Albany Devils Community Efforts

The Albany Devils take pride in meeting the educational, social and cultural needs of the Capital Region and understand the importance of taking an active role in the community. With a focus on youth, we are committed to partnering with local organizations to make a positive impact on the area. Through financial support, recreational programs and active involvement of our players, coaches, staff and mascot, it is our goal to provide a means of community spirit and pride.

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Rostislav Olesz arrived in Albany today & skated with an old teammate, Scott Timmins.

Feature: http://ow.ly/qyJ9i

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A new week is upon us; here are 5 things to watch for!

More: http://ow.ly/qu0GX

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Devils begin home schedule with a 3-2 win over the Utica Comets! Recap: http://ow.ly/pLm0k 

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YMCA Healthy Kids Day

On Saturday, Devil Dawg joined the Capital District YMCA to help celebrate Healthy Kids Day! Though the event took place at YMCA locations around the country, Devil Dawg traveled to the East Greenbush YMCA to help with the event. The day is designed to show kids the importance of staying active and healthy...not to mention how fun it can be! Devil Dawg joined in a game of tennis and showed off his hoop skills in a game of basketball. Of course he also made sure there was plenty of time for hugs, high fives and pictures. He also signed autographs for some of his biggest fans! All in all, the day was a huge success and Devil Dawg is eagerly anticipating next years festivities!!!

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What do Boucher, Josefson, Merrill, Pesonen, Sestito and Tedenby have in common? http://bit.ly/YVyFPz

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#NJDevils have reassigned Scott Wedgewood to #ADevils from Trenton #devilsgram

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The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center

The Albany Devils recently paid a visit to The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center to try and brighten the days of some of the young patients that were being treated there. Devils players Matt Anderson, Mike Hoeffel and Dan Kelly joined Devil's mascot Devil Dawg as they made their way to each room to talk with the kids, take pictures and sign autographs. 

The players also spent time with the doctors, nurses and hospital staff that help make the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center such a great place where literally lives are saved every day. 

From the smiles on the kids, you could tell that they loved having the players there. From the smiles on the players you could tell that they felt lucky to be able to be a part of such a wonderful visit. And from the smile on Devil Dawg's face...well, he's ALWAYS smiling! What a great day!

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Fitness Club at the Troy Boys and Girls Club

Devils forwards Steve Zalewski and Mike Hoeffel visited the Troy Boys and Girls Club and took part in their Fitness Club. The club helps emphasize the importance of exercising and eating right to lead happy healthy lives. And who better to talk to the kids about those very things than two professional athletes. Both Hoeffel and Zalewski told the kids how important it is to stay in shape and eat healthy and how that has helped them reach the professional levels. After speaking with the kids, they both helped in group stretch before the kids began their class. Both the kids and the players enjoyed their time together at Fitness Club and at the Boys and Girls Club of Troy!

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Mascot Mayhem

Devil Dawg hit the ice for Mascot Mayhem at the Empire State Plaza's outdoor rink. He got a chance to skate with some of his closest mascot friends and interact with some experienced, and some not so experienced skaters. Devil Dawg even spent time helping to teach one novice how to skate. It was a great time for all of the skaters, and all of the mascots, at the Empire State Plaza!

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On Sunday morning at UAlbany's SEFCU Arena, Devil Dawg took part in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Muscle Walk. The walk helped raise over $60,000 for the MDA and brought out people (and furry red mascots) from all over the Capital District to help support a great cause. 

Devil Dawg got to spend time with friends, and make some new ones, as he helped kick things off. He took part in the Zumba warm-up, showing off some pretty impressive moves. He was ready to go for the walk, high fiving everyone as they began. He even helped out at the check-in table. It was a great event, for a great cause, and was a great time! 

For more information on MDA and how you can help, visit www.mda.org.

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YMCA Y-Time

Last week, Albany Devils players visited two different YMCA Y-Time after-school programs in Clifton Park. Alexander Urbom and Mike Hoeffel went to Skano Elementary school while Dan Kelly and Darcy Zajac traveled to the YMCA's Clifton Park location. The children, who were all part of the after-school program known as Y-Time, were excited to see them and had prepared questions for their guests. The kids asked the players all kinds of questions ranging from where they were from, how long they've been playing hockey, what their favorite foods were and if they had any pets. 

After answering all their questions, the players sat down and signed countless autographs for the youngsters. They signed pieces of paper, notebooks, shirts and hats. After every child got their autographs, all the kids and players got together for a group photo. No doubt it was a great time for the kids and the players, and will be one that everyone won't soon forget!

