‘Fall Freeze’ raises funds to combat diabetes

Mountainside Medical Equipment in Marcy was the presenting sponsor for the sixth annual Hockey Fights T1D Fall Freeze, and helped to raise over $1,700 in funds for Type 1 diabetes research.

The event, held by Hockey Fights T1D, a fundraising and awareness organization for Type 1 diabetes, took place at the New Hartford Recreation Center.

Money raised by the yearly event is donated to JDRF, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, the leading global organization funding Type 1 diabetes research.

Thirty players participated in the draft-style, exhibition hockey game that is the centerpiece of the Fall Freeze. It is open yearly to players of all skill levels, and they traditionally wear event-exclusive hockey jerseys promoting Hockey Fights T1D and JDRF.

The event also consisted of hockey skills competitions as well as fundraising raffles, with prizes donated by local businesses.

The family owned and operated Mountainside Medical Equipment maintains a regular presence at local youth hockey events in Central New York thanks to the participation of staff members and their families.

Matthew Roach, founder and executive director of Hockey Fights T1D, created the organization after his son Logan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The organization raises funds for JDRF by holding hockey games and tournaments, as well as by offering fan experience events in partnership with professional hockey teams, such as the Syracuse Crunch.