Syracuse Men’s Club Ice Hockey Teams Up with CNY Flyers for Charity Sled Hockey Tournament
Syracuse Men’s Club Ice Hockey Teams Up with CNY Flyers for Charity Sled Hockey Tournament
The Syracuse men’s club ice hockey team and the CNY Flyers, a local club sled hockey team, joined forces on April 14, 2024, to host a charity sled hockey tournament at Tennity Ice Pavilion. This partnership, which has been ongoing for almost three years, aims to support CNY Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities participate in indoor and outdoor sports.
The idea for the tournament was born out of a conversation between Seth Gitner, a representative of Syracuse’s club team and Newhouse professor, and two veterans on Syracuse’s roster, Connor Chesner and Tony Larkin. The trio met at a local restaurant in late March to discuss the possibility of organizing a charity event, and within three weeks, their idea became a reality.
The tournament featured five teams, each paying a $75 entry fee, with a portion of the proceeds going towards CNY Adaptive Sports. The event kicked off with round-robin games, followed by playoffs to determine the ultimate winner.
For the Syracuse men’s club ice hockey team, participating in philanthropic events has always been a core part of their culture. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team remains committed to making a positive impact in the community.
Through their involvement in the charity sled hockey tournament, the Syracuse players gained a newfound appreciation for individuals with disabilities and the challenges they face. The event not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also served as a platform for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the world of sports.
Looking ahead, both the Syracuse men’s club ice hockey team and the CNY Flyers are hopeful that the charity sled hockey tournament will become an annual tradition, shining a light on the importance of adaptive sports and providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate in the game they love.