Amerks to host 600 boy scouts Friday

(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Americans will host more than 600 Boy Scouts as part of the team's annual Scout Night when the Amerks host the Binghamton Senators on Friday at The Blue Cross Arena at 7:35 p.m.

As part of the annual scout night festivities, many of the scouts and their families will also spend the night at The Blue Cross Arena following the game.  The scout sleepover includes the chance to tour the Amerks locker room and watch a movie on the Arena's new video board. Tim Horton's will provide breakfast for the scouts on Saturday morning.  Each scout in attendance at the game will receive an Amerks/Scout badge while one troop will have the opportunity to present the colors for the National Anthem prior to opening face-off.

Friday's Scout Night is just one of several initiatives taking place at The Blue Cross Arena during that night's game. In observance of Veterans Day, the Amerks will "Salute the Troops" throughout the evening to honor our nation's military heroes. Fans are encouraged to donate care package items that will be sent to local U.S. military service members who are currently deployed overseas. For a complete list of items that can be included in the care packages, visit amerks.com. The items will be collected at the game and shipped by Blue Star Mothers ROC, which is part of a national organization whose mission is to support all members of the Armed Forces and their families through a variety of supportive events and activities. 

In addition to collecting items for care packages, the Amerks are also selling one-of-a-kind, military-themed "Mystery Pucks," each of which will be autographed by a current Amerks player and individually wrapped so the identity of the player remains a mystery until the puck has been purchased. Proceeds for the sale of the mystery pucks will go to Defending the Blue Line, which is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization "created by soldiers with the spirit of keeping hockey alive for the children of our nation's military heroes." 

The Amerks will be hosting a special guest at the game, as U.S. Army Master Sergeant Gary Vandertang, a Rochester native, will drop the ceremonial first puck. Last season, the Amerks donated a set of game-worn jerseys to Master Sgt. Vandertang for his ball hockey team to wear in a league created by soldiers in Afghanistan to help alleviate the everyday stress of being deployed overseas. Additionally, all military members and their guests can purchase tickets to Friday's game for just $10.

Finally, the Amerks Coat Drive continues Friday, as fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats by dropping them off in collection bins in front of The Blue Cross Arena Box Office, located in the lower atrium, prior to both Friday's game and Saturday's game (7:35 vs. Grand Rapids). The coats will then be donated to the Open Door Mission. Any fan that donates a coat will be able to purchase a $10 ticket in the best available seating location for that night's game.