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Hockey game proceeds help a fallen hero’s family
CANFIELD
Hometown Heroes Night, an event put together by members of the Canfield Police Department and the Youngstown Phantoms, will bring local heroes and members of the community together Saturday evening for a Youngstown Phantoms hockey game.
Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other emergency personnel will gather at Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St. in Youngstown, ready to meet and talk with game-goers.
Games and prizes will be offered both before and during the game, including tug-of-war between police officers and firefighters on the ice, and a hockey shoot-out to win a Donnell Ford-sponsored Mustang. There also will be a raffle for concert tickets and two Phantoms jerseys with police and fire patches.
The Phantoms are playing Nebraska’s Omaha Lancers at 7:05 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Canfield Detective Brian McGivern said he encourages people to get there at 5:30 p.m. to meet and greet police officers and firefighters. An EMS helicopter also will arrive at 5:30 p.m.
In addition, McGivern said the Air Force will do a fly-over five minutes before the doors open.
“It’s a great night for a family to come together in order to have the community meet with EMS workers and enjoy a great hockey game,” McGivern said.
A portion of the night’s proceeds will go to the Newhard Family Trust in honor of Sgt. Brian Newhard. Newhard, 38, died Sept. 9, 2015, after being diagnosed a month earlier with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS.
Phantoms team co-owner Troy Loney said he is excited to be a part of the fundraising efforts for the Newhard family.
“We are privileged that we can play a part in helping the Newhard family as they move into the future. Our Hometown Heroes theme game is designed to pay tribute to police and fire personnel and what better way then to help a policeman’s family,” Loney said. “We hope the rest of the community will join us.”