NY lawyers lace up for charity hockey game at UBS Arena

April 3, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

From left to right: John Dalli, president-elect of the Columbian Lawyers Association; Hon. Alan Schenkman, the former presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department; and Robert Mazzuchin come together on the ice at UBS Arena, showcasing the legal community's dedication to supporting charitable causes through the sport of hockey at Tunnel to Towers hockey game. Photos courtesy of John Dalli

From left to right: John Dalli, president-elect of the Columbian Lawyers Association; Hon. Alan Scheinkman, the former presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department; and Robert Mazzuchin come together on the ice at UBS Arena, showcasing the legal community's dedication to supporting charitable causes through the sport of hockey.
Photos courtesy of John Dalli

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New York lawyers traded their courtroom attire for hockey gear at UBS Arena on Sunday night, engaging in a friendly match to raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation that included Hon. Alan Scheinkman, the former presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department.

The event, held on March 24, directly followed an NHL game between the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils, with the charity match kicking off after.

Organized with the support of Lexitas and the law firm Dalli & Marino, the game featured teams composed of plaintiff and defendant lawyers. Tickets, priced at $75, were quickly sold out, with each purchase including an $11 donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This organization is renowned for its commitment to providing mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families.

Mark Hoorwitz of Lexitas drops the puck for the ceremonial face-off between Joe Carola and John Dalli, kicking off the charity hockey game in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at Tunnel to Towers hockey game. — Mark Hoorwitz of Lexitas drops the puck for the ceremonial face-off between Joe Carola and John Dalli, kicking off the charity hockey game in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Attorney John Dalli discussed the legal community’s dedication to supporting those who safeguard public welfare.

“As lawyers representing victims of negligence and abuse, it’s our privilege to give back through an activity that brings us together,” Dalli stated. He further explained the selection of Tunnel to Towers as the beneficiary for its significant impact on families affected by the events of 9/11, many of whom are represented by participating attorneys.

This year’s game marks a triumphant return following a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, with aspirations to establish the match as an annual tradition. The overwhelming support from sponsors like Lexitas, the New York Islanders, and the local community left Dalli feeling optimistic about the potential for an annual game.

Players from both teams gather for a group photo, celebrating their return to the charity match at UBS Arena at Tunnel to Towers hockey game. — Players from both teams gather for a group photo, celebrating their return to the charity match at UBS Arena.

Dalli, co-founder of Dalli & Marino, has been a pivotal figure in New York’s legal community since 1996, focusing on elder abuse, nursing home negligence, personal injury, and medical malpractice cases. A graduate of Cardozo Law School, Dalli has earned a reputation for his trial successes and expertise in advocating for the elderly and injured workers. Recognized for his contributions to the field, he is actively involved in the Columbian Lawyers Association, poised to be installed as its president in June.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, known for its specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, continues its mission to eliminate veteran homelessness and honor the memory of Sept. 11, 2001.