After beloved teammate and great friend Derek Zacchino received a very devastating and season ending diagnosis, his teammates and, Ms. Sciglibaglio, knew that the right thing to do is step in and help. With the help of team members and Ms Scigs, the hockey program and junior class were able to create an awesome t-shirt commemorating the cause. These shirts would be put up for sale and donate the proceeds to Cohen’s Children Hospital which was where Derek received his treatment.  

Quickly after this idea was hatched, the shirt sale began. And before they knew it, the fliers were being handed out like wildfire and everyone wanted to purchase one to support the cause. Students, parents and administrators alike were contributing money for shirts as well as generous donations. After one week of sales, the sum exceeded more than anyone expected. Roughly $16,000 were raised which equates to $10,000 in profit to donate to the hospital.

“It’s almost overwhelming” said Ms. Sciglibaglio who ran the sale, “We never could have anticipated this sale to get as big as it did, it’s incredible.” In addition to the extensive t-shirt money, some people made generous donations to the cause.

Finally the varsity hockey team will be hosting a benefit game against Oceanside, December 19th at the TOB Ice Skating Center. This is expected to be the most attended hockey game in club history. Teams have stepped up from across the league to help us with our cause, including NHL teams such as the Rangers, Islanders and Bruins. Individual players also have reached out such as Rangers D Kevin Shattenkirk and Long Island native Bruins D Charlie McAvoy. This game also is an opportunity to win tons of raffles and much more. Raffles include NHL game tickets, signed professional jerseys, Apple products and much more. All proceeds from the raffles and assorted items go as well to Cohen’s.

The team could also win up to $3000 more in scholarship or fundraiser money from a video they made for TeamUp4Community. If the video leads in voting by Tuesday they will get the grant.

The Bethpage Hockey team sincerely thanks anyone that helped contribute to the fundraiser, it truly means a lot.