The New York Islanders have been a fixture in the Long Island community since the inception of the franchise in 1972.
With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe and medical facilities in desperate need of equipment, Islanders players raised the necessary funds to donate over 3,000 N-95 masks to Northwell Health.
Islanders players are not the first team to contribute from the hockey world. Bauer, a hockey equipment manufacturer, recently repurposed its facilities to start creating personal protective equipment that medical professionals and emergency personnel desperately need.
All credit goes to our players who took it upon themselves to donate over 3,000 N95 masks to @NorthwellHealth. 💙🧡 https://t.co/VnJ293el4Z
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 2, 2020
Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel teamed up with Bauer to donate 5,000 masks to various hospitals in Western New York. The New Jersey Devils managing partners, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, through Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, made a six-figure donation to RWJBarnabas’ Health Emergency Response Fund to help 35,000 employees and secure equipment needed to combat the coronavirus.
Arizona Coyotes CEO Ahron Cohen and general manager John Chayka donated a significant percentage of their respective salaries to the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund and other non-profit organizations working to protect Americans.
These are only a few of the contributions from the hockey community to help those on the frontlines fighting to keep everyone safe.
RELATED: Bauer VP of global marketing Mary-Kay Messier joined the Our Line Starts podcast this week to discuss the company’s production transition and how others are aiding them in making protective gear.
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Scott Charles is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @ScottMCharles.