Jan. 29, 2013

PURCHASE TICKETS



COLUMBUS, Ohio – The inaugural Division I men’s hockey Pride Night and the Buckeyes’ third-annual Teddy Bear Toss, along with giveaways each night, highlight the Ohio State men’s hockey team’s series with Notre Dame this weekend. The Buckeyes will host the Irish at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Value City Arena.

As part of Pride Night, set to be held Friday, the Ohio State men’s hockey program will debut a video that has been created in conjunction with the You Can Play Project. The organization is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.

“Hosting Pride Night is a way to reach out and show support for the LGBT community in Columbus and those that are particularly involved in athletics, either as participants or fans,” Chris Schneider, senior associate athletics director for sport administration at Ohio State, said. “The You Can Play Project has its roots in hockey and it seems like a natural fit to be sharing their message of acceptance.”

You Can Play works to guarantee athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success. You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit. For more on the You Can Play Project, and to see videos created by other organizations, visit: http://youcanplayproject.org/.

“The You Can Play Project is grateful to The Ohio State University for their support of LGBT athletes,” Patrick Burke, co-founder of You Can Play and a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers, said. “Ohio State has been an athletic powerhouse in numerous sports for decades, so it is clear they know what it takes to be winners: teamwork, unity, and cohesiveness. Ohio State athletes stepping up to support their teammates on and off the ice will lead to teammates who feel more comfortable, involved, and included. We appreciate the participation of an exemplary AD in Mr. Gene Smith and Coach Osiecki, one of the rising stars in the hockey coaching ranks. Their leadership will help set the tone for the athletes who look up to them.”

The Saturday night game is the third-annual Teddy Bear Toss in Value City Arena. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal (wrapped in a plastic bag) to toss on the ice after the second period (note the change from year’s past, which will allow time for the ice to be cleared without delaying the game). The stuffed animals will be collected and donated to the Ronald McDonald House. More than 500 stuffed animals were collected from the inaugural event and last year more than 800 were donated. Look back at Year One and Year Two.

Giveaways are planned for each night as well. Friday, cowbells will be given to the first 2,000 fans. Saturday, beanies will be handed out to the first 4,000 guests, provided by game sponsor Nationwide.

Following the game Friday, a skate for fans will be held on the Value City Arena ice. (Note, the Ohio State student-athletes will not be available to take part in the skate.) Fans must bring their own skates.

Postgame Saturday, Buckeye sophomores Tanner Fritz, Matt Johnson, Max McCormick and Al McLean will sign autographs on the concourse level.

Ticket Information

Single-game tickets for the 2012-13 Ohio State men’s hockey home schedule can be purchased at the arena on game night. Advance tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com, in person at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Ohio State University ticket office in the Jerome Schottenstein Center.

Fans interested in a four game mini plan package or group tickets should contact the athletic ticket sales staff for details. Account executives can be reached by phone (614-292-0043) or email (athleticsales@osu.edu).

All Ohio State students receive free admission to regular-season home games with a valid BuckID.

All hockey players eighth grade and under who wear their jerseys to hockey games at Value City Arena receive free admission (with a ticket-purchasing parent).