Hockey Greats Face Off for Sandy Relief on Friday

Mennen Arena, in Morris Township, hosts ice skating Friday nights. At least, it did, before Sandy hit. Then, it was the county's designated storm shelter. 

While it again will not be a place to lace up your skates and take to the ice this Friday, folks will get the opportunity to see others do just that—and help others in the process.

A benefit for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, called " is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the arena. The coaches of the New Jersey Colonials traveling youth ice hockey team will face off against the alumni team of the New Jersey Devils.

"Call it the 'War to Restore NJ,' 'War to ReShore NJ,' or 'Ice Cool Duel,' but the New Jersey Colonials travel hockey club’s coaches will be taking on the on the Devils NHL Alumni Team, in a FUNdraiser, to collect donations and food items to replenish local food banks and raise funds for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund," according to a press release.

The New Jersey Colonials hockey club is based at Mennen Arena. New Jersey Devils alums committing to play so far include Ken Daneyko, John MacLean, Sergei Brylin, Grant Marshall, Bruce Driver, Pete DeBoer and Dave Bohr, among others.

"The New Jersey Colonials were looking for a way to help fellow New Jerseyans and Morris County residents that have had so much taken from them in the aftermath of the storm," according to the release. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, including the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, which was founded by Gov. Chris Christie's wife, Mary Pat Christie.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, as well as at least one non-perishable food item. Suggested items to donate include: Parmalat, powdered milk, canned meats and meals, hearty and low- salt soups, tuna, peanut butter, nut butters and canned fruit.

For more information, contact Dede McMenamy, with the New Jersey Colonials, at 973-822-8447, or Ddmcmenamy@aol.com.