03/20/16- Rockford Icehogs Star Wars Night

[psykojedi7956]

On March 20th, the Rockford Icehogs squared off against the Charlotte Checkers. The game went into overtime and after 13 rounds of shootouts, the IceHogs came out the victors 2-1. After the game, the team auctioned off the Darth Vader inspired jerseys to raise money for The IceHogs Charitable Foundation (with the bulk of it going to the local Special Olympics). During the game, there was a silent auction and a raffle to win 2 of the jerseys. Later this week, fans will have the opportunity to bid on another jersey and a Darth Vader inspired goalie mask. But enough about the guys on the ice, what did we do.

Troopers suited up around 2:00 to get ready for the laundry list of happenings the IceHogs promotional team had for us.

Before the game, 3 troopers attended a Make-a-Wish event for around 200 children and family members. They took pictures with the children (and the children-at-heart adults, who seemed more excited by us) and mingled. The kids had pool noodle light sabers, paper Yoda ears, and paper masks to look like a trooper, C3PO, and other SW characters.

While the 3 troopers were downstairs at the BMO Harris Bank Center, several troopers were enlisted to greet the fans as they entered the arena at the season ticket entrance and at the top of the escalators for the general public.

Before the game started, Vader escorted the individuals responsible for the puck drop. As he was doing this, the other troopers were enlisted to take photos with the fans at several locations on the concourse.

During the 1st period timeouts, troopers were on hand to flank the contestants for "Let's Make a Deal" and "Buffalo Wild Wings IceHogs Trivia" (while the fans playing hoped Lord Vader wouldn't come and alter the deal).

During the 1st Intermission, the troopers escorted the Special Olympics Athletes as they paraded from the south end to the north end of the ice.

During the 2nd period, Kylo Ren and a TIE pilot rocked out to 80's music on inflatable Midway-prize guitars, with Kylo winning the contest.

After the game, troopers were on the ice to take pictures with each player and the individuals who won their jersey.

Totals are still coming in, but the IceHogs are estimating close to $75,000 was raised by the 5882 (13 shy of an official sell out crowd) in attendance, with jerseys during the auction going for $2100-$4200. Exact total will not be available until later this week as there are still the eBay auctions to add to what was raised on Sunday.

Troopers finally started to suit down around 8:15.

Troopers in attendance:
1781 Rich Markle Darth Vader
5365 Jen Loomis 501st Trooper
7956 Anthony Day Kylo Ren
10126 Brian Gurak Darth Revan
10154 Mat Agrest Darth Nihilus
21273 Chris Buetsch Jodo Kast
33050 Rob Graham Biker Scout
Conor Markle- handler and photos
Austin Sitka TIE Pilot
Josiah Batey Snowtrooper
Samantha Scholl New Hope Leia

Pics (and video) from the game: http://s446.photobucket.com/user/psykoj ... t=3&page=1

[RedMask]

Quite a long troop, but well worth it!

[Runnin'6712]

ToD updated. Looks like a great time!

[riverstormtrooper]

Like the pics Air guitar!