Published: December 17, 2013 | Last Modified: December 17, 2013 08:38PM

By Sean Krofssik Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD The close-knit Wallingford hockey community is gathering around one of its fallen friends.

Partnered with the Wallingford Hawks, Sheehan High School will be playing an Alumni Game on Dec. 27 at Choate at 7 p.m.

All of the proceeds will be donated to the Midstate Medical Center in honor of Rick Garrison, a former Wallingford fireman, Hawks coach and Sheehan skater who died in January at age 53. Garrisons No. 10 Sheehan jersey is retired.

He is pretty much an icon here, Wallingford Hawks President Dan Daddio said. His recent passing left a down mood on folks. This is a great opportunity to recognize a guy that has given so much to the program and the kids who have come through. There has been a lot of interest. We have been marketing it out and the response has been huge.

Sheehan grad Joe Paul is in charge of gathering alumni for the game.

About 20 skaters signed up so far, Paul said. We are having odd number graduating years against even. We are excited about the game and anything we can do for Rick Garrison. Rick was a great guy. Anyone you ask, they would say that. There were a lot of people that loved him in Sheehan hockey, in the Hawks and the fire department. He met a lot of people and touched them all.

I think we are going to have a lot of people there and a lot of skaters, and I think it will be special.

While the Paul is gathering the players, the Hawks secured the ice and referees for the game. The Hawks will also help with pre-game preparations and puck pickup and, in general, be supporters of the event.

Read more from the original source:
New Sheehan alumni game honors Garrison