ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Amerks alumni hit the ice Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena for a good cause. A charity game was held to raise money for the American Heart Association.
For Tom Gigilia, this is more than just watching the Amerks hit the ice.
“It’s exciting -- it’s been five years since I’ve seen him play,” Gigilia said.
His son Rylan played hockey growing up, but stopped after high school. Saturday afternoon, Tom watched him play again for the first time in years.
“It’s fantastic,” Tom said. “This is how we used to spend our Saturdays, going from rink to rink. So seeing him with all his friends and teammates, with great players that are former Amerks, it’s really exciting.”
Suiting up as number 8, Rylan faced off against former Amerks players.
In addition to the American Heart Association, the event also benefited former player Gates Orlando, who received a heart transplant. To get ready for the game, Tom said Rylan spent nights practicing with a men’s league. He thinks Rylan will be able to hold his own against the former Amerks.
“He skates, he works out and practices, I think he’ll be all right,” Tom said. "I don’t know how he’s’ going to be playing three periods but we’ll see.”
But either way, Tom is glad to spend his Saturday at the rink again.