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pags569

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Blog Entries posted by pags569

  1. pags569
    On September 9, 2017 the Play It Forward Foundation hosted their first event under their new sports model where athletes have the ability to compete in events and raise money for a charity of their choice.  The volleyball tournament took place at Bungs Tavern in Burlington, NJ. 
     
    Teams began flooding in early, the mood was quite light as players, and staff conversed together and casually spoke of their eagerness to start play at 10 am.  After a brief speech by Play It Forward President, Jeff Pagano, match play began and the tournament was off.  Throughout the day, there were plenty of laughs and smiles.
     


    “Our goal at Play It Forward is to provide fun active events for individuals within the sports community who want to give back to the charity’s they hold near and dear to their hearts”, said Pagano. Some of the great charities represented were the American Cancer Society, United Way of Greater Houston, St. Barnabas Burn Foundation, Autism Speaks, and a number of animal adoption and shelter organizations. 
     
     

    In this tournament, teams selected a charity they wished to represent and were required to raise a minimum amount to enter where that money was used for a prize pot.   After the minimum was reached, anything they raised over that went to their charity regardless if they won or not in the tournament.  A prize pool was awarded of $600 for first place, $400 for second place, and $200 for third place to add to their donation total. 
     
    The team from NJ Volleyball took home first place and raised a total of $627 to be donated to the Burlington County Animal Shelter.  At the end of the day, over $1700 in money was donated to 10 different charity’s. This event was fun and all participants loved the aspect of helping out a charity they could choose while at the same time doing something fun with their friends. 


  2. pags569
    "When I was a small boy, my love for the game of hockey grew while watching the game with my dad.  We would enjoy the time spent together just as much as the game itself and created a bond that can never be replaced.  My dad passed away as I started playing the game, but my love never strayed and built friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Through that time I was fortunate that members of the hockey community were there to help my family and I pick up the broken pieces left over from my fathers passing and help ease our grieving as much as possible by limiting the stresses of getting to practice and games.  I remain eternally grateful to these families and will never forget them.  This is why the Play It Forward Foundation exists today.  Many of those same people who helped my family in our troubled times are working closely to help others in need."   - Jeff Pagano, Founder & CEO 

    Inspired by the compassion shown from others, Jeff Pagano, a youth hockey coach in New Jersey, began to think of ways that he could help give back to his local hockey community. Jeff knew that he wanted to find ways to support hockey organizations in his town, but more importantly, he wanted to spark his own chain reaction; one that would encourage everyone in the hockey community to find a way to “pay it forward”.
     
    Returning to his roots, Jeff enlisted the help of a few of his former youth hockey teammates, all of whom had stayed active in the hockey community. As the group began to share ideas, the framework for the Play-it Forward Foundation quickly began to emerge.
     
    At the Play-it-Forward Foundation:
    The core mission of our organization is to provide assistance to youth athletes who are struggling to overcome circumstances that significantly impact their quality of life
     
    Building off of Jeff’s original concept, the Play it Forward Foundation serves as a catalyst in developing a culture of generosity within the hockey community. In addition to providing direct assistance to local programs, we work to encourage all members of the hockey community to find a way to give back to the sport.
     
    At the heart of our program we believe that the true power of this great sport is in the strength and camaraderie of the people who play it, so we are encouraging everyone within the hockey community to get involved, and join us in helping to Play-it-Forward.
    and join us in helping to Play-it-Forward.
     
    Learn More about our organization at http://www.playitforwardhockey.com/ 
  3. pags569
    Play It Forward is very happy to announce that Matt Bennett, a goalie for the Vernon Township High School ice hockey team, will be awarded a Play It Forward Award on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Skylands Ice World.
       
    Over the past two years, Matt has volunteered as an on-ice coach for the Monarchs Special Hockey program.  The Monarchs is a program that gives people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport of ice hockey in an environment which is adapted to their level of ability. 
     
    As an on-ice coach, Matt has worked with many of the athletes and interacts with their parents as well to give them the best opportunity to enjoy this game.  However, Matt has told us that the program doesn't just stop at hockey.  He has helped individuals learn to figure skate and even plans to help some participants learn speed skating. 
     
