Representative Day Hosts “Heroes vs. Hacks” Hockey Game

A release from State Representative Michael Day:

Representative Michael S. Day recently hosted the fourth annual “Heroes vs. Hacks” charity ice
hockey game to benefit veterans grappling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The game, played on Thursday, April 18, raised awareness and proceeds to benefit the Skate For The 22 Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to
providing services, therapy and educational awareness about the epidemic of suicide plaguing
our veteran population.

“The Skate For The 22 Foundation is doing tremendous work in raising awareness of veteran
mental health needs and providing social support for veterans in need,” said Representative Day.
“I was very happy to see so many of my colleagues join me in lacing them up again for this game. You’ll be able to spot us pretty easily as the folks limping around the State House.”

The Skate For The 22 Foundation is named in recognition of the reported number of 22 United
States military veterans who, on average, take their own lives every day. The Foundation provides solace and support to veterans searching for both.

In the words of US Army/Air Force veteran Robert “Bobby” Colliton, the founder of the Skate
For The 22 Foundation, the hockey rink and locker room, was “his place, where nothing else
mattered, and where everything seemed right.” Having lost three close friends from his time in
uniform to suicide in quick succession, he found that the routine of hockey, the camaraderie of
the locker room, and the stress release the actual game provided to him could also help others.
The Foundation now provides ice time, equipment and support at no cost to any veteran who wishes to skate. In return, veteran team players agree to participate in veteran outreach
programs.

“I commend Bobby Colliton and all of those who are helping improve the mental health care of
our veterans,” continued Representative Day. “The Foundation has grown from an initial group
of 18 veterans to one that now provides services to more than 375 veterans, and I am confident
that it will continue to do great work.”