefit future leaders and using hockey as a vehicle to inspire bipartisanship and teamwork to solve problems in Washington is always rewarding.” said Rep. Buschon.
With each passing year, the Congressional Hockey Challenge™ has grown in scope and size, drawing increasingly large crowds and increasingly notable guests. Thanks to the generosity of many organizations and individuals, the Congressional Hockey Challenge™ has had tremendous success in providing nearly $200,000 to benefit important youth development and education programs like Washington, D.C.’s, Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club.

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