    According to Rita Mitchell, the general manager at Skylands Ice World, where the Monarchs play, Matt is "well-spoken, articulate and patient.  He has an ability to get his message understood by three and five year olds with attention disorders and then have serious discussions regarding their
     
    progress with the child’s parents."
     
    Rita also added, " His patience and positive attitude have helped our young athletes experience something they may have never had the opportunity to do before."  Two of the athletes that Matt helped learn to skate have now integrated into the Hockey Head Start program at Skylands and are progressing very well. 
     
    Matt told us that the best part of working with the Monarchs was seeing the looks of joy on their faces when everything clicked and they learn to skate on their own.  He said one of the biggest challenges is figuring out what approach will work with each individual person.  Some learn through explaining, some through showing, and others learn best when he makes a game out of each skill he teaches. 
     
    Matt will be attending Stockton University in the Fall of 2017 and playing for the hockey team there.  He plans to major in pre-med and physical therapy and plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. 
     
    Matt certainly exemplifies the ideals of the Play It Forward Foundation through his dedication to others and his willingness to pass on this great game to those that may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. 
       
     
    Matt will be presented with this award at the Monarch's exhibition prior to the Devils Alumni Charity game at 2:00PM at Skylands Ice World, 2765 State Hwy 23 in Stockholm, NJ.  Come support Matt and the Monarchs!
     
    To learn more about the Play It Forward Foundation visit: http://www.playitforwardhockey.com/
     
  4. pags569
    Join the Play It Forward Foundation for its Second Annual casino night on May 13, 2017 at 7 PM.  Proceeds from this event will support our continued efforts to provide assistance to youth hockey athletes and their families who are struggling to overcome a significant hardship.  
     
    In furtherance of those efforts, we will also be awarding the Second Annual Play It Forward Award to the person that exemplifies the ideals of playing it forward and supporting his or her local community through charitable efforts.  Last year's award recipient was Allen Maggie, a coach who initiated a campaign with his own players to support and raise awareness of a different worthwhile cause each month through the use of different color tape at their games.  This year's winner will be honored at Casino Night and featured here on the website.  

    This years event will be bigger and better than our inaugural Casino Night in 2016.  With the new addition of a poker room, there will be a game for everyone.  Other games include craps, roulette, and blackjack.  Every dollar in chips that is won can be redeemed for raffle tickets for some great prizes.  Thanks to a number of donors and corporate sponsors, there will be plenty of chances for every guest to walk away a winner.  Prizes include four Walt Disney World Park Hopper Passes, a Suite at the Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, One Week at Liberty Day Camp, and many others.  A complete listing of the prizes is available on the event page.
     
    In addition to great games and prizes, dinner will be served and open bar provided for all guests featuring local craft beers.  Other sponsors at the time of publication of this article include DeLorenzo's The Burg and Generation III Solutions.  Sponsorship opportunities still available.
     
    Get Tickets at www.playitforwardhockey.com/casino
    When:
    Saturday May 13th 2017 - 7 PM - 11 PM
    Where:
    German American Club 
    215 Uncle Pete's Rd
    Trenton, NJ 08691
    $79 per Individual or
    $150 per Couple
    Registration includes:
    One $75 Casino Voucher
    5 raffle tickets (chips won can be redeemed for more raffle tickets)
    Dinner 
    Open Bar featuring local craft beers
    Check out the link above for a list of prizes available already. More will be added!
     
  5. pags569
    Play It Forward Winter Skate
    When: Friday, December 30 at 6 PM - 9 PM
    Cost: FREE
    Where: Princeton Day School Lisa McGraw Ice Rink
    650 Great Rd, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
    RSVP Here
     
    Join Play It Forward for FREE open skating! Our way of giving a little back to everyone that has supported and helped us over the past year. Skate rentals will be provided while supplies last. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, face painting, a holiday photo booth and more all at no cost!  Bring the family and celebrate the holiday season with us as we look to improve lives one play at a time!

