SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that more than $2.5 million was raised over the course of the 2004-05 season by the AHL and its 28 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 American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, D.A.R.E., Easter Seals, Hockey Fights Cancer, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the March of Dimes, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics and the United Way, among many others.
In addition to monies raised, AHL teams gave back to their local communities through numerous activities, including more than 1,700 visits to schools, hospitals, libraries and other locations and nearly 2,500 mascot appearances. Close to 75,000 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.
Now in its 69th season, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. This year, more than 7 million fans – an all-time league record – have attended AHL games to date, with the 2005 Calder Cup Finals now underway.
