Event Supports Veteran & First Responder Mental Health in Partnership with NHL Alumni
Pittsburgh, PA – The Malone Family Foundation, founded by former Pittsburgh Penguin Ryan Malone, will host the 3rd Annual Black & Gold Breaking the Mold presented by Tomahawk Charitable Solutions as part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. This two-day event will feature the Black & Gold Gala presented by Rivers Casino on Wednesday, May 14, and the Hero & Celebrity Hockey Game on Thursday, May 15, the date for MTV’s Mental Health Action Day. The full event will be supported by the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association and NHL Alumni Association.
For the third straight year, The Malone Family Foundation received a grant from MTV and the Paramount Veterans Network to support positive mental health action. One of only 18 organizations selected from across the country, The Malone Family Foundation’s event focuses on the mental wellness of Veterans, active-duty military and first responders in line with the foundation’s mission and pillars.
Ryan Malone shared, “Every year, this event reminds me how powerful the hockey community can be when we come together for a greater purpose. In Pittsburgh, that purpose runs deep. It’s about showing up for our heroes and having each other’s backs. This city leads with heart, and Black & Gold Breaking the Mold is proof of what’s possible when a community turns awareness into action. I’m proud to be from Pittsburgh and to see it shine in such a meaningful way.”
The Hero & Celebrity Hockey Game on May 15, to be held at the RMU Island Sports Center, is open to all members of the community. Tickets are available now for $22 with Veterans, military, first responders and their families receiving complimentary tickets. Prior to the game, a Mental Health Rally will be held starting at 5:30 p.m. with family-friendly activities, live music and mental health resources.
Participating celebrities representing the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association on the ice include Ryan Malone, Colby Armstrong, Mark Recchi, Paul Martin, Chris Joseph, as well as Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition, former NHL players Adam Graves, Guy Carbonneau, Ben Scrivens, Stephen Johns, Matt Bartkowski, Kyle Quincey, amongst others, will join to share their advocacy. Honorary coaches include Kevin Stevens, Tony Granato, Bryan Trottier, Greg Malone and Troy Murray.
Kevin Stevens stated, “Being back in Pittsburgh for this event means a lot — not just because of the city and the fans, but because of the cause, which is close to my own heart and mission of Power Forward.” Stevens continued, “Mental health impacts everyone, and it’s something we need to keep talking about, especially when it comes to those who serve. I’m honored to be part of this event alongside fellow alumni and heroes to support The Malone Family Foundation. It’s going to be such an incredible event that will make a true difference.”
Over 30 members of the Penguins Alumni Association and NHL Alumni Association will be in attendance at the Black & Gold Gala at Rivers Casino. Media personalities Dan Potash and Mark Madden will play a role in hosting the gala, along with comedian Steve Byrne. The gala will spotlight nonprofits connected to several NHL alumni including Power Forward and Shine A Ligh7, founded by Kevin Stevens and Paul Martin respectively.
Six local hockey clubs will be part of Black & Gold Breaking the Mold including the Pittsburgh Warriors, Pittsburgh Icemen, PA State Police, It’s About the Warrior Foundation, the Johnstown Generals and Pittsburgh Fire Hockey Club.
Jared Pauli from the Pittsburgh Fire Hockey Club shared, “We have proudly participated in The Malone Family Foundation events and celebrity game since the very beginning, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to partake again this year. We are so grateful to Ryan and the foundation for shining a light on mental health issues and stresses that first responders face as part of the job.”
Sean Mullen, a member of the Johnstown Generals, added, “The Generals are honored to be a part of this wonderful event again his year. Witnessing the combined power of The Malone Family Foundation and NHL Alumni in the war for Veteran and first responder health is a true privilege. To see it grow again as alumni from all over the NHL participate and lend their unique talents and names to fight – unbelievable. A huge thank you to Ryan and everyone in and working with the Malone Family Foundation.”
The fundraising goal for Black & Gold Breaking the Mold is $122,000 in recognition of the 22 Veterans who die by suicide each day in the United States. All fans may assist The Malone Family Foundation to achieve this goal by bidding in the Mental Health Auction, which will launch in mid-May, or by donating online. Text MALONE to 76278 to lend your support and get your tickets here or at: hockeyishealing.org
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. To inquire, please contact amanda@thevieagency.com by Friday, April 25 or visit here. The current sponsor roster includes Tomahawk Charitable Solutions, Rivers Casino, Confluence Financial Partners, Rohrich Auto, 84 Lumber, Henderson Brothers, Perryman Co., the Mario Lemieux Foundation, #1 Cochran, Uncommon Grit Foundation, Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine, The Landing Hotel, Travis & Nikki Williams, iHeart Sports Marketing Pittsburgh, SportsNet Pittsburgh, MTV, Paramount Veterans Network and KDKA-TV Pittsburgh.
Passionate about giving back to the game that gave him so much, Ryan Malone founded The Malone Family Foundation alongside his family in 2022. The mission of The Malone Family Foundation is to unleash the healing power of hockey by using it as a positive force in the lives of those we serve. For more, visit: hockeyishealing.org
Media Inquiries: Amanda Susko / amanda@thevieagency.com / 412.337.9184