Annual LIVE UNITED Hockey Night with Utica College Pioneers
Utica, NY: The seventh annual LIVE UNITED Hockey Night, in support of United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area, took place at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium Saturday, February 16. The Utica College Pioneers men's ice hockey team played against Wilkes University in the last regular season game scheduled for the Pioneers.
Hockey Night offered United Way the opportunity to share its work with the community in a fun, family-friendly environment. This year's event was LEGO-themed. Coloring sheets were available for children, as well as the chance for them to win prizes on the ice during intermissions- wearing LEGO hands and masks!
Utica College Pioneer Fans who wore a LIVE UNITED shirt to the game had a chance to win prizes. Special LEGO-themed hockey LIVE UNITED shirts were also available at the game with a donation to United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area.
Beth Meeusen, one of United Way’s Ready For Kindergarten Family School Navigators, performed the national anthem. United Way Board President, William Perotti, Central New York Labor Council AFL-CIO Vice-President and Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association President, Norma Chrisman, and United Way's Director of Marketing and Development, Kristyn Bucciero Beckwith performed the ceremonial puck drop.
ChrisUnited, 17 year old local guitar prodigy who has been playing guitar since he was 2, performed & busked in the concourse. All tips were donated to United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area.
This year’s generous event sponsors were Central New York Labor Council AFL-CIO; LiUNA! Laborers 190; Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association; New York State Public Employees Federation – Region 6; Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters Local 277; United Mine Workers of America Local 717.
