hockey Archives - Good News!

Thought for the Day…08/05/25

Austin Tang — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:57:22 +0000

My friend, Judy Gilbert, the hockey legends wife & Humanitarian is Buzz Aldrin friend…she wrote on Facebook

Buzz Aldrin. Made it

To the moon…and back. He told me it took so much more than education, discipline and physical strength. It took years of determination and believing that any goal is possible “but it was still hard to believe when l took my first step onto the moon’s surface.”

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Rare Disease Day is February 28thIT MAY BE AN “INVISIBLE ILLNESS” Yet One Major Symptom Remains Relentless Hear from Former NCAA All-American Hockey Player Who is Now a Hockey Coach

Austin Tang — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:00:23 +0000

Listen to “Rare Disease Day is February 28thIT MAY BE AN “INVISIBLE ILLNESS” Yet One Major Symptom Remains Relentless Hear from Former…” on Spreaker.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of bile ducts, which may lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, specific cancers, and ultimately liver failure.1
PSC is estimated to affect 29,000 people in the United States and 236,000 people in Europe.2,3 Additionally, one in every 10,000 people worldwide is diagnosed with PSC.4 The median age at diagnosis is approximately 35 years, and approximately 70% of PSC patients have inflammatory bowel disease, principally ulcerative colitis.5,6
The cause of PSC is not completely understood but it is thought to stem from genetic as well as environmental factors. A significant symptom of PSC, 91% of patients suffer from a severe and unrelenting itch, clinically referred to as pruritus, which can deeply impact a person and their quality of life.7
As a former NCAA All-American Hockey Player, and three-time national champion with the University of Minnesota Duluth, Julianne Vasichek was at the top of her game when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with PSC. Although she had been experiencing unexplained symptoms for some time, including relentless itch, fatigue and abdominal pain, she never imagined the cause was a rare and debilitating disease.
Julianne spent the next seven years managing her disease and staying as active and healthy as possible. Due to the lack of effective treatments to manage her PSC, she underwent an emergency liver transplant. She has found that sharing her story, connecting with others, and spreading awareness bolstered her spirit and gave her a renewed sense of purpose. Drawing on her own experience, Julianne actively engages with other patients while advocating for increased research and PSC community connectivity. Julianne is thriving and is currently the Head Women’s Coach at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota.
There is a void of effective therapies for rare cholestatic liver diseases, such as PSC. However, with current ongoing research, there may be options in the future to combat the relentless itch that PSC patients experience other than a transplant.
Join Julianne and internationally trained hepatologist Gideon Hirschfield, FRCP, PhD, as they discuss PSC in an effort to raise awareness about the disease.

Courtesy: Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc

#pspartners #mirum

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Brian Leetch to Join Other Rangers Heroes to Benefit the Ronald McDonald House

editor — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:29:00 +0000

Listen to “Brian Leetch to Join Other Rangers Heroes to Benefit the Ronald McDonald House” on Spreaker.

?New York, January 16, 2008 — One day prior to the retirement of his jersey number at Madison Square Garden, New York Rangers Legend Brian Leetch will lace up his skates to benefit a cause dear to him The Ronald McDonald House of New York. Leetch, along with fellow Ranger greats Mark Messier, Mike Richter, Jeff Beukeboom, Rod Gilbert, Adam Graves and Stephane Matteau, will join fans at the 14th Annual Skate with the Greats event at The Rink at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 6 9p.m. They will help raise money and awareness for The Ronald McDonald House of New York, a facility that offers children with cancer and their families shelter and support while they undergo treatment. While playing for the Rangers in 1995, Leetch, along with Rangers Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert, helped to spearhead the Skate with the Greats event, which has raised more than six million for The Ronald McDonald House of New York.

The Ronald McDonald House of New York is supported in part by the Rangers and a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit charity that works closely with the Rangers and all areas of Madison Square Garden to make dreams come true for kids in crisis. This year’s benefit Chairman is Steve Bensinger. Prior to Skate with the Greats, media will have their only opportunity to speak with Leetch and other Rangers on hand about the team’s continued commitment to The Ronald McDonald House of New York. The players also will offer their perspectives on the special night that celebrates Leetchs storied Rangers career, which will be held at Madison Square Garden on Thurs., Jan. 24th.

#ronaldmcdonald #ronaldmcdonaldhouse #brianleetch #mark #messier #mikerichter #adamgraves #hockey #newyork #skate #madisonsquaregarden

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5th Jayne J. Jones Book Released in Popular Children’s Series — “Drop the Puck: Hockey Every Day, Every Way!” Tells the Adorable Tale of a Girl with Cerebral Palsy

Austin Tang — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 18:57:02 +0000

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A new book in The Official Adventures series is melting hearts across the country with laugh-out-loud fun, playful hockey traditions, and long-lasting friendships among teammates. “Drop the Puck: Hockey Every Day, Every Way” is the fifth book in the wildly popular series by Jayne J. Jones, a Minnesota native now living in Florida.

