CADETS FOR VETS

The La Salle hockey team proudly continued its annual “Cadets for Vets” hockey game tradition on Jan. 13, hosting the Capital Region Jets at Frear Park Ice Rink in Troy. (Provided photo)

The La Salle hockey team proudly continued its annual “Cadets for Vets” hockey game tradition on Jan. 13, hosting the Capital Region Jets at Frear Park Ice Rink in Troy. This tradition was started in 2018 and raises money for the Albany Housing Coalition (AHC), an organization that provides critical services for homeless veterans in the area. With generous support from the school and greater community, this event has raised over $50,000 for the AHC since 2018. 

La Salle Institute student-athletes use this opportunity to give back to the community. Each year, students visit the Albany Housing Coalition and dine with the veteran residents prior to the event. 

“I think this event is amazing because it gives us a great opportunity to honor our veterans,” Team Manager John Teliska, ’24, said. “It is an important event in Rensselaer County. The rink is always packed for the game!”

Each year special veteran friends of La Salle are invited and honored at the game. Michael Nocera, team captain, remembers having his own grandfather, Ralph Nocera, on the bench with him last year as an honored veteran. Members of the La Salle community also honor veterans by purchasing Honor Cards that are displayed the night of the event.