SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that more than $2.75 million was raised over the course of the 2006-07 season by the AHL and its 27 member clubs for donation to various charitable causes and relief funds across North America.
Recipients of the AHL’s charity endeavors included the Ace Bailey Children’s Fund, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, the American and Canadian Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Easter Seals, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, March of Dimes, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the United Way, among many others.
In addition to monies raised, AHL teams gave back to their local communities through numerous activities, including nearly 3,000 visits by players and coaches to schools, hospitals, libraries and other locations and nearly 3,000 more mascot appearances. More than 90,000 game tickets were donated to local charitable groups, and items such as food, coats, Christmas gifts and hockey equipment were collected at various drives organized by AHL clubs.
In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 83 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and the 2006-07 season marked the sixth consecutive year in which more than 6 million fans have attended AHL games across North America.
