MORE THAN $15,000 RAISED AT THE INAUGURAL HD HOCKEY CLASSIC AS TEAM HDSA TAKES HOME CHAMPIONSHIP
New York, NY (May 20th, 2022) – On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) was crowned champion at the inaugural Huntington’s Disease Hockey Classic where they defeated the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) by a score of 10-5. These two organizations work tirelessly to help Huntington’s disease (HD) families across North America and came together to raise more than $15,000 to support the fight against HD. The puck dropped during HD Awareness Month at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey – Home of the New Jersey Devils!
“Like hockey, living with Huntington’s disease requires a team. The HD Hockey Classic was a celebration of the global HD community and our collaboration to raise awareness and increase resources for families across North America who are affected by this devastating brain disease,” said Louise Vetter, President & CEO of HDSA. “While Team HDSA won on this ice, the true winners of the Hockey Classic are HD families who’ll receive more care and hope from ongoing research as a result of this inspiring event.”
Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes HD. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having, ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
Aside from the fast-paced on-ice action, this fun-filled event included intermission contests, raffles, player meet & greets, special guests, and much more! The winner of the exciting “chuck-a-puck” contest took home an autographed jersey signed by New Jersey Devils superstar Jack Hughes.
Team HDSA was led by Stanley Cup Champion and Huntington’s disease advocate Jake Dowell. The rosters consisted of former professional and collegiate players, including current members of the NCAA D1 program Long Island University (LIU). LIU’s head coach, Brett Riley, served as the coach of Team HDSA. Other former NHL players that competed in the game included two-time Stanley Cup Champions Rob Scuderi (Team HDSA) & Colin White (Team HSC). Click here for full rosters.
Special thanks to the event sponsors Teva Pharmaceuticals and uniQure, as well as the event partners Midknight Sports and the New Jersey Devils for making this event a success. To learn more about the event, photos, videos, and to donate, please visit www.HDSA.org/hockey.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
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The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today, hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.HDSA.org or call (800) 345-HDSA.
