Rock-n-Hockey Fundraiser Helps Two Injured Officers

As the temperatures rise outside, two local amateur hockey teams will cool things down inside when they take to the ice to raise money for two police officers who were critically injured last year in the the line of duty.

The Blue Liners, a hockey team composed of area police officers, and the Iceoplex Team, players who work at the Southpointe Iceoplex, will face-off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Iceoplex in the first of a “double-header” event in the fundraiser.

Proceeds will benefit and Clairton . Hahn was critically injured while pursuing a suspect on February 14. Kuzak was shot April 4 in response to a home invasion call. Both men have had prolonged hospital stays and are still in rehabilitation.

The fundraiser was the idea of Peters Police Officer, David Stanton and his son, Drew. Drew and Robin Stanton, David’s wife and Drew’s mother, work at the Iceoplex.

Robin Stanton, a manager at the facility, said David wanted to do something a bit different to raise money for Kuzak, a friend and former fellow officer.

“Drew suggested the hockey game,” she said with a laugh, “Of course, he loves to play.”

Drew plays for the Iceoplex team.

As they were organizing the game, the idea of having a local Battle of the Bands competition also was discussed, and the “double-header” event was created.

After the hockey match, the Iceoplex will have an open skate for community members from 4 to 6 p.m., and the Battle of Bands will begin at 4 p.m.

A buffet picnic dinner will be served at Jay’s Sports Bar, adjacent to the Iceoplex. Dinner will include ribs, hotdogs, baked beans, coleslaw and salads. Cost for all events is $5 per person.

There will be drink specials at Jay’s, a Chinese Auction and the Chuck-a-puck contest to raise additional funds for the two officers.

“We hope people come out and bring the whole family because we really did plan for this to be a family event,” said Stanton.

Bands participating in the contest include Red Barn Band, RPGS, 33- 1/3, Eyes Like Bambi, Michael Todd, Miners Murphy, and Counter.

Hahn, who is recovering at his Cranberry home, said the efforts of the community to assist him are moving.

“I signed up for this job. I didn’t know I would be hurt, of course, but I sure didn’t expect people to respond this way,” he said.

“I am humbled, I am really humbled.”

Although both officers still face a long road of recovery, Hahn said they believe it is particularly important to get out at public events such as the fundraiser.

“This area has been very hard hit with police fatalities recently. We need people to see that we may be injured, but we aren’t going to die,” he explained, “We are going to recover, and we are going to come back.

“It may take a while, but with everyone’s help, we can do it,” he said.

For more information about the event, visit www.officerjimkuzak.com.