NHL: New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers And Others To Play Charity Game For Hurricane Sandy Victims

The NHL may not be in action, but that is not to say that players from the league are not about to take action for others. After witnessing the devastation that Hurricane Sandy left in the New York and New Jersey and Philadelphia area, players from the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and other players are getting together – despite the current NHL Lockout – to play a charity game for some of the victims of the storm’s destruction.

It is nice to see a refreshing change that just because owners and players cannot agree on a new collective bargaining agreement, that will not prevent players from the NHL doing something nice for others. Players from locked out teams including the Rangers and Flyers will get together for a charity game at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on November 24 at 7 PM.

Players slated to appear in this charity game include Brad Richards, Brian Boyle, Steve Eminger, Taylor Pyatt and Jeff Halpern from the New York Rangers; Scott Hartnell, Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, Jody Shelley and Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers, as well as James Neal (Penguins), Bobby Ryan (Ducks), James van Riemsdyk (Maple Leafs), Ville Leino (Sabres), Dan Carcillo (Blackhawks), Simon Gagne (Kings), John Carlson (Capitals) and Steve Downie (Avalanche). More players are expected to be added in the coming days.

Tickets will range from $25 to $100, with proceeds going toward the American Red Cross, the Empire State Relief Fund and the New Jersey Relief Fund. The game will be known as “Operation Hat Trick,” and I truly hope that it is a sell-out. I would encourage anyone in the area who can make it to the game to go and show your support.

Richards, who lives in lower Manhattan and lost power during the storm, has also participated in a youth hockey fundraiser on Staten Island with some of Rangers’ teammates. He told the New York Post “We’re not playing, but we feel a sense of responsibility to our communities. It’s a privilege to be in this position, really.”

Hopefully, the game will be a huge success and will bring some much needed relief to those who were most effected. It is very nice to see the players get together to help out, despite the feelings that many may have during the current NHL Lockout.

Tags: Hurricane Sandy, New York Rangers, NHL Lockout, Philadelphia Flyers