The puck officially drops at 8 a.m. on Feb. 4 for the 10th annual Lehigh Valley Winter Classic, an all-day hockey fundraising festival in Bethlehem.
Flyers alumni Bill Clement, Scott Hartnell and Riley Cote will be on site supporting with free autographs and photos. The charity hockey tournament will be raising money for Special Hockey of the Lehigh Valley, a local team for the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA).
ASHA’s mission is to provide people with special needs the opportunity to grow, build friendships and enjoy the sport of ice hockey.
The all-day outdoor hockey festival is held at the Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink by the event’s hosts, the Lehigh Valley Whalers. Fifteen other local adult hockey teams will play throughout the day as well; all of which contribute toward the fundraising efforts. In addition to the on-ice entertainment, there will be a selection of raffle baskets donated by local families and businesses, a live auction of sports memorabilia, Winter Classic merchandise, food, music and a fun-zone for kids.
All proceeds from the event go to Special Hockey of the Lehigh Valley as well as helping other American Special Hockey Association programs throughout the nation.
The feature special hockey game will be at 2 p.m. when the local Lehigh Valley Polar Bears take on the Bucks County Admirals. Leading up to that main event, Clement, Hartnell and Cote will be available for autographs and photos with fans from 1-1:45 p.m.
SHLV (the Lehigh Valley Polar Bears) is a nonprofit ice hockey program for children and young adults with autism, Down syndrome and other cognitive challenges. It’s run by a team of volunteers who work to meet the unique needs of players on and off the ice – in addition to teaching hockey, the program seeks to build confidence, foster friendships and provide a supportive environment for all players and their families.
No prior hockey or skating experience is required to join; new players are provided with assistive equipment and work one-on-one with one of over 40 volunteer coaches until they are ready to skate on their own.
Special Hockey adapts many of the rules found in traditional hockey to make the game safer and more enjoyable for participants. SHLV is an affiliate of the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA).
To learn more, visit www.lvpolarbears.com.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
