Hockey Rivals Wilton Vs. Ridgefield Team Up for ALS

Press release:

Wilton and Ridgefield high school varsity hockey teams join together on January 10 and February 18 to fund ALS research in honor of a player’s father

When Wilton High School varsity hockey coach, Brett Amero, learned that one of his player’s father was diagnosed with ALS, he approached the family, the Cravens, wanting to help raise awareness of the disease and funds for research.

Eric Craven, 47, was diagnosed with ALS in April 2013, following symptoms of grip weakness and tightness in his throat. After confirmation from several of the best neurologists in the world, the Craven family – including Eric’s wife, Claire, and their three children, David, Amanda and Elizabeth – had to accept the reality of the situation: although Eric’s mind would remain sharp, his body would deteriorate, with likely only 5 years to live.

The Cravens’ oldest son, David, 18, is a senior at Wilton High School and has played travel hockey since he was six years old, in addition to being a part of WHS varsity hockey since he was a freshman under Coach Brett Amero. The Cravens’ daughters, identical twins, Amanda and Elizabeth, are juniors at WHS and began playing hockey just four years ago, three of these years skating varsity for WHS.

With Coach Amero’s encouragement, they all began brainstorming on how they could tap into the awareness of the Ice Bucket Challenge: include participation by both the boys’ and girls’ hockey teams, and partner with WHS’ rival to highlight the importance of battling hard on the ice, but coming together as part of the bigger hockey family in helping one of their own by raising funds for research – the only hope for a cure.

Thus, came the plan: the Ridgefield versus Wilton high school hockey games on January 10 and February 18 will serve as fundraisers for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (www.ALS.net), the world’s first and largest nonprofit biotech focused 100 percent on ALS research. They hope to raise over $40,000 from the games for ALS research taking place at the Institute.

Claire says, “No one has more positive influence to your children than their high school coaches. To have them reach out and want to do something special is a gift to Eric he will never be able to replace - as you can imagine, finding out your dad has a terminal illness when you are in the prime of your life would be devastating for any high schooler - to know your coaches, teammates & school has your back, is everything.”

For more information and to donate, please visit als.net/craven, and follow on social media via hashtag, #IceALS.

Photo: The Craven family: Amanda, Elizabeth, Eric, Claire, and David