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Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society

Last week players from the Albany Devils went to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society to spend some time with the animals. This is the third year that the Devils have partnered with the Humane Society and it is one of the most popular visits that the players take. 

Darcy Zajac, Dan Kelly, Joe Whitney, David Wohlberg and Bobby Butler made the trip to Menands. They were able to take the dogs out into the play pens and show the animals the love that they crave. These are all dogs and cats that are looking for a loving "forever home" and family. The players were able to play with the dogs and cats and give them a good workout in the yard.

Most of the players have animals at home, or grew up with them, and looked forward to giving their time to these pets. They definitely enjoyed themselves, and by the look of all the animals, and their constantly wagging tails, I think they enjoyed the players visit just as much!

For more information on the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society and how to volunteer, or if you are looking to rescue a pet, you can go to their website at www.mohawkhumane.org.

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Habitat for Humanity

Last Tuesday members of the Albany Devils Hockey Team took a trip down S. Pearl Street and helped on site at the Habitat for Humanity build on Alexander St. The build, called Morton's Walk, features interconnected row housing. Some of the houses are already done, while others are just past the framing stage. It was on those houses that the Devils proved useful.

Adam Henrique, Chad Wiseman, Dan Kelly, Corbin McPherson, Harry Young and Keith Kinkaid all volunteered their services. From staging areas that would still to be worked on, to transporting supplies to the right buildings and even helping move a new bath tub upstairs, these players provided the time, and the man power, to help out a great deal. 

The Devils have been working with Habitat for Humanity since arriving in the Capital District. It is not only a good cause, but something that is enjoyable to the players. If you have any interest in helping out as well, you can find out more information on their website, www.habitatcd.org.

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Albany Police Athletic League

On Monday, four members of the Albany Devils went to visit the kids at Albany PAL after school program. Brandon Burlon, Phil DeSimone, Chris McKelvie and Raman Hrabarenka answered questions that the kids had come up with about earlier that day. The questions ranged from those about playing hockey and being a professional athlete, to what their favorite food was and who their favorite super-hero is. After answering all the questions, the kids got to get up close and personally with the players and got autographs to remember the day.

The Albany Police Athletic League (PAL), Inc. is a juvenile crime prevention program that brings kids and cops together in non-law enforcement settings. PAL accomplishes its goals by providing numerous educational, recreational, and athletic programs to more than 4,000 Albany youth each year. PAL seeks to provide a safe haven for the youth of Albany in their after school hours. PAL kids are offered mentoring and understanding through the help of Albany Police Officers, PAL Staff, Community Volunteers, and Interns. PAL is dedicated to providing kids, especially the most underserved, with the support and skills they will need to journey towards a brighter future.

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Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

On Saturday morning Devil Dawg went to the Empire State Plaza to be a part of the 18th Annual Susan G. Komen Northeastern Race for the Cure. The annual race raises money to benefit breast cancer research and helps to fund preventative care programs.

Devil Dawg was there to cheer on the thousands of people who were running and walking the five kilometers to help support the cause. Though rain was expected, the weather held and it was a beautiful morning for the run and for all those who participated and those who cheered them on.

With music and entertainment, Devil Dawg gave out as many hugs and high fives as he possibly could. It was truly an inspirational event.

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Light the Night Walk

On Saturday night, the entire Devils Front Office, including the Man, the Myth, the Legend Devil Dawg, descended upon Siena College to take part in this year's Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Even though it was cold and rainy, that didn't stop the Devils staff, or a large contingent of participants, from having a great time! The crowd was massive in the Siena quad listening to the uplifting stories of cancer survivors. As the sun set, the walk began and the sight of all of those people and all of the lit up balloons in the night sky was something to behold. It was truly a special evening for all involved!

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The Great American Pet Festival

On Saturday, Devil Dawg made his way to the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church for the Great American Pet Festival. The Festival was put together to help support local shelters and pet rescues in the area. Not only was it a good cause, it was also a good time for the Devils mascot. 

Devil Dawg was able to spend time with some of his good friends, both of the four legged and two legged variety. He made friends with two Saint Bernards and a Great Dane (this may have been the first time he wasn't the biggest dog around). But don't worry, he made plenty of time give out all the hugs and high fives you could ask.

Devil Dawg did his best to get every passing car to stop by and support the cause.  All in all it was a great event and provided much needed support for the shelters and rescues in hopes of finding forever homes for every pet!