Reston Raiders Coaches vs Ashburn Xtreme Coaches to Raise Money for Inova Blood Donor Services

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(Free-Press-Release.com) August 21, 2009 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2009

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RESTON RAIDERS AND ASHBURN XTREME COACHES TO CLASH ON THE ICE DURING INAUGURAL CHARITY HOCKEY CLASSIC TO RAISE MONEY FOR INOVA BLOOD DONOR SERVICES

Tickets Now On Sale for Saturday, September 12 Event at Ashburn Ice House.

ASHBURN, VA – Few sports are more hotly contested than youth hockey games, particularly right here in Northern Virginia when the Reston Raiders meet the Ashburn Xtreme.

Rivals at every age and competitive level from U6 through U18, both clubs typically meet more than 40 times each calendar year as members of the Capital Beltway Hockey League, providing – in the process – some of the most memorable and exciting games contested in the Washington metropolitan area. One of the nation’s largest youth hockey clubs, Reston has earned accolades from USA Hockey with more than 800 players and 200 coaches among their 35 competitive teams and instructional programs while Ashburn typically sends several clubs annually to regional playoffs and national championships.

But on Saturday, September 12, the youth players will take their seats not on the players’ benches but rather in the stands to provide support for their dads and coaches as they meet one another, on the ice and in the corners, for the inaugural Charity Hockey Classic at Ashburn Ice House.

While the coaches from each respective team compete for bragging rights, the primary goal will be to raise money for Inova Blood Donor Services to fund their quest toward the purchase of a new, much needed bloodmobile.

The competition is open to all current USA Hockey-certified coaches who are active with their respective clubs at either a house or travel level. Each coach is challenged with the mission of obtaining $1,000 in donations to secure their spot on the team, in an effort to meet Inova’s goal of raising $25,000 from this first-year event.

“While the competition is sure to be spirited, we all recognize the purpose behind the event,” says Tony Pane, a Raiders coach and a member of the host committee. “The concept of ‘play hockey – give blood’ has long been a tongue-in-cheek theme that unites both entities, but as coaches and hockey dads, we all recognize the important work Inova provides to the community, and we’re only too happy to play a role in their success.”

With Ashburn Ice House donating rink time from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., the afternoon will feature a full slate of activities including celebrity appearances, a live and silent auction, autograph sessions and – of course – the game. “Through the years, Reston and Ashburn coaches have developed long friendships and rivalries,” says Rob Lorenzen, general manager of the Ashburn Ice House and a player on the Ashburn team. “And as so many of our coaches have sons and daughters playing on teams in both clubs, the interest in this game will be significant.

“We expect it to be a raucous, buoyant and festive atmosphere.”

Sponsorship solicitation efforts are presently underway with opportunities available at every level from uniform logos to penalty box sponsorships (“we’re hoping a bail bondsman will set up for that one,” Pane says). Tickets, priced $10 per person, are now on sale now through the event website at www.charityhockeyclassic.com.

For sponsorships, tickets or additional information, contact Tony Pane at tppane@aol.com or Rob Lorenzen at rlorenzen@ashburnice.com or visit www.charityhockeyclassic.com

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