Stars on Nantucket Ice tonight

Local skaters and celebrity ice hockey players will take to the ice once again  tonight at 6:30p.m. for the 8th Celebrity Hockey Game to benefit  Nantucket Ice.

The A.J. Mleczko Charity on Ice-sponsored event is the primary fundraiser for Nantucket Ice and  has raised over a half million dollars that is used to operate the rink and pay the mortgage.

“People think we are successful and do not need the money,” Nantucket Ice executive director Lynn Fiedler said. “It is a real challenge for us and important for the community to know that.”

At half-time there will be an appearance by U.S. Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, accompanied by members of Nantucket’s youth and adult synchronized skating teams. Three mother-daughter pairs will skate, including Jen Laredo and daughter Emma Laredo.

“It is our first time in the same program together,” said Jen Laredo. “It is not often we can find a sporting activity that both of us can participate in together. It has been fun and awesome, learning what Emma is doing with her time on the ice.”

Jessie Lefebvre’s mother Jackie was thrilled that her daughter was able to skate with Hamill.

“This is Jessie’s second time skating with Dorothy. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to skate with an Olympic gold medalist. On top of that Jessie will do anything to get on the ice, she loves it.”

Celia Almodobar, eight-years-old,  was excited to skate.

“Skating with Dorothy has been really nice and fun,” Almodobar said.

Joining U.S. Olympic gold medalist and event organizer A.J. Mleczko in the celebrity hockey game are several well-know NHL players, including former Boston Bruins Lyndon Byers, Ted Donoto, Bob Sweeney and Brian Leetch, along with two members of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Olympic Hockey team, forward Dave Silk and goaltender Jim Craig.

Rounding out the interesting mix of celebrity players is a former New England Patriot  Max Lane, actor and filmmaker John Shea, director Bobby Farrelly and radio personality Greg Hill, host of the Hill-Man Morning Show on WAAF 107.3 FM.

A BBQ for ticket holders will take place at the Rink Friday at 5p.m. and a silent auction will be set up inside during the event.

The weekend’s festivities continue on Saturday night at 6:30p.m. at the Whaling Museum for a lobster-steak dinner with the celebrities.