La Salle Head Hockey Coach Tim Flanigan is getting his team ready for a big game this weekend. The Cadets are hosting the Capital District Jets, who La Salle lost to earlier this season.
"Every game is important for us," said junior Reid Murray.
But when La Salle takes the ice, they will be playing for more than themselves.
"There's no better feeling than giving back to those who fight for us," junior Leo Paul said.
The Cadets are also playing for veterans. La Salle is hosting the third annual Cadets for Vets on Saturday night, raising money for the veterans.
"It was an idea fostered by the players on our La Salle hockey team, and it's really grown into a tradition," Flanigan said.
Last year, the fundraiser collected more than $8,000. The Cadets are hoping to top that through donations, a 50/50 drawing, and t-shirt, and hat sales.
All proceeds will be given to the Albany Housing Coalition.
"It's nice to see future leaders do this type of fundraising event for our veterans that are in need," said Lee Vartigian, the director of veteran services for the Albany Housing Coalition.
He says this money will help purchase furniture for homeless veterans transitioning into permanent housing.
"The people and the booster club and the support and the Cadets themselves have been amazing," Vartigian said.
In addition, SEFCU will be donating $500 for every goal the scored.
"Our team has really picked it up so hopefully, we continue it," senior D.J. Pauley said.
Even with snow in the forecast, the puck is still scheduled to drop at 7:15 Saturday night at Conway Ice Rink at Hudson Valley Community College.