Coaches from Bay Area minor hockey rivals, the San Jose Junior Sharks (SJJS) and the Santa Clara Blackhawks (SCVHA), will face off on Friday March 5, 2010 to raise funds for relief efforts in Haiti.

Sharks Ice at San Jose will host coaches from opposing minor hockey clubs for the first "Fins vs. Talons" charity hockey match.  All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Red Cross relief effort in Haiti.

As he witnessed tragic news coverage from Haiti, Ray Kellam, SCVHA coach and former SJSU captain, formulated a plan to bring minor hockey fans together in support of the relief effort.  Families from both SJJS and SCVHA rallied around the idea and offered their support.

The game will be played on the North Rink on Friday March 5th at 8:15pm.  Suggested donation for admission is $10 per person.  All proceeds will go to the Red Cross, thanks to the donation of the facility by Sharks Ice.

While the match won't offer the same fast-paced hockey found at HP Pavilion, some minor coaches have competed at the junior, college, and even professional levels.  The caliber of play is expected to be good and the atmosphere loud as fans cheer on the coaches who volunteer their time for the Haitian aide effort and a game they love.  Beloved Sharks mascot SJ Sharkie is also expected to be in attendance.

Blackhawks goaltender, Dakota Delbridge, spoke for all young players when he said, "This is going to be cool.  I can't wait to see my coaches in action."  The organizing committee invites all hockey fans to attend and show their support for Haiti.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Santa Clara Valley Blackhawks and the San Jose Junior Sharks are members of the Northern California Youth Hockey League.

Questions about the event can be directed to FinsVTalons@ananmalay.com

To purchase your ticket online please visit www.blackhawks.org and click on the 'Donate' button