The Chicago Wolves will wear specially designed First Responders jerseys, presented by Chase, during their games on Jan. 4, 5, and 17 at Allstate Arena to raise money for the 100 Club of Chicago, the 5-11 Club and Chicago Wolves Charities.
The 100 Club of Chicago provides financial assistance for the families of Cook County police officers, firefighters and paramedics who lost their lives in the line of duty. The 5-11 Club’s top mission is to supply support service units to all emergency responders at extra-alarm fires.
Goaltender Matt Climie will wear a different jersey in each of the three games.Not only will there be Wolves jerseys for every player and head coach JOHN ANDERSON available via the auctions and raffles, the team has produced a jersey for senior executive vice president WAYNE MESSMER for the first time. The MESSMER jersey is a tribute to Bill Steiner and Henry Hugel, the Chicago Fire Department first responders who helped save Messmer’s life after he was shot in the throat during a robbery attempt in the early morning on April 9, 1994, on Chicago’s near west side.
“I will always recall the faces of Henry and Bill in those first frightening and fearful moments after the shooting,” MESSMER said. “They were my hope. Without their able hands, I am certain that my life would have ended on that fateful night. They, along with Dr. Seth Krosner at Cook County Hospital, are my inspiration each and every time since then whenever I am honored to be able to sing or speak.”
Goaltender Matt Climie, who has expressed interest in becoming a firefighter when his hockey career concludes, also has stepped forward to show his appreciation for first responders. CLIMIE will wear a different jersey in each of the three games to maximize the financial benefit for the charities. They’ll be available via raffle, silent auction, and online auction.
Wolves defensemen David Shields and Jani Hakanpaa and center Pat Cannone will join CLIMIE in having their jerseys available through in-game raffles. Tickets are $5 apiece or five for $20. The jersey worn by right wing Cody Beach will be available via blind auction. Fans can win all of the other limited-edition jerseys during the silent auction that begins on Jan. 4 in Allstate Arena’s Southeast Lobby and closes at the end of the second intermission on Jan. 17.
CLIMIE will make his final jersey available during a ChicagoWolves.com auction that begins Monday, Jan. 20, and closes at noon on Friday, Jan. 31.
For more information on the First Responders fundraiser as well as tickets for home games, visit ChicagoWolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.
