Hey there hockey fans! As many of you may know, last month was not only Black History Month but was also Hockey is for Everyone month where many fun-filled events were put on for youth hockey organizations around the U.S. by NHL teams, players, and coaches. Well, it seems to be continuing this month as Hasek's Heroes is teaming up with Hockey is for Everyone Ambassador, Willie O'Ree, to host the 1st Annual Hasek's Heroes Willie O'Ree Skills Showcase Weekend, which will be held on March 20-22 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y. This event will bring together 28 boys and girls ages 13-16 from 11 youth hockey organizations and will be sponsored by the NHL and the Buffalo Sabres. Now, you might be wondering what Hasek's Heroes is, as did I. Hasek's Heroes is an organization that was founded by NHL legend Dominik Hasek, which provides a foundation of athletic development and educational support, enabling children from low- to moderate-income families to achieve their life goals. In general, it is an organization aimed toward giving underprivileged children the opportunity to play hockey and to become part of a team. So, the 1st Annual Hasek's Heroes Willie O'Ree Skills Showcase Weekend will provide these 28 boys and girls with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the NHL and an insightful guide into the hockey world as well as enhancing their skills through on-ice drills and on-ice clinics conducted by NHL alumni (O'Ree and Hasek). The showcase will also give its participants a cultural opportunity to meet other NHL alumni, create new friendships, and enjoy live hockey action as the Sabres take on the Philadelphia Flyers on March 20.Above all, I thought this article was very interesting because it is just another sufficient example of how NHL players, teams, and the league itself are increasing their fan involvement and building a sufficient brand image.
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