SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that $2.68 million was raised over the course of the 2007-08 season by the AHL and its 29 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 Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American and Canadian Cancer Societies, the American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Easter Seals, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the United Way and the YMCA, 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 150,000 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 84 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and the 2007-08 season marks the seventh consecutive year in which more than 6 million fans have attended AHL games across North America.
