Representative Day Hosts Veterans Benefit Game

A release from the office of State Representative Michael Day:

Representative Michael S. Day hosted a charity ice hockey game to benefit veterans grappling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and suicidal ideation on Monday, May 14. Representative Day, together with, colleagues and staff members of the Massachusetts House of Representative’s played in the third annual Veterans vs. Legislators hockey game to benefit the Skate For The 22 Foundation. The Skate For The 22 Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services, therapy and educational awareness about the epidemic of suicide plaguing our veterans population.

“The Skate For The 22 Foundation is doing tremendous work in furthering its mission to raise awareness of veteran mental health needs and to provide additional social support for veterans in need,” said Representative Day. “I was very happy to see so many of my colleagues enthusiastically joined me in supporting this group. This is the third annual ‘Reps. vs. Vets.’ game that we have played and I hope to continue playing to support a great cause.”

The Skate For The 22 Foundation sponsors the New England Eagles Veterans’ Hockey Club, known as “veterans skating to help fellow veterans.” The Foundation is named in recognition of the reported number of 22 United States military veterans who, on average, take their own lives every day. In the words of US Army/Air Force veteran Robert “Bobby” Colliton, the founder of the Skate For The 22 Foundation, the Foundation provides solace and support to veterans searching for both.

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 volunteer for veteran outreach programs.

“Although we lost the game, 9-7, I was honored to play against these heroes,” continued Representative Day. “I thank the Speaker of the House for his support and attendance, and I especially thank Winchester Select Board member David Errico for jumping in net to play the game with me.”

Photo of Mike Day and David Errico courtesy Michael Day's office