WORCESTER—The Worcester Railers are adding a four-legged rookie to their roster this fall.
As part of their inaugural Railers Month of Giving, the team announced it’ll co-raise a future service dog in partnership with America’s VetDogs, the national nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities at no cost. The pup is being raised right in the Railers’ front office and makes its public debut at opening night on Oct. 18 at the DCU Center.
“September is National Service Dog Month and we look forward to welcoming the Railers pup into the office later this month,” Team President Kim Golinski said in the announcement. “Upon completion of this program, the Railers pup will make a meaningful difference in the life of a veteran or a first responder with disabilities.”
The Railers’ NHL affiliate, the New York Islanders, have already helped raise five service dogs through similar partnerships with America’s VetDogs. That track record made Worcester a natural next stop.
“New England has always been an important region for America’s VetDogs, and thanks to the generosity of a longtime donor, we’re expanding our presence here,” said John Miller, the nonprofit’s president and CEO, in the release. “We’re especially excited to partner with the Worcester Railers in co-raising a future service dog puppy. Together, we’re helping to change lives by giving the gift of independence to those who have sacrificed so much for our country and communities.”
Fans also get a say in shaping the Railers’ newest teammate. A public contest to name the pup launches Sept. 4, with the final voting round beginning Sept. 9.
The Railers’ Month of Giving goes beyond wagging tails. The team pledged more than $20,000 to local nonprofits and has committed all of its full-time employees to a day of volunteer service at a charity of their choice. Each employee’s chosen nonprofit will also receive a $1,000 donation from the Worcester Railers Foundation.
“The Railers are a community first organization, and have instilled that philosophy in our office culture,” said Chief Operating Officer Michael G. Myers in a statement. “This is a way for our employees to give back in a more personal way that will benefit local non-profits not just monetarily, but also with their time.”
Local organizations benefiting from the initiative range from healthcare providers and youth programs to court services, education nonprofits and service animal programs.
The Railers’ puppy joins the spotlight at the team’s 2025–26 opening weekend, Oct. 18 and 19, when Worcester hosts the Maine Mariners and Adirondack Thunder at the DCU Center.
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