Second annual ‘Play With Purpose’ charity game set for Aug. 11 at USA Hockey Arena
By @MichaelCaples –
There will be some big names coming through Plymouth this August – and for a good cause.
The second annual ‘Play With Purpose’ charity hockey game will be taking place inside USA Hockey Arena on Aug. 11 at 4 p.m., as people gather to support a hockey-centric effort to make our world a safer place.
The game, created in memory of the late Mitchel Kiefer, aims to increase the awareness of the consequences of distracted driving.
USA Hockey is sponsoring this year’s ‘Play With Purpose’ game and bringing the friendly skate to USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. The Olympic ice sheet at USA Hockey Arena – home of Kiefer’s Detroit Catholic Central hockey program – was officially named the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Rink on Dec. 6.
MORE INFO: https://www.usahockeyarena.com/playwithpurpose
Last year, the inaugural game was held at the Troy Sports Center – the same location where Kiefer played his last hockey game, which was an employee vs. intern game organized by Gallagher-Kaiser. The GK interns decided that the game should now be played in Mitchel’s honor, creating the Play With Purpose game that attracted the likes of Igor Larionov, Tie Domi and Zach Werenski last August.
This year, the game will support distracted driving awareness initiatives led by the PEERS Foundation, the BRAKES Foundation and StopDistractions.org, as the Mitchel Kiefer Foundation continues in their quest to limit distracted driving.
“We are honored to be a part of such a special event,” said Bob Kaiser, owner and CEO of Gallagher-Kaiser. “We look forward to joining USA Hockey and the other sponsors to put together a memorable event that helps tell Mitchel’s story, while raising funds to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.”
Players already on the roster include Domi, Danny DeKeyser, Derian Hatcher, Mickey Redmond, Dalton Prout, Steven Oleksy, Eric Nystrom, Ryan Barnes, Kraig Nienhuis and Eddie Ward. More players will be announced as the event nears.
Ken Daniels and Darren Eliot will emcee the event, which will also feature a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, live music performances and special guest appearances.
“Our entire family is humbled for the amazing platform that this event will bring to Mitchel’s memory and our mission to end distracted driving,” said Steve Kiefer, Mitchel’s father and founder and Chairman of the Board for the Kiefer Foundation. “We are so happy to see the progress that our relationship with USA Hockey Arena has taken since the dedication of the rink in December and look forward to continuing our relationship to positively impact the lives of young people.”
Advanced tickets can be purchased for $10 at USAHockeyArena.com, by calling 734-453-8400 or by visiting the USA Hockey Arena Box Office located at 14900 Beck Road, Plymouth, MI, 48170. Tickets sold at the door will be $12.