Nokomis, FL, December 05, 2019 –(PR.com)– 5th Jayne J. Jones Book Released in Popular Children’s Series

“Drop the Puck: Hockey Every Day, Every Way!” Tells the Adorable Tale of a Girl with Cerebral Palsy and Her Relationships with her Special Hockey Teammates and Friends

A new book in The Official Adventures. www.officialadventures.org, series is melting hearts across the country with laugh-out-loud fun, playful hockey traditions, and long-lasting friendships among teammates. “Drop the Puck: Hockey Every Day, Every Way” is the fifth book in the wildly popular series by Jayne J. Jones, a Minnesota native now living in Florida.

The story tells the tale of Lila, a child with cerebral palsy, who moves to her new hometown and plays for the Minnesota Bears, a special needs hockey team. Lila is wheelchair bound and skates through technology assisted braces. In real life Lila, was one of the series’ first readers and was introduced to the author by Errin Hakstol, wife of NHL Assistant Coach, Dave Hakstol. Through Lila’s mom, the author did research on Lila’s skating ability, her challenges from cerebral palsy and her frustrations with never being invited to a sleepover to simply using a scissors. (Wise Ink Creative Publishing, Publication Date. Oct. 21, 2019)

More than 15 NHL superstars have endorsed the book series.

“Lila truly has a million-dollar smile,” says Jones, “and I call her the queen of grit and determination.”

The book has three other characters with special needs (Down syndrome, autism and sled hockey) and continues the series traditions of competitive play, joys of winning, lessons of losing and sportsmanship. At the end of the fifth book the children decide to start a community spirit award for inspiring kids making a difference, impact or sharing good will.

The sweet and remarkable tale of Lila’s move to Hockeytown, USA will have all readers cheering for victories big and small, on and off the ice. Grab your hockey stick and shoot for life’s wonderful goals!

Together, we win.

What Others Are Saying

“Keep on reading, kids! It’s important to learn something new every day!” – Matt and Bridget Cullen, three-time Stanley Cup Champion, played 21 NHL seasons

“You wanna be smart? Read!” – Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks

“Reading as a family is important.” – Rick Nash, three-time NHL All-Star player

“Work hard. Play hard. Keep getting better every day!” – Jack and Leslie Jablonski, Bel13ve Foundation

“I loved it! Hockey really is for everyone!” – Lila, Inspiration for ‘Lila’ character

“All our kids love these books! They really teach valuable lessons for life that go way beyond the game.” – Jordan and Jamie Leopold, American former professional ice hockey defenseman and community volunteers.

“I love the way this book celebrates individual differences, strengths and similarities. When children learn about themselves, others and the world around them, that is the ultimate hat trick.” – Aimee Jordan, Lila’s mom and fierce advocate for people with disabilities.

“It’s really cool to see my name as a character in a book, especially a children’s book. I hope it helps other kids to be inspired to think, create, and invent. It’s neat to think my name might motivate readers to get out there and do things and dream big like I did because I know what it’s like to be one of them.” – Tripp Phillips, President and Inventor, Le-Glue

“I grew up as the typical Minnesota kid. Hockey is my life. These books are a hat trick!” – Luke Delzer, Totino-Grace High School Varsity

“This is F-U-N! I met the author in NYC. Next thing we know, we are in her next book. We will be making dozens and dozens of hockey icing cookies!” – Tera Schmit, Burlap Baker

“This is a great book that inspires you to believe in yourself and you can achieve your dreams.” – William Stinson, Inspiration for “Will Stinson” character and Minnesota youth hockey player

About the Author

Jayne J. Jones is the captain of “Team Beehler” and wears many helmets, including college professor, lawyer, author, and entrepreneur of fun. Together with Christopher, her husband, she founded a nonprofit organization leading chaperoned adventures and trips for travelers with disabilities. “Team Beehler” enjoy a hockey game every night and are passionate advocates for special hockey, foster youth, and ensuring individuals with special needs are employed to their fullest potential.

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Victor Calise, Commissioner, Click Here for Video & Podcast…

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 20:52:34 +0000

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While riding a mountain bike in Forest Park in 1994, Victor sustained a spinal cord injury. He embraced this life altering challenge, became involved with disability sports through the United Spinal Association and focused on sled hockey. Dedication, passion and drive led to representing the United States on the 1998 Paralympics Sled Hockey team in Nagano, Japan.

Working initially as United Spinal’s Recreation Coordinator, he rose rapidly through the ranks reaching the title of Director of Sports Marketing. In October of 2006, Victor joined the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation as their ADA Coordinator overseeing accessibility projects throughout the five boroughs.