  6. pags569
    Mick Deaver is a 17 year old teenager whose one love is playing hockey.  Mick was living in Boston and living out his dream and hopefully continuing on after he graduated from high school.

    On Friday, November 18, 2016 Mick was playing hockey for the Boston Bandits-Elite on the road in New Jersey with his parents, Shawn and Jennifer, watching the game streaming online. As Mick turned, to change directions, he lost the edge on one of his skates. On his way to the ice, there was a player traveling the opposite direction and Mick's head came in contact (collided) with the other player's knee. The collision caused serious injury to Mick's spine.

    Mick was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and is currently in pediatric ICU.  Mick has damage to the C5 vertebrate.    As of today (11/21), Mick has feeling in his lower extremities, but cannot move his legs or feet.  He is able to move his upper arms.  He is conscious and able to speak.  Mick had surgery Sunday morning, and is scheduled to have a second surgery on Tuesday.  

    Mick is expected to be at the New Jersey hospital at least four weeks before he will be transported.  It is too early to know what feeling and movement he will regain at this time but all are hopeful that Mick makes a full recovery.  
     
    There is no doubt the Deaver family will experience much stress as the holidays approach.  The Mick's family was together in New Jersey for Thanksgiving.  His mom Jennifer and sister Mary will head back to Columbia this week while Shawn will stay with Mick until he’s ready to come home.  The hospital has provided housing for Shawn and Jennifer at the local Ronald McDonald house.

    Undoubtedly, the physical, emotional, and financial stress will be a huge burden.  The Play It Forward Foundation will donate 100% of all proceeds raised from our #GivingTuesday Campaign which runs now through this Tuesday 11/29. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with Mick and his family during this time and hope he has a speedy recovery. 
     
    If you wish to make a donation to help Mick and his family click here
     
    We also will be at the Flyers game tomorrow so stop by our concourse table set up by section 118 if you happen to be at the game.
  7. pags569
    When I was a small boy, my love for the game of hockey grew with enjoying watching the game with my dad.  We would enjoy the time we spent together just as much as the game itself and created a bond that can never be replaced.  My dad passed away as I started playing the game, but my love never strayed and built friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Through that time I was fortunate that members of the hockey community were there to help my family and I pick up the broken pieces left over from my fathers passing and help ease our grieving as much as possible by limiting the stresses of getting to practice and games.  I remain eternally grateful for these families and will never forget them.  This is why the Play It Forward Foundation exists today.  Many of those same people who helped me in my troubled times are working closely to help others in need. 
     
    The Play It Forward Foundation is committed to providing assistance to youth hockey athletes who are struggling to overcome circumstances that have dramatically impacted their quality of life.  We are hosting our second annual golf outing on October 7th at Mountain View Golf Club in Ewing NJ and hope you can join us!
     
    If you register by Labor Day you can take advantage of a special offer of $140 per player instead of $150.  Here are the details and what is included:
     
    4 Person Scramble Greens Fee (18 Hole Championship Course) Riding Cart Skill Competitions with Prizes - Long drive, Closest to the Pin, Closest to the Line Pre-Round Lunch Gift Bags for Participating Practice Range, Chipping and Putting Greens Beverage Cart on Course Included Post-Round Dinner with Open Bar Raffles Prize Auction 50/50 Drawing  
    To register golfer(s) Online CLICK HERE
     
    To be a sponsor for the event CLICK HERE
  8. pags569
    The Play It Forward Foundation is hosting a family hockey night selling tickets to the Flyers vs. Bruins game on November 29th at 7:30 PM. Proceeds raised from ticket sales will go to help youth hockey athletes who are struggling to overcome circumstances that directly impact their quality of life.
    Tickets are $50 a piece and that includes an orange play it forward shirt along with a $15 donation to the Play It Forward Foundation. We have 50 tickets for sale right now and seat locations are spread out over two sections in the upper level. Your tickets will be sent via email 2 weeks prior to the game and your t-shirt can be picked up at our concourse table prior to the game.  Looks for the Play It Forward Banner!  Visit our website or use the link below to reserve your tickets!
     
