On Sunday, March 24, 2019 the New York City Police Department will be playing a “tune-up” hockey game in order to prepare for the big game at Madison Square Garden where they’ll face off against the New York City Fire Department in their annual hockey challenge.
The practice game will be played at The Rinx in Hauppauge (660 Terry Rd, Hauppauge, NY). The game will take place between the NYPD and “Team Colin”, a group of semi-pro and ex- college hockey players who are sure to give the police a run for their money!
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Team Colin is named in honor of Colin McGrath who died after being struck by a car on July 25th, 2018 at the age of 2. Colin is the great grandson of Frank Palamara, the owner of the Rinx, and the grandson of Tom Palamara, President of the Rinx. Tom’s son and Colin’s uncle, Tommy Palamara, will be playing for Team Colin, and Tommy’s sons (Colin’s cousins) have the honor of dropping the puck at the start of the game.
Team Colin will be wearing custom green jerseys featuring a shamrock with the Colin’s Joy Project logo inside, and instead of last names on the back, each jersey will read “Team Colin”. Although these jerseys will not be on sale for the public, patrons of the game do have the opportunity to purchase white “Team Colin” t-shirts which will also feature a shamrock, the Colin’s Joy Project logo, and Team Colin on the back. Additionally, each shirt will sport the number 2 on the back, chosen especially by Colin’s sister, Sloane, since Colin was 2, and also the “number 2 child”. The cost of the shirts will be $20 per shirt.
In lieu of admission tickets, the Rinx is asking for donations for Colin’s Joy Project, created by Colin’s parents, Kerri and Brendan McGrath. Colin’s Joy Project is raising money which will eventually be donated in the form of grants to a variety of community projects in South Boston, including several outdoor play spaces, as well as Julie’s Family Learning Program, the South Boston Neighborhood House, South Boston Catholic Academy, and the South Boston branch of the Boston Public Library. Suggested donations for entry are $10 per adult and $5 per child, but any amount is welcomed. Visit Colin’s Joy Project’s “Projects” page to learn more about the various community outreach projects the foundation will be supporting in the months to come.
Colin lived his life with pure joy every moment, whether that be by playing in the neighborhood park, singing, dancing, and playing with sister Sloane. Colin’s Joy Project aims to continue to spread joy in the lives of children and families in the Boston Community. You can find out more about Colin, their partners, their mission statement and more here.
In addition to witnessing an exciting hockey game, attendees will have the chance to bid on a variety of baskets and merchandise, including: playoff tickets for the New York Islanders and an assortment of signed New York Islanders’ sticks and jerseys.
This event is focused on family; not only the McGrath family, but the community and tight-knit hockey family as well. Bring your kids, spend some quality time together, enjoy music and entertainment in between periods, and most of all, spread joy in memory of Colin.
If you can’t attend but still want to help out, Colin’s Joy Project is accepting donations here. If you can’t donate (or even if you can!) spread the word about this great event by sharing this post. Read more about the event here!
Who are you rooting for? Comment in the section below!
image 1: TheRinx.com