Rensselaer Hockey Teams to Hold Food Drive

Rensselaer Hockey Teams to Hold Food Drive

TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's and women's hockey teams are spearheading a food drive to benefit Unity House of Troy, Inc. The Engineers will collect non-perishable food items at the men's hockey game this Friday against Sacred Heart as well as at the men's holiday tournament on November 24-25.

All fans that make a donation will be entered into a special raffle during that evening's game. Prizes include signed hockey jerseys, tickets to RPI games as well as tickets to the ECAC Hockey League Championship in March. Other prizes may also be available.

Both teams will then deliver all of the collected food to Unity House on Sunday, November 26, to assist the organization in replenishing its shelves for the remainder of the holiday season.

"Thank you to the RPI hockey teams for this wonderful community outreach," said Chris Burke, CEO of Unity House. "We are so grateful that the people who rely on Unity House for help with food will benefit by this well-timed food drive. In the winter months when need is highest, donations of oatmeal, peanut butter, canned goods, baby formula, and diapers are especially helpful."

"Unity House provides a tremendous service and we are happy to assist in anyway we can," said Seth Appert, head coach of the men's team. "It is our hope that the Rensselaer community, as well as our fans from throughout the Capital Region, join us in supporting this effort to provide for those in need."

Rensselaer's game on Friday against Sacred Heart begins at 7pm. All non-perishable food items will be collected at the entrances and those with donations will receive a raffle ticket. The raffle prize winners will be announced during the third period of the game.

On November 24-25, the men's team hosts the 56th Annual Rensselaer/Bank of America Holiday Tournament and donations will be accepted throughout the weekend. The four-team tournament begins with Colgate University playing The Ohio State University at 4pm and RPI taking on Niagara at 7pm. The consolation and championship games follow the next night at 4pm and 7pm, respectively.