The parks system is a historic collection of properties, most of which were designed and built prior to accessibility laws. He coordinated with staff at all levels, improving compliance with the law while producing a transition plan to increase access in the city’s parks, beaches, recreation centers and other facilities.

In June 2012, Victor was appointed the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and then reappointed by Mayor Bill De Blasio in 2014.

He advises the Mayor on issues affecting over 900,000 New Yorkers with a Disability and 6 million visitors with a disability. He is the liaison between the disabled community and City government, works to connect with the services they need and is the disability policy advisor to City agencies and the Administration. He spearheads myriad projects, partnerships and initiatives that better the lives of people with disabilities; advocates for the passage of legislation to help the disabled community; and is the Chair of NYC Building Code Accessibility Committee.

Victor, his wife and their two children are native New Yorkers.

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New York Rangers 3D

editor — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 05:00:00 +0000

MSG, a leader in delivering state-of-the-art, cutting edge technology to viewers, announced today that it will telecast the March 24 Rangers-Islanders matchup from Madison Square Garden in 3D, the first network hockey telecast ever produced in 3D. MSG will also be the first network in America to offer home viewers a live 3D sports telecast. In 1998, MSG was the first regular provider of sports coverage in high-definition television, producing all Knicks and Rangers home games in that emerging format.

The Rangers will host a special viewing party of this historic telecast at the Theater at Madison Square Garden that will include appearances by popular Rangers alumni Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Nick Fotiu, Ron Greschner, Dan Blackburn and others, as well as fan contests and giveaways . Tickets to the 3D screening are $20 and available at newyorkrangers.com via Ticketmaster. MSG HD subscribers with 3D compatible televisions will be able to watch the telecast on a separate channel offered by Cablevision, and MSG is in discussions with other providers. For more information please visit msg.com/3D.

MSG has been a leader in delivering emerging technology to our viewers, and a leader in high quality original programming, including a record 64 Emmy nominations this year, said Michael Bair, president, MSG Media. We were the first regular providers of high-definition sports telecasts with Knicks and Rangers games more than a decade ago, and were excited to continue this tradition of providing the most innovative and creative telecasts to our audience.

MSG is planning a renovation which will be a comprehensive top-to-bottom transformation of the arena that will enhance the experience for customers, athletes, entertainers, fans and marketing partners. The state-of-the-art facility will also include the most up-to-date technology throughout the arena for fans attending events.

Longtime Rangers voice Kenny Albert will call the play-by-play, former Ranger Dave Maloney will serve as analyst, and Al Trautwig will serve as television host for the evening.

The game will be shot using 3ality Digitals image-capturing technology, which integrates with existing broadcast equipment for pixel-perfect 3D imagery. 3ality Digital, which has more than a decade’s worth of development work behind its systems, has been the technology of choice behind a number of recent 3D sports productions, including BSkyB’s January Premiere League Soccer broadcast, the first live 3D broadcasts of NFL and college football games shown in theaters, and the 2010 Sony Open golf tournament.

Gamecreek Video will provide a separate high-definition mobile video production unit for the game, working with 3ality Digital camera rigs and image processing systems. In the Theater at Madison Square Garden, RealDs 3D stereoscopic Cinema Processing System will enable the audience to view the game in 3D via eyewear, screen and filtering technology.

A provider of advanced 3DTV-capable technology, Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company collaborating with MSG on the telecast, supplied NetVX encoders and signal processing equipment that will be used to ensure synchronous transport of the 3DTV signals from Madison Square Garden to the network operations center.

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Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman Emeritus of AOL,

editor — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:01:00 +0000

Listen to “Ted Leonsis” on Spreaker.
Honored by Internews Media Leadership Awards – “Filmanthropist” Ted Leonsis shares his thoughts. Ted is owner of the Washington Capitals National Hockey League team, and Chairman of Clearspring Technologies and Revolution Money, is a dedicated philanthropist and a film producer. Leonsis produced Nanking, a documentary film inspired by the late Iris Chang’s book, The Rape of Nanking, about the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China, in the early days of World War II. Nanking made its world premiere at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival where it was awarded the Documentary Editing Award. The film, released in December 2007, also received the Humanitarian Award at the Hong Kong Film Festival and is the highest-grossing documentary to date in China. In 2008, Leonsis followed Nanking with Kicking It, a documentary about the lives of homeless people who are changed forever through an international soccer competition, the Homeless World Cup. Kicking It debuted at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and will be distributed by ESPN. Both films are examples of “filmanthropy”, a phrase coined by Leonsis to describe a new category of filmmaking that sheds light on important issues around the world, and activates discussion, as well as new volunteers and new funds, to benefit a social cause. Leonsis is a committed philanthropist and is involved with numerous charities, including Best Buddies, Hoop Dreams, See Forever Foundation, YouthAIDS, and others through the work of the Leonsis Foundation.

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