Florida Panthers Alumni Association Gives Big Push to Youth Hockey in South Florida

SUNRISE, Fla. – Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and the Florida Panthers Alumni Association presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida announced today that they have awarded nearly $7,000 in scholarship money as part of a bi-annual scholarship grant program.

One of the recipients, Nicole Parks, was awarded a special grant by the Panthers Alumni Association to help her attend the North American Hockey Academy. Nicole has displayed high motivation and set her goals to play at the University level and beyond. The North American Hockey Academy is one of the best developmental programs in North America.

"Not every family has the resources that will allow their children to pursue their dreams," said Cliff Parks, Nicole's father, "Through the help of the Florida Panthers Alumni Association, I am able to give my daughter the opportunity to reach her dreams and goals."

Several areas are taken into consideration when reviewing the applications for grants by the Alumni Association and its board of directors. Applicants must be leaders on the ice, motivated in the classroom and active in their communities. In addition, the value of each individual's grant is predicated upon the overall amount of funding available to the Alumni Association for the current period, via our fundraising efforts and programs, and the amount of funds provided from other sources to the applicant.

"The Florida Panthers Alumni Association is very excited and proud to provide funding to these special applicants," said Alumni Association President and former Panther Randy Moller. "Our participation with the youth hockey leagues will enable the Panthers Alumni Association and Florida Panthers to stay involved in the community and continue to promote the sport of ice hockey in a non-traditional market."

During the 2006-2007 year the Florida Panthers Alumni Association presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida has donated over $34,000 toward youth hockey. From awarding local youth hockey teams with funds to attend national tournaments, to a special suite night at the BankAtlantic Center – the Alumni Association works hard to support youth hockey in South Florida and will continue to present funding opportunities throughout the 2007-2008 calendar year.

In the spring, the Alumni Association will sponsor a deserving Florida Scholastic Hockey League player who, despite his talents, would otherwise be denied the ability of participating in the Chicago Showcase. This prestigious tournament is the only venue that allows high school players from all areas of the country, who are not traditionally scouted, the opportunity to compete against one another and be seen by every major hockey program in the United States. The Showcase will consist of 24 teams and over 550 of the top players from across the country.

The Florida Panthers Alumni Association presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida was formed, in part to assist former players with their transition from being a player to becoming active and productive members in the South Florida business and social community. In addition, the association helps support the Florida Panthers Hockey Club with their numerous corporate, community and civic events projects.

For information on Florida Panthers Alumni Association please call Kim Freedman at 954-835-7415, or log on to www.floridapanthersalumni.org.