BUFFALO, N.Y. — When Jack Eichel spoke to the media earlier in the week via conference call, he talked about how the COVID-19 crisis was so much bigger than hockey.
Wednesday came word that he is acting to help.
A source confirms to WGRZ's Adam Benigni that the Sabres captain is teaming with hockey equipment company Bauer to donate thousands of face shields to area hospitals in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Sabres forward Jeff Skinner also posted on Instagram that he is donating $53,000 to the fund that owners Terry and Kim Pegula created to help area non-profits, Feed More WNY, and first responders.
"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."
Added Mary-Kay Messier, the vice president of Global Marketing Bauer Hockey, through a statement: "We're all on the same team in helping our medical professionals get the necessary protective equipment they need to help in the fight against COVID-19. Nurses, doctors and so many others are risking their own health to save the lives of others. These are the true heroes of coronavirus. Our team was eager to step up and do what we can, just like Jack is stepping up to help his community in Buffalo. We're grateful for this partnership with Jack and the Buffalo Sabres, and we hope others continue to help because we all need to support our families, friends and neighbors right now."
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