Buffalo Sabres stars Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner have joined owners Terry and Kim Pegula in making large donations to the local COVID-19 response.
Eichel announced Wednesday he has purchased 5,000 protective face shields from Bauer, whose hockey gear he has worn during his NHL career, that will be distributed to hospitals throughout Western New York.
Skinner, meanwhile, has donated $53,000 to the Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund, an organization formed by 18 local foundations. The money from the fund goes to health care workers and organizations that provide groceries. The Pegulas pledged to donate at least $1.2 million last week.
Bauer, of course, makes all kinds of hockey equipment, including protective shields (visors) for helmets. But with hockey on hold right now as the coronavirus spreads across North America, Bauer recently started making face shields to help health care workers.
“I am so thankful to all those medical professionals that are on the front lines taking care of our community in the battle against this virus,” Eichel said in a statement. “The dedication to Western New York that they continue to show is incredible. I am happy to work with my friends at Bauer to purchase these masks. Hopefully, they will help play a part in keeping our hospital workers safer and healthier.”
On a conference call earlier this week, Eichel said his mother, Anne, is on leave from her job as an ambulatory surgery nurse at Boston Medical Center to help his father, Bob, who recently underwent shoulder replacement surgery.
Skinner, who wears No. 53, announced his donation Wednesday in an Instagram video.
“I want to say thank you to all of our hospital workers that are on the front lines helping to care for those that been affected by the virus,” he said.
The NHL suspended its season indefinitely March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Thank you to all of our First Responders and Hospital Workers on the front lines
Thanks for everything your doing. When everyone cares we can make a difference. Go Sabres and #53.