WILKES-BARRE, PA (January 11, 2023) -- A tradition among the King's College men's ice hockey program will continue again in the 2023-24 season as the Monarchs announce this year's fundraising efforts will benefit the Protez Foundation on February 10 as King's hosts Lebanon Valley at 6:00 p.m. at the Revolution Ice Centre for the Protez Foundation Benefit Game.

As in the past, this year's fundraising efforts benefit and provide awareness to a a cause chosen by one of our Monarch student-athletes for their personal connections. Sophomore forward Denys Arkhypenko moved to the United States at the age of 11 from Ukraine, and his entire family currently resides in Ukraine. Arkhypenko chose the Protez Foundation for their work providing support to Ukranians in need of high-quality prosthetics, rehabilitation, and training.

"As a Ukrainian, I am honored to support the Protez Foundation in helping the Ukrainian people who have been affected by the war," said Arkhypenko. "By focusing on prosthetic procedures and essential assistance, the organization fills a critical gap in the medical and humanitarian care for the people of Ukraine. By supporting Protez, I hope to represent perseverance for people who are going through life changing times. Supporting Protez is more than helping a cause; it's about unity and demonstrating the strength of the Ukrainian people. In doing so, I actively participate in helping the Ukrainian people continue leading a fulfilling life."

For the second consecutive season, the Monarchs will wear custom jerseys during the game against the Flying Dutchmen that will also appear in an online auction site. The jersey auction is now open and can be found at THIS LINK. and will close 48 hours after the game on Monday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. The commemorative jerseys will be sent to the highest bidder at the end of the auction.
 

In addition to the commemorative jerseys, the auction site will also include a variety of hockey memorabilia, such as a signed Ukranian National Team jersey and Upper Deck trading cards.

The King's men's ice hockey team sold t-shirts to help support the cause. Designed by Arkhypenko, the shirts read "Property of King's Hockey 2024" on the front, dawn the Protez Foundation logo on the back, and include a QR code to the donation site on the left sleeve. Select sizes will be available on February 10 for purchase.

Additional fundraising items will include additional raffles and prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a chuck-a-puck contest that will be available for fans on February 10 before and during the game at the Revolution Ice Centre. All proceeds from the jersey auction, raffles, and chuck-a-puck, t-shirts, and the ONLINE DONATION PAGE will directly benefit the Protez Foundation.

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ABOUT THE PROTEZ FOUNDATION
Protez Foundation is a Minnesota based 501-(c)-(3) non-profit providing support to Ukrainians who lost limbs during the war and in need of high-quality prosthetics, rehabilitation, and training. Protez Foundation mission is two-fold: fit injured Ukrainians with cutting-edge prosthetics for free and to empower local prosthetists and rehabilitation specialists with modern methodologies, ensuring sustainable and advanced care within the country.

Thanks to the generous backing from numerous individuals and organizations worldwide, we've success fully provided prosthetic fittings for 135 individuals, delivering a total of 360 prosthetic devices.

Here's how YOUR DONATIONS can make a difference:
1. Your support will directly fund the fitting of high-quality prosthetics for injured individuals, enabling them to regain mobility and independence.
2. Your contribution will facilitate training programs for Ukrainian prosthetists and rehabilitation specialists, empowering them with modern techniques and methodologies in prosthetic care.