In conjunction with the release of the “Playing for Pevs” documentary on Fox Sports Southwest, the Dallas Stars and former player Rich Peverley have teamed up to announce Peverley’s new charity initiative by raising awareness and money for the American Heart Association at the American Airlines Center on March 12.
Peverley, who retired this offseason after a cardiac event on the Dallas bench in 2014, is now a player development coordinator in the Stars front office, and he is launching a new charity called Pevs Protects in his hometown of Guelph, Ontario. The charity will work with Heart and Stroke of Canada to host a series of fundraisers for AED purchases and training as well as funds to support CPR training.
On March 12 before the game against the St. Louis Blues, Peverley and the Dallas Stars Foundation will be raising money for the American Heart Association through sales of fundraising tickets and merchandise. Peverley will be on hand to drop the puck and tell his “survivor story” to fans with Daryl Reaugh outside the AAC at 6:30 p.m.
We’ll have all sorts of thoughts on the documentary itself later today. If you didn’t get a chance to see it on FSSW last night, the Stars have made the entire broadcast available online. Grab all of the tissues:
The full information on the charity initiative as well as the night to celebrate it at the AAC is below:
FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Stars announced today plans to host Pevs Protects Night for the American Heart Association on Saturday, March 12 as they play the St. Louis Blues at 8:00pm. In conjunction with former forward and current Player Development Coordinator Rich Peverley, the Stars have plans to raise both funds and awareness for the American Heart Association through the Dallas Stars Foundation.
Peverley suffered a cardiac incident that led to his collapse on the bench in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, March 10, 2014. His heart condition ultimately led to his retirement from the game of hockey and he currently serves as the Stars Player Development Coordinator.
“We’re thrilled to support Rich and the American Heart Association in this initiative,” said Stars President, Chief Executive Officer and Alternate Governor Jim Lites. “We all witnessed first-hand a very traumatic incident that could have been much worse had it not been for the equipment and training that our medical team had in place. Rich and his family remain a big part of our organization and we’re proud of the awareness that he’s creating for this very important cause.”
On March 12, Peverley will be accompanied by Stars Color Analyst Daryl “Razor” Reaugh to deliver his survivor story to fans in the AT&T Plaza outside of American Airlines Center at 6:30 p.m. He will then take part in the ceremonial puck drop prior to the start of the game. Stars players will utilize red tape in honor of the American Heart Association throughout the game.
The Stars will be selling a limited supply of fundraising tickets in which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Using the promo code “Pevs”, fans can visit www.dallasstars.com/playing4pevs to purchase these special tickets.
Also for this night, the Stars will be selling a special Rich Peverley “Pevs Protects” t-shirt and hat. A portion of the proceeds of the shirt and hat sales will be donated to the American Heart Association through the Dallas Stars Foundation at The Hangar locations in American Airlines Center.
“Dallas will always be a very special place for me,” said Peverley. “The Stars organization and the entire city was so supportive to me and my family through a very difficult time. Because of that, I feel it is important to give back in whatever way I can. Proceeds from this night will go directly to AED (Automated External Defibrillator) purchases and training in the Dallas community. The care and response that was given during my episode saved my life, and through the efforts of groups like the American Heart Association, numerous others will be given a chance for a second life as well.”
Peverley appeared in 442 career regular season NHL games in his eight-year career, posting 241 points (84-157=241). He spent one season playing for the Stars, registering 30 points (7-23=30) in 62 games played, and was named the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. He was a part of the Stanley Cup winning Boston Bruins in 2010-11. During their run to the Stanley Cup, he recorded 12 points (4-8=12), including two game-winning goals, in 25 games played.
In addition to his work in Dallas, the Peverley family is launching Pevs Protects based out of Guelph, Ontario. Pevs Protects will be partnering with Heart and Stroke of Canada in hosting a series of fundraisers for AED purchases and training, as well as funds to support CPR training. Specific details regarding Pevs Protects will be coming out over the next few months.
About American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. They team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of their offices around the country.
About Dallas Stars Foundation
The Dallas Stars Foundation was established to serve as a positive force throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Foundation focuses its efforts on providing support to the children of the community so they may lead quality lives and develop into contributing members of society. Through teamwork, interaction, and education, the Dallas Stars Foundation works to bring together all members of the Metroplex and build a bright future for today’s youth.