COMETS REMAIN ENGAGED WITH COMMUNITY DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

Dec 23, 2016

During your holiday travels this season, you may have seen some members of the Utica Comets hockey club giving back to the community that shows everlasting support to the team.

In November, as you passed the Comets Kiosk in the Sangertown Square Mall, chances are you could find a Comets team member signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. Defenseman Chad Billins and goaltender Thatcher Demko took the time to read and sign autographs at the Clayville Library Association in efforts to encourage the importance of reading to the local children. 

Before Thanksgiving, the Rescue Mission of Utica received a personal visit from the entire Utica Comets team and staff, who were pleased to deliver Thanksgiving meals to local families in need.  To finish the month, forward Carter Bancks and goaltender Richard Bachman began the Utica Comets Storytime Series at Barnes and Noble.

The month of December has also been a busy month for the Utica Comets. Broadcaster Andy Zilch and everyone’s favorite alien, Audie, could be spotted playing floor hockey with kids at the Jewish Community Center on Mondays. The duo paired with several players and assistant coaches Nolan Baugartner and Jason King to keep children active following their school day. In addition, Andy Zilch read stories to children and parents at the New Hartford Public Library with forward Michael Carcone.

Before the holiday break, forwards Cole Cassels and Curtis Valk made an appearance at the House of the Good Shephard to speak to children about their process to the AHL and how hockey has impacted their lives. Defensemen Ashton Sautner and Colby Robak continued the Barnes and Noble Utica Comets Storytime Series for December, a series that will extend throughout the season. The team will continue the series on January 23rd and February 27th at 5:30 p.m., reading to families and fans.

For the latest updates on Comets appearances follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/uticacomets), Twitter (@UticaComets) and Instagram (@UticaComets). #WePlayForU