Since arriving in Utah in October, Archie has been acclimating to his new surroundings, spending time at the club\u2019s business facility, and making regular trips to Utah\u2019s Olympic Oval for team visits. Over the next year and a half, he will focus on mastering basic commands and building social skills to prepare for his formal training at America\u2019s VetDogs campus. This foundational training will be essential in shaping him into a successful service dog for a veteran or first responder in need. Whether he\u2019s chasing balls, napping belly-up, or joining mid-day social hours with staff, Archie will continue to grow into an invaluable member of Utah Hockey Club.<\/p>\n
“America\u2019s VetDogs is proud to partner with Utah Hockey Club and America First Credit Union to co-raise Archie during the team\u2019s inaugural NHL season,\u201d said John Miller, president and CEO of America\u2019s VetDogs. \u201cArchie will become a beloved part of the club, and we are deeply grateful to both Utah Hockey Club and America First Credit Union for their unwavering support of our organization, as well as their commitment to serving our nation\u2019s veterans and first responders.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cUtah Hockey Club has been committed to making a meaningful impact in our community since day one,\u201d said Kari Larson, senior vice president of community relations for Utah Hockey Club. \u201cOur partnership with America\u2019s VetDogs and America First Credit Union to raise Archie is a meaningful way to honor and give back to a veteran or first responder who has served our country. We can\u2019t wait for our players, fans, and community members to meet Archie and be a part of this important journey together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0Following his puppy raising, Archie will return to America\u2019s VetDogs campus in Smithtown, NY to begin his formal service dog training. Concluding his training, Archie will be matched at no cost with a veteran, active-duty service member, or first responder with disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Fans looking to meet Archie can do so at Utah Hockey Club\u2019s Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 15 as the team takes on the Vegas Golden Knights. Archie will be socializing with guests during a meet-and-greet on the main concourse that evening, offering a chance for fans to say hello and learn more about his journey with the club.<\/p>\n
\u00a0It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one service dog; however, all America\u2019s VetDogs\u2019 services are provided at no charge to the individual. \u00a0Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, and service and fraternal clubs. Veterans, first responders, and active-duty service members with disabilities can apply for a service dog, including Archie, here<\/a>. Learn more by visiting VetDogs.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n \u00a0About America\u2019s VetDogs<\/p>\n For more than 20 years, America\u2019s VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, America\u2019s VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America\u2019s VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves individuals from across the United States. America\u2019s VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America\u2019s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. America\u2019s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.<\/p>\n About Utah Hockey Club<\/p>\n Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) established Utah\u2019s first-ever NHL franchise in April 2024, with the team set to debut in the 2024-25 season. With this move, SEG introduced the second \u201cBig Four” major professional sports league to Utah for the first time in state history. To be known as Utah Hockey Club for their inaugural season, the club was established with a competitive, dynamic roster and 34 draft picks spanning their first three consecutive seasons (2024-27). The team will compete at Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City, building on the renowned, energetic atmosphere for which Utah\u2019s sports and entertainment scene has become known. The arena\u2019s hockey capacity for Utah\u2019s inaugural season is 11,131 with the option to open thousands of additional single-goal view seats for select games. For more information on Utah Hockey Club, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit\u00a0www.UtahHockeyClub.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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