Players, alums unveil renovated teen lounge at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

 NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) and St. Louis Blues unveiled a renovated teen lounge as part of the 2017 NHL® Winter Classic Legacy project. The renovated room was designed in partnership with Companions in Courage, a nonprofit charity that was founded by Hockey Hall of Famer and League executive Pat LaFontaine. All elements within the room have been donated to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, a leading pediatric facility that serves youth across the U.S. and around the world.  

“I was born in St. Louis and put on my first pair of skates in the suburb of Kirkwood. I always hoped that Companions in Courage could one day give back to the place where I was born,” said Pat LaFontaine, NHL Vice President of Hockey Development and Community Affairs. “I am thrilled that this year’s NHL Winter Classic Legacy project will introduce technology to the healing process for pediatric patients for years to come.”

Pat Lafontaine, Robert Bortuzzo, Alex Pietrangelo and patient

The renovated teen lounge was unveiled today at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with participation from St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo and defenseman Robert Bortuzzo as well as Blues alumnus, Hockey Hall of Famer and team executive Brett Hull.  

“Along with the NHL, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Companions in Courage, we are honored to be a part of such an impactful initiative,” said Blues Chairman and Governor Tom Stillman. “The Legacy project will bring a sense of comfort to countless young adults by helping them stay connected with their loved ones.”

The renovated teen lounge will be used exclusively by youth inpatients at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The space was designed to be age-appropriate for the young adults to gather and have easy access to technology, helping them to stay connected to friends and family outside of the hospital. The room features new computers with flat screen monitors and web conferencing cameras; brand new Xbox 360 gaming consoles; an assortment of games and activities; craft tables with LED lighting meditative fixtures; and room décor featuring Blues players. 

“We couldn’t be more grateful for this partnership,” says Joan Magruder, President of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to provide the best patient experience for our kids. This room will not only improve the stays of our teen patients, but we also anticipate this energizing environment will expedite their healing and help move them back toward home and their normal, everyday lives faster than before.”

Companions in Courage connects hospitalized children with their friends, family, and heroes using innovative communication tools and modern technology to improve the hospital experience. 

The Legacy initiative is an ongoing philanthropic endeavor in which the League, the local Club, and League partners support community organizations in the host city of an NHL Event.

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