Published February 17. 2026 11:15AM
Promoted as “an all day ice hockey celebration,” the 13th annual Lehigh Valley Winter Classic was held Jan. 31 at the City of Bethlehem’s Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink. Proceeds from the event benefit Special Hockey of the Lehigh Valley, known as the Polar Bears, “a recreational ice hockey program for children and young adults with autism, down syndrome, and other cognitive challenges.”
Special Needs president Joe Guellnitz says there are fifty players involved with program and that the singular winter classic event funds the Polar Bears for the entire year. A raffle, silent auction, merchandise, food by MMG Concessions, and business sponsorships help to raise the necessary funds.
He also noted that funding support has been given to similar organizations starting up in places like Maine, Texas, California, Washington and Michigan.
During the Winter Classic nine full regulation hockey games were played drawing fans who weathered this year’s bitter cold temperatures while they watched their favorite teams compete.
The rink house was a beehive of activity as volunteers staffed the raffles and merchandise areas while attendees enjoyed a bite to eat, warm beverages and socializing.
Nine full regulation ice hockey games were scheduled throughout the event.
PRESS PHOTO BY DANA GRUBBPlayers from The Responders, aka Guns and Hoses, compete in a midday game.
Raina Wickkiser drops a ticket into the pot for one of the raffle prizes. “We compete every year,” she says about her favorite team, the Trolls.
The rink house was busy with attendees supporting the raffle, merchandise and food vendors.
“Helping others fills my heart,” says volunteer Kay Dietrich of Bath, who poses with volunteer Lisa Novak from Coopersburg.
Special Hockey of the Lehigh Valley benefits from the funding raised.
Gear with the Lehigh Valley Winter Classic logo was a popular item.
Bethlehem Police patrolmen Jeff Russell, Doug Pascoe and Al Strydesky supported the fundraiser. Pascoe and Strydesky skated in the First Responders game.
