KEARNEY, Neb. – This week the Tri-City Storm will be helping the Salvation Army food pantry in Hastings collect donations, and have planned an outdoor skating event to take place in Libs Park from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Various Storm players will partake in a hockey exhibition during the first part of the skate, before opening things up for a public skate.

The team asks that fans who attend bring food donations for the Salvation Army food pantry. The pantry is critically low, with bare shelves and freezers empty of meat.

Food needs include: Canned meats, i.e., tuna, spam, etc., hamburger meat (preferably in one pound tubes), hamburger helper, macaroni and cheese, soups, and stews. Other non-perishable items will also be accepted.

Tri-City is teaming up with NBC Nebraska’s Tim Jones and Taylor Kilgore for the event, as well as the team’s radio partner, Platte River Radio.

Jones and Kilgore will broadcast live from the park during their 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.

In addition, the Viaero Event Center will serve as a collection site for food donations during the team’s upcoming home games on Jan. 9 & 10 against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Fans planning on attending either game are encouraged to bring a donation to support the food pantry.

Friday’s game gets underway at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s puck drop is scheduled for 7:05.

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Viaero Event Center Box Office at 308.338.8011 or visit www.stormhockey.com.