Blogs | 1/24/2013 4:49:31 PM | Rob Crean

Frederick Roy at the STH Skate

A busy week of community involvement culminated with the final Amerks Reading Power Play program event of the season as goaltender Connor Knapp appeared at the Pittsford Public Library on Thursday evening.

The week began with the Amerks hosting Hometown Heroes Day to salute our local First Responders, including police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians.  Area First Responders were offered a complimentary ticket to the game and were involved throughout the afternoon.

The Amerks wore a West Webster Fire Department patch on their jerseys as a tribute to the victims of the tragic shooting that took place on Christmas Eve, and the game-worn jerseys are now being auctioned off to raise money to benefit the WWFD and the families of the victims.  Dozens of members of the WWFD were in attendance at Monday’s game.

Prior to the game, a flag presentation during the national anthem featured 40 combined individuals from the Rochester Police Department, Webster Police Department, West Webster Fire Department and Spencerport Fire Department.  During the game, the Webster Explorers Program “passed the boot” in another fundraiser for the WWFD.  In addition, the Rochester Police Foundation was on hand to raise funds and awareness for the newly-formed program.

Finally, the day concluded with a charity hockey game between the Rochester Police Department and Rochester Fire Department, with Amerks Alumni skating for both teams.  A tightly-contested game ended with the RPD pulling away in the third period and winning 13-6.

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On Tuesday, the Amerks opened the ice at The Blue Cross Arena to their season ticket holders, and more than 350 loyal Amerks fans showed up to skate with the players. Head Coach Ron Rolston and the entire team were on hand to meet fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs at the annual event.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A RECAP OF THE EVENT

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One player who was not at the season ticket holder skate was Corey Tropp, and that was because the injured forward went out to the Webster Public Library to read to children on Tuesday evening.  Tropp, who attended Michigan State University, spoke to the kids about the importance of education, put on a hockey equipment demonstration, answered questions and signed autographs.  More than 50 kids were in attendance for one of the most popular stops on this year’s Reading Power Play tour.

The eighth year of the program wrapped up later in the week as forward Evan Rankin appeared at the Henrietta Public Library on Wednesday and Knapp headed out to Pittsford on Thursday.