Courtesy of Robert Willett/The News & Observer
For the Southern United States, hurricane season is from the beginning of June to the end of November. While the fall season means cool temperatures rolling in for most, hurricane season is usually having its last surge in the South. This final band of storms has an impact on the end of the NHL preseason and the beginning of the regular season. Though the storms often result in games being postponed or canceled, NHL teams aren’t letting the rain stop them from getting actively involved in the relief effort. With Hurricane Helene heavily impacting the Southeast recently, here is how NHL teams have helped impacted communities get back on their feet.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26. The storm proceeded to cause much damage in its wake across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina, destroying many communities, and leaving at least 200 people dead or missing. As a result, many NHL teams decided to make a stand and answer the call to help.
Carolina Hurricanes
Courtesy of Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Usually, every year the Carolina Hurricanes host an annual preseason community game, in which proceeds are given to children's charities in the greater Raleigh area. However, because Helene impacted many parts of western North Carolina, the Canes decided to use their community game on October 2 against the Nashville Predators to raise money for hurricane relief efforts.
“We announced it on Sunday [the 29th] at 8 p.m., which is not really when you break great news, but we wanted to get it out as soon as we could,” said Hurricanes President Doug Warf. “We went from 11,000 seats sold to 18,000 seats sold by noon on Wednesday [October 2nd].”
In total, there were 18,700 fans in attendance and the Hurricanes raised over $300,000, which Warf says is “only the beginning.” He says their foundation understands that North Carolina communities will continue to need relief for months, and that they are committed to actively help and fundraise every step of the way.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Courtesy of Kyle Burger/WFTS
Along with the Carolina Hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Lightning Foundation donated $2 million dollars towards relief and those impacted by the storm.
“This is a tragic situation for many families and communities here in Tampa Bay,” Lightning owner and chairman Jeff Vinik said. “During challenging times like these, the most important thing we can do as an organization is to support one another and do our part to aid in the local relief efforts. We are proud to be able to support our community in this way and hope this donation will help families recover and rebuild.”
Newly inaugurated Lightning Captain Victor Hedman also wanted to help in addition to the Lightning Foundation’s generous gift. Since coming to Tampa Bay in 2009, Hedman has held a huge spot in his heart for the community, so it just seemed right for him to give. He pledged $150,000 to be split between the Tampa Police Benevolent Foundation and the Coast Guard Foundation. The donation towards the Tampa Benevolent Police Foundation, will help 11 officers who have been impacted by the storm.
“For them to come back and see the devastation that occurred for themselves is just heartbreaking,” Hedman said. “They put their lives on the line. It’s a no brainer for us [the Hedmans] to pledge to both the Tampa PD and the Coast Guard.”
Nashville Predators
Courtesy of nhl.com
Lastly, with the storm causing much damage in eastern Tennessee, the Nashville Predators’ Predators Foundation has decided to fundraise $50,000 towards the relief efforts. According to a post from the @predsfoundation on Instagram, the Predators asked their fans to donate to families and individuals in need in east Tennessee, and that their foundation would match donations up to $25,000. According to the post, if 17,159 fans donated $2 each, then the Predators would exceed their goal.
It’s inspiring to see these teams get involved in community outreach and relief during this difficult time for many. Loyal communities always have their teams’ backs whether they win or lose, and it’s neat to see teams come back and lift up their communities. Though hurricane season continues to rage, it's encouraging to see fans and players come together in the relief effort.
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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