Worcester Railers HC defenseman Connor Doherty receives 2019-20 ECHL Community Service Award

Worcester Railers HC defenseman Connor Doherty receives 2019-20 ECHL Community Service Award

Holden, MA native Connor Doherty receives league wide community award

Worcester, MA– The Worcester Railers Hockey Club (@RailersHC), proud ECHL (@ECHL) affiliate of the New York Islanders (@NYIslanders), and Railers HC Team President Michael G. Myers (@Myzie35)officially announced today that defenseman Connor Doherty (@Dotes28) has received the 2019-20 ECHL Community Service Award.

For the third consecutive year, Doherty was instrumental in participating and taking the lead in the Worcester Railers’ award-winning community programs, which included the team’s flagship learn to skate program, Skate to Success. He was consistently volunteering his time and encouraging his teammates to lead by example in the Worcester community earning the nickname, #CommunityConnor. Doherty participated in over 25 events including the Skate to Success learn to skate program, non-profit event appearances, Railers Booster Club events, a hospital visit and much more.

“Connor has led by example from Day 1,” said Myers. “He exemplifies our core values as an organization with a community first mentality. He is a great role model for our younger Railers players and to all the youth hockey players and students that he encounters on a day-to-day basis. We are honored to have him in our organization and thank him for all of his efforts making our community a better place.”

Skate to Success takes place every Tuesday and runs from September to the end of March. The Holden, MA native took the lead this year, appearing in more Skate to Success programs than any other Railers’ player. During each appearance, Doherty greets each student with a high five, introduces the program, participates in a brief Q&A, assists students with skates and helmets, and guides first-timers out on the ice. Before boarding the bus, students get to take a group photo with their special guest, are helped off the ice and out of their equipment, enjoy a pizza party lunch, and lastly, get one last high five and an autograph from their newest favorite hockey player.

For the second consecutive year, the 26-year-old volunteered at the Friendly House of Worcester’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Doherty helped pass out turkeys, canned food, fruits, veggies, cider and other Thanksgiving feast essentials to families in need in the Greater Worcester area.

With help from the Worcester Railers HC Foundation, Doherty went shopping for toys to donate to families in need. Additional donations from the Railers Booster Club brought Doherty’s haul to over $2,500 in value. Railers’ fans also contributed over 1,100 teddy bears from the Railers Teddy Bear Toss game. Armed with toys and teddy bears, the Railers paid a visit to the Friendly House of Worcester and made lots of kids very happy this past holiday season.

“I am humbled to receive the 2019-20 ECHL Community Award,” said Connor Doherty. “This really is a team award.  From our owners of Cliff and Susan Rucker, to Mike Myers and Paul Harris, right down to all of my teammates that have made our community a priority.  I would like to thank the entire Worcester community for allowing us to be a big part of their community and look forward to connecting with everyone again come next season.”

Doherty returned for his second year at the Adopt-a-Student Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for the Catholic School Diocese in Worcester. Aside from hitting the green, Doherty helped raise money with a Railers prize pack donation. He met with members of the executive board, a conversation that contributed to bringing 1,000 individuals to a Railers’ game as the non-profit of the night during the season. Lastly, Doherty was invited to serve as an ambassador for men’s health at the 15-40 Charity Golf Tournament.

Stay safe…..and for the most up to date information on all things Railers – please visit www.RailersHC.com or follow our social media channels.

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