Power Play for Heroes to raise money for service dogs

ST. CLAIR SHORES — The Power Play for Heroes on Nov. 15 not only hosts an entertaining hockey game — it also raises money for a good cause.

Paul Sabatini, concept development product and business specialist-sports initiatives at GroupeSTAHL, said this is the eighth event. It raises money for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The charity provides service dogs to first responders and veterans who need them. The dogs can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $27,000 and tremendously change the quality of life for those who receive them.

“They save a life, and they change a life for our veterans and first responders,” Sabatini said.

He went on to say some of the veterans had tried to commit suicide in the past.

“As soon as they get paired with this dog, it changed their life,” Sabatini said. “They can have a regular job. They interact with their families. It truly does change a life and save a life.”

This year, the doors open at 7 p.m. and the game starts at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. Tickets are $10 with kids 10 and younger free of charge. It is located at the St. Clair Shores Civic Ice Arena at 20000 Stephens Road, in the Garden Rink. A separate open house at the Stahls’ Automotive Collection at 56156 North Bay Drive in Chesterfield Township will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9.

Featured guests include Steven Carlson, who played one of the Hanson brothers in the movie “Slapshot,” Former National Hockey League Zamboni driver Al Sobotka, sports reporter Brad Galli from WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty of the Detroit Red Wings.

Sabatini said the idea of the hockey game came from a passion for the sport through the Stahl family and employees. Members of the Stahl family have also served in the United States armed forces.

“We said let’s do something that we can raise money for the charity,” Sabatini said.

“What a great way to do it. To pair up with the Detroit Red Wings Alumni, because they’re really good with charities and their beliefs as well.”

He went on to say the St. Clair Shores Civic Arena has always been in their backyard.

“So we kind of say it’s a home ice advantage for us. But it’s not. The alumni always win,” Sabatini said.

One of the teams is made up of Red Wings alumni and the other is Stahls’ employees.

McCarty said it all starts with the Stahl family. He thinks each community has something that is important to them.

“Let’s just support that,” McCarty said. “So that’s what these guys (Stahls’) do. They lead the way over in Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores in that area and it’s just something that’s easier for me to get behind because it’s all about people. Whatever they support, I support.”

McCarty has participated in the game for the last four or five years. He said it’s great to be a part of and the residents know that the money is used to give back to the community.

“I’m just blessed to be a cog in the wheel and just be asked to be a part of it so it’s always a great honor,” McCarty said.

McCarty has met the people who put together the event as well as people who receive service dogs.

“It’s real, people can see it, people can feel it and touch it and it’s such an important part of society that sometimes goes not noticed,” McCarty said.

He has a lot of fun competing against the Stahls’ team and called them good friends.

“Anytime friends play against each other, you know, you want bragging rights,” McCarty said. “Plus, they’re in my world now. I’m usually in their world, but they get to come on the ice and stuff.”

He went on to say the Stahls’ team is competitive and that they have a mutual love for hockey.

Carlson said he’s playing in the game and is bringing old time hockey back to the Detroit area.

“I will be bringing foil back into town,” Carlson said.

Carlson has done charity work for around 25 years. He spends time donating to charities focused on kids with special needs, veterans, service dogs and cancer. He said he enjoys donating time for the veterans and that he’s looking forward to the game.

“Those charities are very special to us, and I can accomplish two of those causes in one event,” Carlson said about service dogs and veterans.

Carlson will play the first period and will spend the second period signing memorabilia and autographs. He suggests eventgoers get to the game early to see the warmups.

The event is a chance to see the veteran hockey players play, Carlson said, but it’s also special because eventgoers get to help veterans receive life changing service dogs. Carlson has a service dog of his own.

“They’re part of your family and when you see military veterans get these service dogs, their life changes,” Carlson said. “And they’re your companion for life and they’re your children and it’s very special. And it’s one of the things that I’m looking forward to is hopefully raising enough money.”

To get tickets, go to stahlshero24.eventbrite.com. To get group tickets, contact paul@stahlsteam.com.

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.