SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Meet Archie, the newest face of the Utah Hockey Club.
Archie is a 13-week-old black Labrador Retriever, named after Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. He is temporarily joining the Utah Hockey Club to one day be a service dog for a veteran or first responder.
It’s part of a partnership with Utah Hockey Club, America First Credit Union, and America’s VetDogs, a national nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders free of charge.
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Archie will go through 14 to 16 months of basic training and socialization with Utah Hockey Club’s staff, fans, and the public. Throughout the NHL season, fans can spot Archie at community events and select home games at the Delta Center.
Archie will make his first appearance at Utah Hockey Club’s Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 15 as the team goes against the Vegas Golden Knights. He will socialize with guests during a meet-and-greet on the main concourse, giving fans a chance to say hello and learn more about his journey.
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“Utah Hockey Club has been committed to making a meaningful impact in our community since day one,” said Kari Larson, senior vice president of community relations for Utah Hockey Club in a press release. “Our partnership with America’s VetDogs and America First Credit Union to raise Archie is a meaningful way to honor and give back to a veteran or first responder who has served our country. We can’t wait for our players, fans, and community members to meet Archie and be a part of this important journey together.”
According to the release, Archie first came to Utah in October and has been getting used to his new surroundings, spending time at the club’s business facility, and making trips to Utah’s Olympic Oval for team visits.
Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)Meet Archie, the newest member of the Utah Hockey Club. (America’s VetDogs/Utah Hockey Club)
The pup will be focusing on mastering basic commands and building social skills during the next year and a half to prepare for his formal training at America’s VetDogs campus.
After his puppy raising with the Utah Hockey Club, Archie will undergo formal service dog training at America’s VetDogs campus in Smithtown, New York. Then, he will be matched at no cost to a veteran, active-duty service member, or first responder with disabilities.
Although it can cost $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one service dog, all of America’s VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. The release states that funding for service dogs like Archie comes from individuals, corporations, service, and fraternal clubs.
Veterans, first responders, and active-duty service members with disabilities can apply for a service dog, including Archie, at VetDogs.org. Follow Archie’s journey through @utahhockeyclub and @seg.community.