BOSTON – Suffolk men's and women's hockey will skate in honor of those who have and are serving the armed forces with Military Appreciation Games this weekend when the Rams host Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) foe Western New England Golden Bears at Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Skating Rink.
Ram Nation's Salute to the Troops begins with the men's contest Friday, Jan. 27 at 6:00 p.m., with the recognition contests set to wrap up with the women's action Saturday, Jan. 28 at 4:50 p.m.
Both Suffolk squads will wear special-edition military jerseys during pre-game skate and in the CCC contests. Ram Nation has a chance to take home a piece of Suffolk history by purchasing the game-worn jersey for $100. The proceeds of the sales will benefit 22Mohawks, an organization to reduce suicide rates among veterans created by Suffolk men's cross country alum and former Army Staff Sergeant David Campisano, BSBA '19.
On average, more than 22 veterans die by suicide each day. To Campisano and his organization, the mohawk represents the outlier – the person who is not afraid to go against the grain, rise up for what they believe in, and above all, stand tall in the face of adversity.
22Mohawks provides assistance – physical, mental or financial support – to veterans who need help with navigating the struggles of everyday life when they return home from duty.
Campisano was determined to "fight for those who fought four our country," so he launched the nonprofit 22Mohawks to raise awareness about suicide prevention. His first recruits in the fight? A platoon of trained therapy dogs, whom Campisano matches free of charge with veterans to provide them with a steady of supply of emotional support and companionship.
Since it launched in fall 2021, 22Mohawks has matched 30 veterans with dogs.
Campisano will be on site in Eastie for both contests to take part in a ceremonial puck drop.
To purchase a game-worn camouflage sweater, fans must make a minimum $100 donation to 22Mohawks here and complete the form here. Donations larger than $100 are welcomed, however, one jersey per $100 donation will be given. Jersey preference is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Want to donate, but don't want a game-worn jersey? Help Suffolk Athletics reach their $5,000 goal by donating here.
Questions? Contact Suffolk University Sports Information Directory Amy Barry at abarry7@suffolk.edu.
2023 Salute the Troops: Suffolk Military Appreciation Jersey Sale
Military Appreciation Jerseys
