Texas Stars announce "Hockey for Haiti"

The Texas Stars announced today, as expected, that they will be teaming with the American Red Cross this week to raise money for those affected by the tragedy in Haiti. This fundraiser hits particularly close to home as Stars defenseman, Maxime Fortunus, is one of the few professional hockey players of Haitian descent. His parents are originally from Haiti although he was born in Quebec.

The Stars will be incentivizing your donation by providing a two-for-one ticket voucher to anyone who makes at least a $10 donation. There will be a silent auction at Friday's game during the first and second periods. Additionally, the Texas Stars' wives and girlfriends will be selling autographed pucks and pictures at Saturday's game versus Abbotsford to raise money as well.

Here is the official release including quotes from Fortunus:

The Texas Stars announced on Monday the team will partner with the American Red Cross in a fundraising promotion called “Hockey For Haiti”.

“The Texas Stars are deeply saddened and touched by the recent tragedy in Haiti”, said Texas Stars President Rick McLaughlin. “Texans have always been willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. With the American Red Cross and our great community, the entire organization is proud to reach out and help after this catastrophic tragedy.”

“Hockey For Haiti” will run through the next three home games at Cedar Park Center, starting Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:30 PM. The American Red Cross will be on hand to accept donations at tables on the concourse for every home game this week, concluding on Friday and Saturday with a pair of games against the Abbotsford Heat. The Texas Stars will provide a two-for-one coupon to a future game for any fan that makes a $10 donation (minimum for coupon) at any of the American Red Cross tables.

The team will hold a silent auction on the concourse during the first and second period of the game on Friday, January 29th. The auction will feature numerous autographed items from the Texas Stars and numerous sports teams throughout the AHL, NHL, MLB, NBA and PCL. Fans will have unique opportunities available for the auction, including golf and dinner with the Texas Stars players. All the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund.

Texas Stars defenseman Maxime Fortunus is one of the only professional hockey players in the country that is of Haitian decent.

“This is something that is very close to my heart involving my relatives who still live there”, said Fortunus. “As professional athletes and as human beings, the players are 100% willing to do anything we can to help aid the relief efforts in Haiti.”

The Texas Stars wives and girlfriends will also be selling individually autographed pucks and pictures for $10 each on the concourse for the game on Saturday, January 30.