THE LATE STEPHEN RUSSELL TO BE HONORED BY HIS NC STATE HOCKEY TEAMMATES

 The late Stephen Russell, of Charlotte, will be remembered by his former teammates on the North Carolina State University Club Hockey Team on Friday, November 6, 2009.  Prior to the home opener against UNC, the son of  Brady and Kelly Buckley will have his jersey retired in a special ceremony in front of his teammates, classmates, family and friends.

The Wolfpack lost one of their own over the summer, when Russell, a rising senior at NC State University, died on July 4, 2009 at Jordan Lake, NC.  “There is a piece of the team that’s missing.  Stephen was a special person with a passion for life on and off the ice.  In retiring his jersey, we hope to carry his legacy and positive outlook on life forward so he can continue to influence us as a team and as members of the Wolfpack.” said GM/Associate Head Coach David Kurtz, when speaking of the planned event.

Stephen’s mother, Kelly Buckley of Charlotte, said she is “honored and humbled with how the team has honored the memory of her son.  It speaks volumes about the character of the players and coaches, but also makes a strong statement about the caliber of students NC State University produces.  The school and the team gave Stephen so much joy. That was the very reason we requested donations be made to the team in his memory.”

Stephen loved to play hockey and was recognized as a true sportsman of the game. He always shook the hands of each referee after a game.  Always.  Even when it was a rough game, or his teammates skated off, he did it. 

Club Hockey at NC State does receive some financial support from the university, but the majority of the operating budget comes from dues, ticket sales, sponsors and donations. 

“NC State Hockey is a wonderful representative for the university in terms of its display of integrity and excellence,” said Buckley.  “It is my hope that donations in his memory or for the team will continue, supporting the success of a program that played a huge part in my son’s life.”

Stephen's #20 jersey will be retired at the Home Opener game against UNC, on November 6, 2009 at the Rec Zone in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The ceremony will begin at 9:15 p.m., and the game starts at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00 at the door for adults, $3.00 for children and students.

The name of the Canes Cup (a tournament put on by the Carolina Hurricanes for college hockey) has been renamed the Stephen Russell Memorial Cup.

 For more information about the NC State Club Hockey Team or to make a donation, please visit www.ncsuhockey.org