With the end of the lockout no where to be found, some of the players have been focusing on organizing charitable events. One that really stuck out to me was “Operation Hat Trick.” Scott Hartnell and Brad Richards came up with the brilliant of idea of having an ice hockey game with some of the best players in the NHL, with all the proceeds going to Hurricane Sandy victims (specifically through the American Red Cross, Empire State Relief Fund, and the New Jersey Hurricane Relief Fund). Players from around the league were split into two teams (Team New York and Team New Jersey) as they competed in front of a sell-out crowd of 10,792 people.
I really enjoyed reading about this event because of all the benefits it provided. We all have seen the damage Hurricane Sandy left and some of us were even effected personally. So, to see professionals taking time to help raise support for those in need is truly inspirational. Also, during the game, the crowd started shouting, “We want hockey!” I think this fundraiser was a brilliant idea because it was for a great cause and it gave hockey fans something to cheer about. They got to see the best players in the world compete for a game, almost like an all-star game! Part of me thinks this could really bring an end to the lockout because it shows how fans miss the game and how much the players really want to just play hockey. During the game, everybody puts the evils of money behind and focused on what matters most to them.
Here are some pictures to the game if you would like to see what Operation Hat Trick is all about!
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/20389/photos-operation-hat-trick-charity-game
