New England Center for Children website
Sophomore captain Katie Neuburger discusses fundraising efforts

RINDGE, N.H. (November 15, 2017) – Over the weekend, the Franklin Pierce University women’s ice hockey team held its “Skate for Autism” campaign, in conjunction with its home games against Saint Michael’s on Friday and Saturday at the Jason Ritchie Ice Arena. In all, the initiative raised $5000, which will be donated to the New England Center for Children in Southborough, Mass.

“Organizations such as the NECC work tirelessly to make our local community a better place, and to be able to recognize them and thank them in this way is very rewarding for our program,” said head coach David Stockdale.

The Ravens wore special-edition jerseys for the two games, which were then sold as part of the fundraising efforts. In addition, the team conducted a t-shirt sales drive in the weeks leading up to the games and collected walk-up donations at the rink during both contests.

“This process begins as nothing more than an idea in the spring and takes several months of planning and organization on the part of the players to pull off,” continued Stockdale.

All proceeds will be donated to the NECC, which, per its own description, is a “private, nonprofit autism research and education center.” The NECC’s stated mission is to “transform the lives of children with autism worldwide through education, research, and technology.”

“All of us at NECC are touched by the generosity of Franklin Pierce, their women’s ice hockey team, and all of those who supported this event,” said Jared Bouzan, Chief Development Officer at The New England Center for Children. “Community support broadens the awareness and ultimately, the understanding, of autism.” 

It marked the second straight season the women’s ice hockey team has chosen a community initiative to focus on as part of a special-event weekend. A year ago, the team worked with the Skate for the 22 Foundation.

“I am very proud of the commitment the players in our program have shown to raising money for outstanding local organizations like the Skate for the 22 Foundation last year and the NECC this year,” said Stockdale. “I think it speaks to the character of the players in our program that they had absolutely no hesitation when I asked them if they wanted to take on this challenge again this year, and I have no doubt they will continue to find deserving local organizations to support in the seasons to come.”

On the ice, the Ravens (3-4-0) won both games against Saint Michael’s over the weekend and will return to the ice on Nov. 17-18, when they travel to Sacred Heart for a two-game weekend series. Franklin Pierce will meet the Pioneers at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton, Conn.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics’ official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce ice hockey apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics’ online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).