SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—The Skidmore College and Saratoga High School hockey teams have joined forces for a second year to present Hockey Night in Saratoga.   On Friday, Feb. 2, the teams will play dual games at the Saratoga Ice Rink facility on Weibel Avenue to raise funds to support local youth hockey.
 
The Skidmore Thoroughbreds host the nationally ranked University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons in a New England Hockey Conference game at 7 p.m. in the Weibel Ave. Rink, while the Saratoga Blue Streaks play defending Section 2 champion LaSalle Cadets at 5:45 p.m. in Vernon Arena.
 
There is no admission charge for the Skidmore game and a minimal charge for the Saratoga game with all of the proceeds benefiting the SYHI Scholarship Program.  There will also be a free shuttle bus for Skidmore students leaving Case Center at 6:30 p.m.
 
This year, money will be raised for the Saratoga Youth Hockey (SYHI) Scholarship program, which provides financial aid to struggling families so that their boys and girls can afford to play hockey, and not be left out of pursuing their dreams.  This grant program was created by SYHI in honor of Mark Woodcock for dedicated Saratoga families that demonstrate the need for assistance.  SYHI is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, community-based grassroots hockey program dedicated to providing all ages of youth participants with the opportunity to experience the great game of hockey.  SYHI was formed in 1976, and strives to make ice hockey accessible to any child who wants to play.
 
Wayne Gretzky has said that his family struggled with hockey costs in the early 1970's, when skates were $25 and sticks $3.99, to support he and his brothers' desire to play hockey.  With the increased expense of hockey today, Wayne said his parents could probably not have afforded for him to play hockey … just think of a hockey world without a Wayne Gretzky, or other stars who may have also struggled with costs!  However, Wayne went on to note that communities and charities often come together to make hockey affordable for those who otherwise would not be able to play.  That is what Hockey Night in Saratoga and the SYHI Scholarship program are all about.
 
Each team will have fundraiser activities, and donations will be accepted at the door.

There will be a ceremonial puck drop at both games along with several in-game promotions. In addition, several vendors will be in attendance, with a portion of their profits going to SYHI Scholarship Program.