The ceremonial puck drop featured 4X Stanley Cup Champion Darren McCarty, Dan Stahl and Matt McMurray & Cobalt, his medically trained service dog from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
The Stahls’ Power Play for Heroes was a huge success. Paul Sabatini recounts the evening:
WHAT A NIGHT! We had our highest attended game to date for the Stahls’ Power Play for Heroes hockey game with attendance above 1200 people, which is above the arena capacity and filled the stands and both ends of the rink which was standing room only. Attendees were parking on the grass and side streets as the arena parking lot was full. I like to say that our charity hockey game is an event, not just a game and we like to create an experience for anyone attending.
It was great to see everyone come together for a great cause in supporting our veterans and that our charity efforts will help make a difference in a veteran’s life.
The hockey game was in our own backyard at SCS Civic Arena, the cowbells, cheers, applause, and hand clappers could be heard throughout the arena. We truly made it a Stahls’ atmosphere as many employees and their family members were in attendance.
Fans were able to take part in 50/50 and gift basket raffles, take their photo with the Ted Lindsay award or replica Stanley Cup and explore all the memorabilia and auction items that were on display as well as enjoy the food truck from BBQ Daddy while sipping on a cold beverage. The octo-toss was a fun experience for those in the crowd and we also added face painting this year, which many of the kids attending took part it.
The hockey game was emceed by Sean Baligian, who we met previously at past Detroit Red Wings Alumni events. Sean has been in talk radio for nearly 25 years and currently is the host of WJR’s “Spin on Golf,” as well as the host of WJR’s “SportsWrap with Sean Baligian,” Sean has been named “Best Radio Sports Talk Host” by the Metro Times, and has hosted radio shows all over Michigan.
Veterans were honored before the game which is truly a special moment, especially being able to listen to their past stories.
Dan Stahl spoke thanking everyone involved in making the event happen, with special thanks to Paul Sabatini and Kelli Harvey, the volunteers, and to everyone in attendance for their support of our Veterans and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
The hockey game included two Hockey Hall of Famers (Larry Murphy, Dino Ciccarelli) and Stanley Cup Champions (Darren McCarty, Drew Miller, Larry Murphy) and actor/comedian Dave Coulier. Congratulations to the Alumni on the win!
This game is meant for anyone; friends, families, co-workers to have fun all while supporting our Veterans and charity, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. A huge assist goes out to our volunteers who help make the events an enormous success! Thank you to all, your time and efforts are appreciated!
Comments received regarding the hockey game…
- John Blum (DRWA) – You guys are the best.
- Ellen Schaffer (social media post) – this is the best game of the year.
- Eddie Mio (DRWA) – you guys did a fantastic job, everybody had fun.
- George Bowman (DRWA) – another great Stahls’ production.
- Darren McCarty (DRWA) – it was awesome, you all should be proud.
- Brad Galli (WXYZ) – congratulations on an impactful event that really brough the community together.
- Jim Galloway (founding member of Jets pizza franchise) – this is amazing, you guys do a great job, its unbelievable.
- Matt McMurray (GAMSD recipient) – your company is amazing thank you so much, this is incredible, love my jersey and so does Cobalt.
- Mary Lamparter (GAMSD) – The Stahls’ company and the Stahl family are such wonderful people and what we do makes a difference in someone’s life, and we should all be proud of that.
- Frank Taylor (SCS MI Flyers) – another great event. Thank you for including the Flyers to be part of this with you
- Brandon Able (SCS Civic Arena Manager) – this is crazy and amazing at the same time, showcase event of the year.
- Me (Stahls’ employee 27 years) – It is great to hear these words about all of us at Stahls’ and what and how we are represented in our community.
Special thanks to Paul Sabatini and Kelli Harvey, all the volunteers, and to everyone in attendance for their support of our Veterans and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Concluding the hockey game was the customary handshake and teams meeting at center ice for a group photo, which also included the local hockey program, SCS Flyers, which is a special needs hockey team, whose home ice is SCS Civic Arena and were recently recognized by the NHL for what a difference this program has made.
We had the BEST crowd!
Lastly, a thank you to all of you for your support and to the Stahl family for their generosity and making these events special to all involved and helping raise money all for a great cause.
