RALEIGH, NC - Jeff Skinner, left wing for the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that he is launching his own initiative to honor local educators. 53's Difference Makers will recognize teachers at 15 Hurricanes home games throughout the 2016-17 season, beginning with the team's home opener on Friday, Oct. 28, against the New York Rangers.

"Education has always been something that is important to my family and to me," said Skinner. "I know from my own personal experiences the type of impact that a great teacher can have on a person, and I wanted to give back to some of this area's true difference makers."

Through his initiative, Skinner will provide each teacher with:

Four tickets to a Hurricanes home game

A $1,000 donation to the teacher's school

A post-game meet-and-greet

A Jeff Skinner jersey

jersey A $100 gift certificate to Stone's Education & Toys

Skinner, 24, is currently in his seventh NHL season with the Hurricanes, and has totaled 145 goals and 128 assists (273 points) in 423 career games. The Markham, Ont., native won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 2010-11 and played in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. He currently serves has one of the Hurricanes' alternate captains.

Stone's Education & Toys is a local, independent retailer of educational toys, games, books and teacher supplies. As passionate advocates for the shop local movement, Stone's staff takes great pride in helping families find outstanding educational toys and gifts. Stone's is located at 210 Hampton Woods Lane in Raleigh.