LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) \u2014 A new semi-professional hockey team is bringing more than just exciting gameplay to Lexington this winter. The Lexington Nightfall, organized by the Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective, is making community service a central part of its mission.<\/p>\n
The team will play five home games this season, with each game benefiting a different local charity or nonprofit organization, including Special Olympics, Lexington Dream Factory, and youth sports organizations.<\/p>\n
“This team, in general, is a team from the community for the community,” said Matt Menegotto, president of the Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective.<\/p>\n
The community’s response has been overwhelming. The team sold out its first game on February 21 in under a month, demonstrating strong local support for the new venture.<\/p>\n
Beyond supporting local nonprofits, the Lexington Nightfall is also honoring those who serve the community and country. All games this season will be played against first responder or veteran teams.<\/p>\n
“What better way to start off a new team than to play against and showcase the veterans and first responders who not only protect our country but also protect our community,” Menegotto said.<\/p>\n
The Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective has been working to grow hockey and make it more accessible across the world. The Lexington Nightfall is part of that plan; however, it is focused locally, with hopes of eventually bringing professional hockey back to Lexington.<\/p>\n
“Our ultimate goal is to grow the game and at the same time try to bring a professional hockey team back to Lexington,” Menegotto said.<\/p>\n
Head coach of the Lexington Nightfall, George Woolley, sees the launch as a fresh beginning for hockey in the area.<\/p>\n
“This is really a new event. It’s like New Year’s Eve. It’s a new start,” Woolley said.<\/p>\n
The team’s community-focused approach has garnered support from local businesses as well. Country Boy Brewing recently held a community night where a portion of the profits went to support the Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective.<\/p>\n
“We’ve been in the community for 14 years. We wouldn’t be where we are without our community,” said Mac Perry, general manager of Country Boy Brewing’s Chair Avenue location.<\/p>\n
Perry expressed excitement about the team’s debut and expects an energetic atmosphere at games.<\/p>\n
“I’m so excited. I expect a lot of yelling and cheering. I’m excited to see how they perform,” Perry said.<\/p>\n
If you want to learn more about the Lexington Nightfall or know when they play, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n