NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame hockey team will be partnering with the 525 Foundation’s Drop 2 Stop program during its game against Penn State on March 1 at the Compton Family Ice Arena.
The 525 Foundation aims to raise awareness about opioid misuse and abuse. There will be an information table set up just inside the main entrance at the Compton Family Ice Arena during the game with the Nittany Lions, where fans will be able to drop off expired or unneeded pills as part of the Drop 2 Stop “pill drop” program. The first 100 fans that drop off pills will receive a 525 Foundation T shirt featuring a Notre Dame hockey logo.
The partnership is being spearheaded by freshman forward and South Bend native Graham Slaggert. Slaggert grew up playing youth hockey with the late Savage brothers, Nick and Jack, upon whom the foundation was established. The number “2” in Drop 2 Stop represents the two lives the Savage family lost due to opioid misuse and abuse.
“We’re so excited about the partnership with Notre Dame Hockey and 525 Foundation,” foundation president and co-founder Becky Savage said. “Any time we can get our message in front of new faces, it’s a win. We view events like this as an opportunity to use our story to educate more people about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and abuse. When you can get the message in front of people, you have the potential to save a life. It’s especially meaningful to have Notre Dame hockey help spread our message. Nick and Jack both loved this sport so much.”
“On my very first travel hockey team Jack Savage was the captain and someone that everyone in the IYHL looked up to,” Graham Slaggert explained. “Nick was a bit older than me but I remember spending time at their house and playing mini sticks together. He always had a smile on a face and his energy was contagious. With the IYHL being such a tight knit community, the loss of Jack and Nick left a void felt by all who knew them. To this day, whenever I take the ice they come along with me as I keep a bracelet in memory of them tucked in my gear. It is remarkable but not surprising that the Savage family has made it the boys’ legacy to educate others about the dangers of misusing prescription drugs. A partnership between Notre Dame Hockey and The 525 Foundation makes sense and should continue through the years. Obviously this cause is close to my heart as it is to many people in the Michiana community. The upcoming pill drop is hopefully just the first step in a coordinated effort.”
The following are the basic parameters for the pill drop:
- Pill Form Only
- No Liquids
- No Syringes
- No Inhalers
- No EpiPens
Notre Dame closes out the regular season by playing host to Penn State on March 1 and 2 at the Compton Family Ice Arena. Tickets are still available for both games at UND.com/BuyTickets.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ organist Tim DeBacco will serve as guest organist for both games. On March 2, Chicago Blackhawks’ anthem singer Jim Cornelison will sing the national anthem as part of the pregame senior night festivities. Early arriving fans on Saturday will receive a 2018-19 hockey senior class poster.
— ND —