Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Program, proud members of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) and the Tier I Hockey Federation (T1HF), will continue their 2024-2025 Community Initiative Games on Sunday, Dec. 22, as the U18 Pittsburgh Stars AAA squad will square-off with the Cleveland Barons U18 AAA squad at 12:00 p.m., at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA.

For their Community Initiative game on Dec 22, the 18U Pittsburgh Stars will wear special third jerseys, designed to recognize and honor The Officer Brian Shaw Foundation as their Cause / Initiative.

Brian Shaw was a New Kensington Police Officer whose "End of Duty" occurred on Nov 17, 2017, as he was fatally shot and killed while on duty.

Brian had attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop, but the vehicle he attempted to pull over chose not to stop. After a short vehicle pursuit, a passenger fled the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. The passenger who fled the vehicle opened fire on Brian ... fatally wounding him.

Brian’s brother Steffan suited up and skated for the Stars during the 2006-07 season.

• A $5 Entry Donation - All proceeds will go toward supporting the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation.
• 50/50 Raffle - A chance to win big while contributing to a great cause.
• Teddy Bear Purchase - Fans can purchase a teddy bear which will be donated to Children’s Hospital
• Chuck-a-Puck Contest - Fans can join in the fun between the second and third periods for a shot at a cash prize.
• Game Jersey Silent Auction - Fans can bid on the special third jersey game jerseys worn by the Stars for the game.
• Gift baskets - Fans can bid on special gift baskets.
• And other fun activities and events

“This event is a way for our Stars program and our U18 team to celebrate both the life of and the tragic passing of Brian,” said Dave Kosick, General Manager of the Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey program. “And it allows us to raise funds to assist his foundation in their work.” 

“While Brian did not play for our organization, his brother Steffan did, and that means that Brian was and will always be part of our extended Pittsburgh Stars family. His selfless service as a police officer to the local community was heroic. And while he may be gone … he should never be forgotten,” Kosick added.

Doors for the event open at 11:00 a.m., with pre-game ceremony’s beginning promptly at 12:00 PM.

The Pittsburgh Stars 18U AAA Hockey Team encourages fans of all ages to attend and show their support for Brian and the team. Pre-sale tickets for the event are available on the Pittsburgh Stars website (www.pittsburghstarshockey.com).

The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Community Initiative games are designated to celebrate a local charity or cause and help raise awareness and funds for them. Each of the Stars seven AAA teams selected a recipient and have organized a “special home game” to recognize the cause / charity and raise money on behalf of them.

Additional information on the special Community Initiative Games is also available on the Pittsburgh Star’s website (www.pittsburghstarshockey.com).

The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey program, the oldest Tier I AAA program in the Mid-American District (founded in 1984 and continuously providing elite training and showcase opportunities for amateur hockey players since) and one of the oldest Tier I AAA programs under the USA Hockey umbrella, was founded in 1984 and is celebrating their 40th season during the 2024-2025 campaign.

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