The New York Rangers and Chase, along with PlayLand Ice Casino (ASEC) hosted a celebration as part of the New York Rangers Assist initiative for Playland Ice Casino on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015.
The celebration event included a variety of activities for attendees, including a “Try Hockey for Free” clinic which was also assisted by players from Manhattanville College Men’s and Women’s ice hockey teams and Rye High School’s Varsity hockey team, a free family skating session, and an exhibition hockey game with Rangers alumni who were members of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champions. 1994 Stanley Cup Champions Adam Graves, Mike Richter, Stephane Matteau, Alexei Kovalev, Glenn Anderson and Mike Hartman attended, along with PlayLand Ice Casino and Westchester Skating Academy coaches and volunteers. Westchester County Executive Astorino dropped the Ceremonial Puck. The game was hosted by Rangers PA announcer John Sheatsley, and the National Anthem was sung by the legendary John Amirante.
As part of the program, the Rangers and Chase donated $25,000 to “Friends of Westchester Parks” who will work with PlayLand Ice Casino to further refurbish the arena that was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Restorations to the ice rink over the last two years have included a repaired roof, new dehumidification system and replaced boilers.