WFMZ: 'It's heartwarming': LV Polar Bears raise over $60,000 for special needs hockey teams
- Cain Bochter
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
A local special needs hockey team's fundraiser was a major success.
On Sunday, the Lehigh Valley Polar Bears learned how much money the Lehigh Valley Winter Classic brought in.
The Polar Bears held its check unveiling at Bethlehem's Steel Ice Center for its annual Winter Classic event.
"To see $60,000 plus in a day raised for an amazing organization is huge," said Blake Strobl, event captain for the Lehigh Valley Winter Classic.
We first told you about the event last month held at Bethlehem's Municipal Ice Rink-- featuring special needs hockey teams from all over the region and Flyers alumni.
It is a fundraiser going 12 years strong.
"It's amazing, you know the first year, you know it was part of a day. Now it's a full day," said Strobl.
He said this is the second-highest amount the event has ever raised.
"It's heartwarming and it really gives you a big feeling of worthwhileness in running the event every year," said Strobl.
Team president Joe Guellnitz said the fundraiser helps cover hockey expenses for Polar Bears players.
"Equipment for our kids, when we hold tournaments, we'll help families out that need financial aid, you know set them up with new uniforms and things like that for new players. You name it and it covers all of our costs," said Guellnitz.
The winter classic is helping special needs hockey teams beyond the Lehigh Valley too.
"It's wild just to think about the impact that goes beyond just playing the game, organizing an event to see it trickle down and be spread out and shared amongst the community, the hockey community and the special hockey community," said Strobl.
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