Long Island Visit

NHL Officials Zebras Care Visit in Long Island, NY.

With the support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the New York Islanders, NHL officials, Mike Hasenfratz, Brad Kovachik, Tim Nowak and Kyle Rehman had the privilege to meet Kayla Tucker, with Big Sister Lori Beldini and Patrick McAlevey, with Big Brother Sam Gottlieb before the Ducks vs Islanders game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 21, 2009.

While visiting with the officials in the dressing room prior to the hockey game, Kayla and Patrick, along with Lori and Sam asked a lot of questions of the officials. For Kayla and Patrick, this experience was even more exciting, as it was the first NHL game either or them had attended. All four were treated to signed officials trading cards and NHLOA Zebras Care toques and hockey pucks. Kayla was presented with her own NHL Officials jersey that she proudly wore during the game.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States, mentoring children ages 6 through 18. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth.

Looking back on the evening of January 21st, it was a lot of fun for everyone involved. Sam, Patrick’s Big Brother, emailed the NHLOA explaining the impact this night had on Patrick: “Your officials were so kind to all of us. It speaks volume that my Little Brother, who had no real interested in sports, has become a HUGE NHL fan.”

As with every Zebras Care visit, the Officials enjoyed the chance to meet Kayla and Patrick, along with Lori and Sam, to share in the special night.

We would like to extend a big thank you to Andy Jacklin [Operations Coordinator NY Islanders] and the New York Islanders hockey team for making this experience possible. Thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters for participating in the Zebras Care event.

Kyle Rehman

NHL Referee