The women’s club soccer and club ice hockey team joined together in a benefit soccer game that raised $658, with all proceeds going to Defending the Blue Line — a nonprofit organization that looks to provide children of military members an opportunity to stay in ice hockey programs.
Junior Signal Sports Editor and Vice President of club soccer Julie Kayzerman planned the benefit game alongside junior physics major and ice hockey forward Tyler Viducic.
Although the two teams tied 1-1 in regulation time, the ice hockey team snuck out a 2-1 win in penalty kicks at the first-ever Women’s Club Soccer and Ice Hockey Benefit Game held on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. on the Lions Stadium.
“A lot of times their parents are on deployment and can’t play,” Viducic said. “So (Defending the Blue Line) gives kids the opportunity to get involved in sports while the parents are overseas. I’ve helped with the cause in past hockey tournaments, and so I thought this game would be a great idea.”
Established in 2009, Defending the Blue Line has given children free hockey equipment and free access to hockey camps nationwide.
In 2012, the ice hockey team faced club field hockey in a field hockey game with proceeds going toward Hurricane Sandy relief.
“We pulled out a win there, so now we’re 2-1 against the ladies,” Viducic said.
According to Alex D’Alessio, senior graphic design major and co-captain for the ice hockey team, the club soccer team pushed the men to the limit.
“I have to honestly say that we came out hard, but they came out a lot harder,” D’Alessio said. “They played phenomenally. All in all, it was a great time, we got both teams together and it was just good team morale.”
Tara Porfido, senior health and exercise science major and captain of women’s club soccer, said it was her first time participating in any type of benefit game with the team and she was pleased with the results.
“We realized that a lot of other organizations on campus participate in fundraisers, and since we’re a club team, it’s not typically our area of expertise,” Porfido said. “But we gave it a try, and we made a lot of money. It was really successful.”
Junior physics major Kyle Vermeal watched the game from the stands and was entertained all the way through. He gave both teams kudos for organizing such a successful event.
“I think it says a lot that two clubs are able to come together and work toward a common goal and really help other people out,” Vermeal said. “It shows that they really care and are trying to make a difference, and I think it brings a lot of community to (the College).”
