On Sat., Jan. 24, the Hobart hockey team will host Veterans Recognition Day sponsored by First Niagara Bank. Prior to the Statesmen's game vs. Lebanon Valley at The Cooler, there will be a short ceremony to honor the military veterans in attendance and First Niagara Bank will present donations to the Geneva American Legion and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

Spurred by Hockey Helpers founder Ryan Adler (Piscataway, N.J.) and Geneva firefighter Jim Bucklin, First Niagara Bank will award the Legion and WWP checks in the amount of $1,500 and $1,000, respectively, before faceoff at 4 p.m. Senior Vice President of First Niagara Bank, Kelly Mittiga WS '94, will present the checks. New York senator Mike Nozzolio will also be a guest speaker during the presentation.

The Legion will use the donation for facility improvements and program enhancements, while the WWP will continue its mission of providing comfort and support to the new generation of severely injured service members upon their return home from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas around the world.

The Statesmen will wear special edition jerseys in the game that will be sold for $100 each in support of these charities. McKie Sports in Cicero is sponsoring the jerseys. For more information, or to inquire about how to purchase a jersey, e-mail Ryan Adler.

Additionally, ticket proceeds from the game will be split between the American Legion and WWP. Ticket prices are $3 for general admission and $1 for children under 12. Geneva Youth Hockey players will be admitted for free if they are wearing their team jersey.

The Hobart hockey team is currently ranked ninth in Division III. The Statesmen carry a 12-4-0 overall record and a 3-3-0 ECAC West mark into this weekend's conference games vs. Lebanon Valley (0-16-0, 0-7-0). Hobart and the Dutchmen will square off twice this weekend. Friday's game is set to begin at 7 p.m. Visit the Hobart hockey schedule page for live coverage options.