South Raleigh News

Doug Warf, President of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced that the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation has contributed an additional $25,000 to the Asheville Hockey League. This donation, along with a $10,000 gift from the NHL, helped the organization achieve its $100,000 goal to construct a new hockey rink after Hurricane Helene destroyed their previous facility. To celebrate this milestone, players and officials from the Asheville Hockey League will attend a Hurricanes home game on Tuesday.

Initially, the Hurricanes donated $50,000 to the Asheville Hockey League and promised to match an additional $25,000 raised. These funds were part of the 'Raise Up $1 Million' raffle program. The team aims to donate at least $1 million towards Hurricane Helene relief projects in Western North Carolina and has already raised nearly $400,000 through community events.

The Asheville Hockey League's rink was previously located in Carrier Park in Asheville. The league includes 1,800 full-time youth and adult members who played three seasons annually over ten months. Currently, they are conducting an abbreviated season in Greenville, SC.

The 'Raise Up $1 Million Raffle' is held during 18 home games between October 11 and December 28. Each night features a winner who meets players post-game and receives a limited-edition puck as one of 18 finalists for a grand prize up to $125,000. The prize amounts to half of all raffle ticket sales but is capped at $125,000. Fans can also participate online for chances at prizes without attending games.

The Asheville Hockey League offers community space for inline hockey in Western North Carolina and promotes competition and skills development among youth and adults.

"We are pleased to announce a $50,000 donation to the Asheville Hockey League to help rebuild the organization’s outdoor hockey rink," stated Carolina Hurricanes via Twitter.