The 8th Annual Jonathan Dayton High School Alumni Ice Hockey Game was held at the USA Ice Rink in Union on May 30.
As always, the game raises money for the Healing Heart Foundation, a charity formed in memory of David Nehmer, a Springfield resident and student, who lost his battle with leukemia at age 12.
The event, run by David’s mother, Lisa Nehmer, and assisted this year by Jonathan Dayton Junior Conner Krumholz, devotes all profits to improve the quality of life for children dealing with cancer, as well as providing assistance to their families.
The Foundation also helps to fund The David Center for Children’s Pain and Pallative Care at Hackensack University Medical Center.
With the money raised from this year’s game, the amount raised over the years from the Alumni games has totaled nearly $40,000.00.
The game pitted former Jonathan Dayton High School varsity hockey players against each other, with the White Team comprising graduates from 2007 and before, and the Orange team consisting of alumni who graduated after 2007.
A special ceremony was held in memory of Brian Hollander, a former goalie for Dayton’s hockey team, who passed away suddenly at age 32 in December of 2013.
All players wore a sticker on their helmets honoring Hollander, and family members were present to drop the puck at the start of the game.
Present Dayton High School student Jackie Nese sang the National Anthem, high school mathematics teacher Chris White announced the game and various autographed sports memorabilia and prizes were raffled off to the spectators in attendance.
Former alumni traveled from as far away as North Carolina, Michigan and Florida to participate in the game.
The White Team held on to defeat their younger alumni 9-8, despite the Orange team’s last second assault on their opponent with their goalie pulled and an empty net.
Contributions to the Healing Heart Foundation can be made by calling the following number at: 973-564-8827.