Blackhawks Champion Winning Efforts On and Off the Ice

At last year’s Blackhawks Parade, a crowd of millions enjoyed warm summer weather and the presence of the Stanley Cup.

Luckily for Chicago fans, loyal or those only attracted by recent success, the Blackhawks are again far into the playoff push. Depending on the outcome of tonight’s game, the spotlight may continue to be on playoff beards, crushing checks and goals that can electrify the United Center, making it hard to notice the efforts being made off the ice. While the support of Chicago fans has helped drive the team, the Blackhawks organization has been giving back to communities long before its success.

The Blackhawk Alumni Association was created in 1987 by a group of retired Blackhawks with the intent to help out the Chicago community. Along with charity work, Reggie Kerr, the Vice President of the Blackhawk Alumni Association, was proud to say that the alumni have helped raise more than 1 million dollars in scholarships for deserving high school hockey players, following the belief, “Players helping players.”

“It’s the hockey-player mentality,” Kerr says. “It’s in our nature. We were all given something along the way and we always try to give back. Most of the guys who give back do it anonymously.”

Students who have received scholarships have gone on to become everything from teachers to nuclear physicists.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the growth of individuals,” Kerr says. “Awarding the scholarships and making the phone calls are always memorable moments.”

In addition to the scholarships, the Alumni Association works with the Wounded Warrior Project, raising money for injured veterans, and does charity work for Ronald McDonald House. They have also played charity games for tornado relief and have supplied hockey equipment for inner-city kids.

“Our Alumni Association has been headed up by the same core group of former Blackhawks players for many years now and continues to thrive under the leadership of our board members,” Kerr says. “We have created a solid organization that is built on the concept of giving back to the community and have fostered an environment of paying it forward as we continue to grow and thrive in many charitable arenas in the Chicagoland area. It is hard work, dedication and a strong sense of community service that continues to grow our membership and will enable our association to thrive for years to come.”

Just like any NHL team, the Blackhawks will lose key players over the years, and their performances will fluctuate. However, the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association will remain intact and continue to come back stronger than the years before.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks.

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