     
    Online Registration Form: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/FlyersNight
  9. pags569
    2016 Play It Forward Golf Outing
    Friday October 7, 2016
    11:30am Registration and Lunch
    1:00 PM Tee Off
    $150 Per Golfer
     
    Mountain View Golf Club
    890 Bear Tavern Road
    Ewing Township, NJ
    www.mtviewgolfcourse.com
     
     
    Registration Includes
    4 Person Scramble
    Greens Fee (18 Hole Championship Course)
    Riding Cart
    Skill Competitions with Prizes - Long drive,      
             Closest to the Pin, Closest to the Line
    Pre-Round Lunch
    Gift Bags for Participating
    Practice Range, Chipping and Putting Greens
    Beverage Cart on Course Included
    Post-Round Dinner with Open Bar
    Raffles
    Prize Auction
    50/50 Drawing
     
     
     
     
    To register golfer(s) Online CLICK HERE
     
    To be a sponsor for the event CLICK HERE
     
    To register by mail, complete the information in this PDF
  10. pags569
    While coaching one day, an 12 year old player skated up to me and said, "Hey Coach, what can I do to make it to the NHL"? I was taken back at first because I saw the seriousness in his eyes and he was very sincere with his questions. At first I gave the typical "hard work" line that we've heard so many times, but after giving the question more thought I would have liked to, and should have said more than just work hard.
    So what does it take?
    First off, the most important thing for a young player is to keep up their grades! School work should be a top priority. The dream of making it to the NHL are slim, but no child wants to hear that. Parents we have a responsibility to prepare them for "Plan B" if they don't wear an NHL sweater which means they need to have decent grades for other options to open up.
    It takes more than just lacing up the skates every day and a work out regime to add muscle mass to increase your chances. There obviously needs to be some talent and a good understanding of the game, but what I really see making an average player into an effective player is heart and passion. Players who play with heart and a passion to be there always seem to win out with the coaches over a talented player who is lazy. It's like the old saying that we've seen hanging up in a locker room somewhere reminding us all the time to give it 100%: "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard." Speaking of the coaches; listen to them!
    Ok, so we know that you have to have some talent, heart, a brain, and a passion. What else is there?
    To be honest, a little luck. There are eyes everywhere around the hockey rink. You never know who is watching you play and who that person is connected to. If you have "the right stuff" word will get out and you will be found. There are many places you can play to increase your visibility but if you are really that good, you will be found. I remember filling in for a coach who had been suspended and coached a game in Brick against some kid name James Van...something. When the puck hit his stick, it made a different sound. You could just tell that this kid was going to be found and he was. He didn't play AAA at 12 to be found. He was playing AA the time he was noticed (and probably was noticed a lot earlier than that). The point is, he wasn't traveling all over the country while his parents shelled out thousands of dollars to be recognized. He just played and someone heard about him.
    So what would I say now to that players question? It would probably sound something like this:
    "Johnny, if you want to play in the NHL then I support your dream 100%, but there is nothing I can say or do to help your chances. It's really up to you. I will guide you the best I can, but remember that this is just a game and your family and school should be the top priorities right now. Keep working hard in practice. When I ask you guys to skate to the blue line that means all the way to the blue line. Don't short yourself in any drill and always keep trying things that are outside your comfort zone. If you fall down, get right back up. If you lose the puck, go back and get it. At the end of the day, if you do everything in your power and do not make it to the NHL, just remember why you play this game to begin with. To have fun."
    I guess I'll have something to tell the next person who asks me that question.
  11. pags569

