A Community Rallies for Young Hockey Players
The South Carolina Stingrays Charity Classic is set for August 22 at 4:30 p.m. at the Carolina Ice Palace, where the rink will transform into a fundraiser for local youth hockey players.
Organizer Justin Florek, a former Stingrays forward, launched the event after noticing the financial strain many families face when pursuing the sport. His own son, Jacob, participates in the Charleston Youth Hockey Association’s program, giving the cause a personal resonance.
The gathering will feature a lineup of alumni, including Dave Seitz, Nate Kaiser, Matt Scherer, Johann Kroll, Hunter Bishop, and Parker Milner, who will join Florek on the ice for a showcase that blends nostalgia with philanthropy.
All proceeds are earmarked for the association’s player enrichment fund, aiming to raise between $10,000 and $20,000 to cover equipment and registration fees for families in need.
Ryan Blair, the hockey director at the Carolina Ice Palace, emphasizes the venue’s role as a hub for over 300 young skaters, noting that the charity night directly supports the next generation of players.
Tickets cost $10, and more than 200 of the 350 available seats have already been claimed, underscoring the community’s enthusiasm for the cause.