The annual 24‑hour hockey marathon, held at Dix Hills Ice Rink on Long Island, draws players of all ages to the ice for a full day of continuous skating, turning the rink into a vibrant hub of fundraising activity.
The 24‑Hour Challenge
For a full day and night, participants skate without rest, their sticks clashing and pucks sliding as they generate excitement and draw crowds of supporters who contribute through ticket sales, donations and sponsorships.
Grassroots Organizer
The event is the brainchild of Jim Flanagan, who launched Hockey Helps as a community‑driven effort to channel the energy of the sport into tangible aid for children and young people facing illness, economic hardship and other adversity.
Since its inception in 2010, Hockey Helps has amassed more than $7 million in donations, a figure that reflects the sustained commitment of players, families and local businesses to the cause.
Located just off Vanderbilt Parkway, the Dix Hills Ice Rink serves as the focal point for the marathon, where the hum of skates and the roar of the crowd create an atmosphere that unites the Long Island community.
The ongoing success of the marathon demonstrates how a simple, grassroots concept can evolve into a powerful engine of philanthropy, offering hope and support to those who need it most.