    I Am Rick Tocchet

    By pags569,

    “I am Rick Tocchet”
    “Oh yeah, well I am Mike Richter! Try and score on me”
    Those are the words of two small brothers in the 1980’s playing knee hockey in New Jersey suburbs. I often take a trip down memory lane to recall the greatest moments of my childhood and, more often than not, find that most of the really great memories revolve around hockey. From blocking off sewers so the ball would not get lost in the streets to bringing buckets of water outside in the winter to freeze the back patio just to pretend for a moment that I’m a Flyer. This so called “game” is much more than just something played. It’s something experienced, cherished, loved, and shared.
    My first introduction to this sport came in September of 1984. I was a young child and recall my father asking my brother and me if one of us wanted to go to see a hockey game. At the age of 5, my options were playing Atari or go and do something I knew nothing about. Naturally, the kid in me wanted to play video games, but my father told me we would have a great time and dragged me with him. Boy was he right. That first game I went to was vs. the Islanders and we sat in the front row! My mouth was open the entire night in awe of the speed, size, and of course, the big hits right in front of me! I was in complete amazement and have been officially addicted to hockey since that night. My father loved to see me smile. He would continue taking me to more and more games over the next few years, and while I don’t recall specifics to any of the actual games (expect when he put me on his shoulders when Ron Hextall scored his first NHL goal) I remember the bonding experience. I remember taking bets how far we though the Ben Franklin Bridge was once it came into view. I remember laughing. I remember being happy.
    A few years later in the fall of 1988, my father passed away suddenly and everything had felt like it came to a halt. I was old enough to understand what was happening and all those cherished moments we had together would now only exist in a memory. But that bond and energy we had from creating life long memories stemmed from a shared passion, Ice Hockey, and I was just getting started.
    I was still Rick Tocchet, my brother was still Mike Richter, and the rivalry was still very much alive. We played travel hockey together and here is where my true love of the game really broke out of its shell. I didn’t play because I wanted to be an NHL star or because I wanted to win every single game. I played because I loved to. The locker room banter, my grandparents making every game, and the lifelong friendships I would develop as a result of being part of a team. These 18 guys were like family. It wasn’t just Rick Tocchet and Mike Richter anymore. We had Brian Leech, Bruce Driver, Mark Messier, Pavel Bure, and many more on our side and were willing to do whatever it took for their hockey family. It didn’t matter if we won or lost the game. All we cared about was going out there and playing the best we could and have fun.
    After my playing days I did not want to hang up the skates so I did the next best thing I could think of. I went into coaching youth players. For over 10 years, and all different age groups/levels, my experiences and memories were being passed on. I was sharing a passion and joy with others who were once in my shoes. These players were here to create their own memories and I was lucky enough to be part of that. Now, the little boy who was once running his brother into a wall was seeing things come full circle….but I’m not there quite yet.
    I was blessed earlier this year with the arrival of my twin boys. Now, everyone in the world knows how much I love hockey and have already prepared me for the possibility they may not play that sport. While it may break my heart, it honestly does not matter. The only things that matter to me are being there for every single moment of their youth, to help them have their own experiences. To help them find something they cherish, love, and want to share like my dad with me.
    They don’t need to be Rick Tocchet….they can be whoever they want.
  12. pags569
    Allen Magie, coach of the Skyland Kings squirt white team and winner of the first "Play It Forward Award" is back at it this year with his "skate it forward" campaign which which promotes teaching his players to give back to the community and those who are in need. They have started our season with green stick tape in honor of liver cancer awareness. The Players each have a bottle that they are filling with spare change and will add to it throughout the year. Coach Magie will then match any amount raised and all collections will be donated to a hospital of their choice.

    Last season Allen was the head coach for the Skylands Kings Squirt Gold team which consists of 9 and 10 year old players.  Each month Allen would purchase a stick tape depicting a color for a cause that we were going to raise money for and skate for throughout the month. When he would distribute the stick tape to his players each month, Allen would speak with them in the locker room along with their parents to give them some background about what they were raising money for each month.  
     
    His vision was to teach the kids to "Skate It Forward" by learning to give back to the community.  Allen wanted to instill in my players that their parents work very hard to pay for them to play the great sport of hockey and as players they are extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to skate.  He wanted them to learn that not all people are as fortunate and in today's world, kids CAN make a difference by stepping up and learning to give back. 
     
    Allen was presented with the first "Play It Forward Award" at our Casino Night in June 2016.  The award is given out to someone who embodies our mission and values within the hockey community.
     
    To read the full story and see what other charities benefited from this great group of hockey people click here

    Up next in October, his team will be skating with pink camo tape for breast cancer and are selling pink pucks for breast cancer awareness. Great work, coach!

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