The NHL Rangers this year are continuing to build out their Rangers Assist youth charitable efforts alongside partner Chase. The initiative, which is now in its sixth year and raised more than $275,000 for youth hockey programs last year, will be holding events for six different youth hockey organizations in the tri-state area during this season. At each of the organization’s rinks, the Rangers and Chase will hold two events; a clinic for youth hockey players, as well as a Rangers alumni game where local community players, coaches and volunteers will play against the team’s former players. The youth hockey organizations are able to sell tickets for the alumni games, as well as auction off Rangers merchandise and experiences that are provided by Chase. Chase also covers the overhead costs of the events, allowing all the proceeds to benefit the host organization. The Rangers and Chase held their first event of this season last month -- a free hockey clinic in Oyster Bay, N.Y. -- and will host an alumni game on Friday. Events are scheduled in Danbury, Conn., and Stockholm, N.J. later this year. The Rangers will announce the other three organizations at a later date. MSG Sports Exec VP Jordan Solomon said the program’s expansion reflects the interest from local organizations in recent years -- the team’s learn to play and try hockey programs are both completely full, and there is a waitlist for both programs. The Rangers also established and formalized their junior Rangers membership club, which now has more than 8,000 members. “It’s been a great way to continue to engage kids and their families around hockey, and we’re continuing to amplify and expand the platform,” he said. The Rangers this year will host an additional alumni game at MSG for the four biggest fundraisers from each organization they are working with this year, allowing 24 members of the community to play against former Rangers.
KNICKS WORKING ON INITIATIVE: Chase, the marquee partner of MSG Co., is also launching a new community initiative with the Knicks this season, partnering with Build, a community organization that aims to provide experiential learning through entrepreneurship for youth. The three are working together to provide N.Y. high school students at seven schools the opportunity to get involved with building business platforms, engaging them around things like brainstorming sessions, pitch presentations and helping them sell their products. MSG in March will host a symposium where the students can present their business plans to Knicks and Chase execs. The Knicks and Chase will promote the progress on their digital channels.
