In an effort to continue the Ducks season, the Tucker Road Parent Hockey Organization, whose mission is to support youth ice hockey development and give children the chance to learn and play hockey regardless of socio-economic status, reached out to the community through an online fundraiser.
Upon learning about the fire, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation contributed $5,300 to the campaign, allowing the Ducks to surpass their $10,000 goal.
"We are extremely grateful to the Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation for helping us exceed our fundraising goal," said Tucker Road Parent Hockey Organization president Alexandria Briggs-Blake. "The donation will go a long way to provide tremendous support for our team."
The funds will be used to help the Ducks secure ice time at other rinks throughout the area, enabling them to continue to practice and play until the rink rebuild is complete.
Leveling the Playing Field, an MSE Foundation partner whose mission is to give underprivileged children the chance to participate in athletics, also stepped in to assist the team by providing replacement gear.
The story of the challenges facing the Ducks wasn't just heard across the Washington, D.C., region.
Meghan Duggan, who plays for the National Women's Hockey League's (NWHL) Boston Pride and serves as the captain of the U.S. Women's National Team, heard of the Ducks story and wanted to help.
Duggan contributed $1,000 of her CCM equipment allotment to allow the Ducks to get back to playing they game they love.
"I'm very happy that I am able to, with the help of CCM Hockey, make a small dent in restoring some of the equipment that these kids lost in a tragic fire," said Duggan. "Hockey is the greatest game on earth, and I'm glad the Tucker Road Ducks and I share that passion for that game."
"We are thrilled to have team members like Meghan who are committed to creating opportunities for young hockey players" added Sean Williams, CCM Hockey vice president of global marketing and North American sales. "Her donation demonstrates her commitment both to the sport and to the community."
The Ducks used Duggan's donation to buy new helmets.
"Since most of the Ducks equipment was destroyed in the fire, it meant more than you know to have captain Duggan's support." Briggs-Blake said.
Thanks to the support of Duggan, MSE Foundation and the surrounding community, the Ducks were able to continue their season, capturing first place in the 2017 York Ice Arena Rec Tournament on March 12 in York, Pa.
"No matter what the adversities, including no home ice, the Ducks continue to move forward and persevere," said Briggs-Blake. "This was the team's first travel tournament and to come back with the first place trophy was quite rewarding, and it was a great way to end the season."
A community meeting will be held later this month to start the process of rebuilding the Tucker Road Ice Rink.
The Ducks continue to accept donations online at
GoFundMe.com
.
