Since 2001, “Play It Again” for Charity has connected thousands of Central Pennsylvania hockey fans -- with their favorite NHL Alumni -- through benefit ice hockey games.

On May 8^th,  the organization celebrated its 10^th Anniversary with three of the most famous faces in hockey, the Hanson Brothers from the 1977 hit movie --- Slap Shot.

The capacity crowd watched the Hansons score SEVEN goals and also entertain the crowd with their antics as they played with two teams of amateur talent --who seemed to play their hearts out.  Between Periods, fans raced to the lobby to purchase tickets to win many hockey related hockey prizes with most of the proceeds benefiting the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. This was the area’s fifth Hanson Brothers appearance which has already raised $31,000 for the Coalition. The game featured the use of "pink hockey pucks and hockey tape" and a pink themed lobby. The 2010 event is expected to raise over $10,000!

According to Rob Ziemba, Founder of the event; “Our 10th Event was the pinnacle of all previous Hanson Brother appearances as we hit on all cylinders;  the stands were filled, the prizes were incredible -- and all of our players stepped up and raised money. The Hansons were great with the fans and EVERYONE got an autograph who wanted one. There is no doubt we set a fundraising record -- for our organization!" 

At the First intermission, "anxious" youth hockey players took to the ice and played with the Hansons in the Second Annual  "En-Kay Sporting Goods Little Chiefs Game." The 15 - minute game was a nail biter and ended with a 1-0, Black Team Win! This was the only known Hanson Brothers / Kids game on record. A few years from now, hopefully the kids appreciate what they did on this saturday afternoon! The game introduced the kids to the real meaning of "old time hockey" -- and was very entertaining for fans -- and the proud parents! 

At the end of the Second Period -- CRA Goalie Joe Letiza gave up a tough "glove side" goal, and was attacked by his own teammates, the Hanson Brothers. As zebra Jason Cleck stopped play to assist Joe, he had no choice but to summon three officers from the South Londonderry Police Department, who subdued the Hansons against the glass, and then escorted them to the lockerroom!

As the Third Period expired it was the Red Robin Robins winning over Team CRA -- by a score of 8-7! Fans enjoyed a free 1.5 hour autograph and picture session with the Hanson Brothers. 

Rob Ziemba commented; "When the Hanson Brothers cheerfully greeted the fans in the lobby, I know we have done our job. The mission statement for "Play It Again” for Charity has always been -- to connect the fan -- with the fan favorite; and - as the crowd indicated on May 8th, we did our job -- and that's the best part. We gave fans something special to enjoy -- and we raised a "hell of a lot of money." For a small organization, we do pretty well!"

"Play it Again" for Charity would like to thank ALL the Fans and Sponsors who supported us in 2010!

Interested fans may also  email us  for additional information on any of our events!