Rats jerseys raise money for Ronald McDonald House

The Albany River Rats raised $16,565 for Ronald McDonald House Charities with a jersey auction following Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Syracuse Crunch.

The River Rats, for the first time in the 14-year history of the franchise, wore specially designed jerseys during the game.

The two highest winning bids in the auction, presented by MVP Health Care, went for the jerseys worn by goaltender Tyler Weiman ($1,100) and center Keith Aucoin ($1,000).

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc., provides comfort, support and respite for families of seriously ill children in a compassionate and home-like environment through the operation of the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald House Family Room in the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. In addition, Ronald McDonald House Charities also awards the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in partnership with St. Peter’s Heath Care Services and also awards grants to program in the community that enhance the lives of children.

The Ronald McDonald regional chapter supports a house on Lake Avenue in Albany, just blocks from the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. The local chapter is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2007.

The Albany River Rats, in their 14th season as members of the American Hockey League, are owned and operated by Capital District Sports Inc., and serve as the primary affiliate of the 2006 Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes and their development partner, the Colorado Avalanche.