Richmond Thunder Pushes For Placid

The Richmond Thunder bantam ice hockey team plays out of Staten Island, New York and has been home to many local, loyal players over the years. I myself have been the team manager for 7 years, and have been on the roller coaster of highs and lows with these boys since day 1. This select group of young men have grown together over the years, some starting at the young age of 4, their bond strengthening over the love of the sport they all share. Ice hockey is a demanding sport- it demands dedication, discipline, time, hard work (on and off the ice), structure, and respect. It works you until you break, and then with those same broken pieces, builds you and your team into something (and someone) you couldnt be more proud of. It also demands alot of expense. From tuition, to equipment (and everything in between), the cost to play this sport at this level wears on alot of families... some who struggle to keep up with the fees. Richmond Thunder are looking to take their team this year to the infamous Lake Placid tournament- home of the 1980 "Miracle" USA Olympic Championship. With this year possibly being the last that these boys play together, it would be one if not THE most memorable way to end this season just underway. However, ontop of the already high dues of hockey, this tournament comes with a high price for all. The boys have been working very hard with several fundraisers since before the season started, and continue to do so thru out the rest of the season. They are not looking for handouts, let me make that clear. Given practice, game times, and school, it is a packed schedule with that of the addition of several fundraisers per month. But they push on, and are proud of what they accomplish. What we are asking for here, is if anyone would like to donate to the team that can not make our fundraisers, or in general would like to help the boys get a little closer to their dream of playing on the ice theyve heard about so many times before. Every dollar we attain makes it a little easier on the families of these boys who deserve this, more then I can tell you. Never before have I seen a group of teammates so dedicated to each other, even when everyone else said theyd never amount to much. I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this, and for any donation you can find it in your heart to give.Go Thunder!!