While goalie masks are often painted in brilliant colors and designs, position players are generally unable to join in on the fun, but a local hockey team is changing that for a great cause.
The Chicago Steel, a United States Hockey League team that won the Clark Cup in 2017, will break a big barrier on Friday when each of their players wear uniquely colored helmets as part of a fundraiser for a local charity.
“I’ve never been a part of something like this that combines art and sport to raise money for charity in such a grassroots way,” Steel President Dan Lehv said in a statement.
The helmets, which will be worn during the team’s game against the Central Illinois Flying Aces, will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefitting the Alyssa Alvin Foundation of Hope. A portion of ticket sales to the game, which will be played at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, will also go to the charity.
The Steel had to get the idea approved by both the Flying Aces and the USHL, and both groups were willing to allow them to wear the helmets.
“It’s a truly unique way to bring great visibility to an important cause within a community,” USHL Commissioner Tom Garrity said.
Steel players, elementary school classrooms, a Cub Scout pack, and three arts organizations all participated in designing the helmets.
