John Schiavo's Generosity: A Game-Changer for the Asheville Hockey League

John Schiavo's Generosity: A Game-Changer for the Asheville Hockey League

John Schiavo, a professional ice and roller hockey athlete, exemplified true sportsmanship and community spirit when he became one of the first to reach out to AHL Board Member Dan Dean after Hurricane Helene devastated the Asheville area. John's initial concern was for the safety of AHL members, but his inquiry soon turned into an offer for assistance: "How can I help?"

Through his vast network of connections within the roller and ice hockey communities, both locally in Minnesota and beyond, John was able to orchestrate a generous and impactful initiative—youth hockey gear donations. Upon learning that the league’s youth gear had been completely destroyed by flooding, John immediately took action. He promised to rally support and, within days, boxes of equipment began to pour in, sent to John and his wife, Kelly, at Best Shift Hockey.

John's commitment went above and beyond expectations. In addition to gathering donated gear, he began coordinating the exchange of ice hockey gear for roller hockey gear at his local Play It Again Sports. Within a few short weeks, multiple shipments of much-needed gear were en route to Dan Dean.

When the first boxes arrived, Dan was amazed by the sheer volume of donations and the number of individuals who had contributed. Among the items sent were youth goalie gear (both new and used), player helmets, protective equipment, and a wide variety of sticks in all sizes. John even managed to collect training tools that will benefit youth players in their practice sessions.

The Asheville Hockey League is deeply grateful to John and Kelly Schiavo for their unwavering dedication and generosity. Thanks to their efforts, the league can continue to equip new players, replace worn-out gear, and ensure that all young athletes, regardless of financial circumstances, can safely participate in the sport.

To express your appreciation to John for his selflessness, follow him on Instagram at @jschiavo44.