A 24‑Hour Hockey Marathon for a Good Cause
On Labor Day weekend, a group of Long Island hockey players laced up their skates for a nonstop 24‑hour marathon at the Dix Hills Ice Rink, turning the facility into a nonstop arena of sticks, pucks and charitable fervor.
The event, organized by the grassroots initiative Hockey Helps, was founded 13 years ago by Jim Flanagan, who serves as the organization’s president and spearheads the annual fundraiser aimed at supporting children and young people confronting illness, economic hardship and other challenges.
Since its inception in 2010, the marathon has generated more than $7 million in donations, a testament to the sustained generosity of participants, sponsors and the broader Long Island community.
Organizers say the marathon’s endurance model not only raises money but also builds awareness, drawing families, local businesses and former players to the rink throughout the night, creating a vibrant atmosphere of solidarity and purpose.
Looking ahead, Hockey Helps plans to continue the tradition, hoping the next marathon will surpass the seven‑million mark and expand its reach to additional families across the region.