ECHL hockey: Everblades, local veterans charity working together this weekend

The Florida Everblades games this weekend are sure to have a little more meaning to many at Germain Arena since the team is hosting its annual Military Weekend.

With many vets expected to be in attendance,  the Blades took on the Norfolk Admirals on Friday at 7:30 and Saturday at 7. The Blades will be wearing special jerseys honoring the military that will be auctioned off after Saturday's game, with proceeds going to the National Coalition for Patriots. In addition, that same organization will receive a percentage of certain tickets purchased for both games.

The National Coalition of Patriots is a national organization based in Southwest Florida. They offer many services to veterans in good standing, including financial, emotional, and social assistance. President and co-founder Dan Ashby estimated that "about 75 percent" of the funds awarded go to veterans in this area.

Ashby, a veteran himself, said he came up with the idea to start this initiative after his son Corey Kent, a 2006 Mariner High School graduate,  injured his legs in 2010 during combat in Afghanistan. While Kent, a triple amputee, was recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Ashby acknowledged his family was overwhelmed with the support his family received from this area.

"Everyone here was so great," he said. "The military, the civilians -- it didn't matter. They all were so supportive of Chris and reached out to us."

When discussing how they could give back to the community, Ashby mentioned that when he spoke to other veterans, they indicated there was a need to help all veterans, not just the ones that are injured.

"When veterans are deployed, that may hurt them financially," he said.  "We recently paid someone's rent. We also took care of some back car payments for a vet. We want to help wherever we can. Our goal is not to turn anyone away."

To apply for aid, a veteran needs to go to their website, nationalcfp.org and fill out a form.

"We want the process to be as easy and pain free as possible," Ashby said.

Fans wishing to attend Saturday's game can log on to  www.nationalcfp.org where there is information on how to order tickets using a special code that will ensure the coalition gets a percentage of those tickets sold.

he coalition is run entirely by volunteers, and Ashby estimates that 93 cents of every dollar they raise goes directly to help the vets.

Now in its sixth year, Ashby said their relationship with the Everblades started when a friend introduced him to Everblades vice president of sales and marketing Chris Palin.

"They have been a great partner," Ashby said, "They look out for veterans and help out wherever they can. We want to make sure this works for them as well."

For their part, the Blades are indeed happy with the partnership.

"We support the community in several ways," Everblades public/community relations manager & broadcaster Alex Reed said. "We certainly want to support the military who allow us to do what we do. We love partnering with them and it is great they have a local connection."

Reed also said that the Everblades recognize the military all season long.

"We have a suite every game where veterans get recognized (during a stoppage in play)," he said. "It is great to see the whole crowd stand and acknowledge their sacrifice to this country. Players on both teams will tap their sticks to also show their appreciation."

Reed said this weekend has grown throughout the years.

"Our fans know about it; they look forward to it," he said. They want to be a part of the event. They want to show their support. We always try to do it close to Veterans Day (Nov. 11). We will recognize the vets in attendance. This year, it just so happens we are playing the Norfolk Admirals, who are based in a large military area."

While the coalition does have other fundraisers periodically, Ashby said that the Military Weekend is their "biggest one."

However, he also mentioned that raising funds is not the only goal they hope to accomplish this weekend.

"We want to show the vets a good time," Ashby said. "Whatever else happens is almost secondary. With everything that is going on; the election and everything else, this is a weekend where the vets can come out, relax, and just have fun and enjoy some hockey."

Ashby indicated that he along with Kent and all of the board members will be at Saturday's game.