By Matt Mackinder

The Las Vegas Firefighter Youth Hockey (LVFFYH) organization recently received a boost from the USA Hockey Foundation in the form of a $10,000 grant to be used for the 2014-15 season.

LVFFYH board member Eric Littmann said the grant money “has been the foundation for our success.”

“They’ve supported us from the beginning and have continued to provide us with unwavering support every year.

“The grant money received will provide scholarships for kids in the youth hockey programs in Las Vegas that would otherwise be unable to afford the enrollment and monthly dues associated with the house leagues.”

Littmann said that two people have stood out in helping the LVFFYH get USA Hockey support: Christopher Sproule and Gregg Burns.

“Chris is an experienced author for writing grants and donates his time for the LVFFYH,” Littmann said. “(He) does amazing work with his knowledge of the grant writing process and is an invaluable member of our organization.

“Gregg is also a member of our board and worked hand-in-hand with Chris to ensure that all of the requirements were met within the timelines of the grant process. I can’t say enough about the effort that Chris and Gregg put forth in securing our grant.”

In all, USA Hockey awarded $650,000 in grants for this season to programs nationwide.

“Recipient programs are all heavily invested in growing and improving the sport of ice hockey in our country,” USA Hockey Foundation president Ron DeGregorio said. “Through our growing list of generous donors, we’re able to help make a difference in a wide variety of programs all across the country.”

Littmann said that aligns perfectly with LVFFYH’s goals.

“To receive this grant reaffirms to us that we’re doing the right things to help the youth hockey community in Las Vegas prosper in providing the critical lessons, such as dedication, teamwork and character through the game of ice hockey,” Littmann said.

“We, as an organization, have always believed that as long as we continue to do the next, right thing for the kids that we’ll be successful.”