Mudbugs and Chesapeake Energy introduce “Smitty’s Smiles”

BOSSIER CITY, LA – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League and Chesapeake Energy introduced a new community program created by the Mudbugs’ Brett Smith, called “Smitty’s Smiles.” Smith (who goes by the nickname “Smitty”) and his friends at Chesapeake Energy are teaming up to help local kids get the chance to attend Mudbugs hockey games for free!

“Brett Smith approached me with an interest in lending a hand with a program that would focus on offering young people, who may not otherwise have the chance to attend a Mudbugs game, an opportunity to enjoy a night at the CenturyTel Center,” Mudbugs President & General Manager Ray Delia said. “Through the generosity of Chesapeake Energy, we were able to create ‘Smitty’s Smiles’.” Smitty’s Smiles is designed to allow schools, organizations, and other kids’ groups an opportunity to be selected to bring their group of 20 kids to CenturyTel Center at no cost, where they will take in an exciting night of Mudbugs hockey and receive a t-shirt. Chesapeake has purchased 20 tickets to every remaining Mudbugs home game this season to make the program happen. “Chesapeake Energy is pleased to partner with the Smitty’s Smiles program and introduce so many deserving children to the sport of hockey,” Chesapeake’s Director of Corporate Development in Louisiana Kevin McCotter said. “We are extremely proud of these children for the commitment they are making towards their education, demonstrating good citizenship, and improving our community.” “Chesapeake Energy is a tremendous contributor to this community and the ideal partner for Smitty’s Smiles,” Delia said. “I commend the leadership team at Chesapeake led by Kevin McCotter and Paul Pratt for their commitment to our community. We look forward to hosting over 300 youngsters who will participate in Smitty’s Smiles during the remainder of the 2009 home schedule.” To apply for the Smitty’s Smiles program, simply send Smitty an email to smitty@mudbugshockey.com . Give him the details about the not-for-profit youth organization, group or school you want to nominate and tell him why it should be selected to participate in the program and come to a game. Provide your contact information as well and you will be contacted if your group is selected to be a part of Smitty’s Smiles. Go to: www.mudbugshockey.com/community/smittyssmiles/ for more information on how to help put a smile on a kid’s face! Contact the author at: Mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com Media information and photo provided by the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs