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First Posted: 12/15/2013 WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Members of the Wilkes/Barre Scranton Penguins joined about 120 fans at Chacko&#8217;s Family Bowling Center on Sunday afternoon to compete in the fourth annual Pens and Pins Charity Bowling Tournament.
The event raised funds that the hockey team donated to the local Allied Services Integrated Health Services health care organization.
Each player bowled with a separate team of keglers of all ages cheering for spares and strikes, signing autographs, answering questions and just taking the opportunity to meet and greet their loyal fans to show their appreciation, said three-year Penguins veteran center Brian Gibbons.
&#8220;It&#8217;s a fun day for the players and the fans,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We get to know them and interact with them and have a good time.&#8221;
Bowlers formed teams of five competing for tournament trophies, hockey paraphernalia and other prizes. Each team enjoyed two games of bowling, consumed free pizza and soda and took home a commemorative 2013 &#8220;Pens and Pins&#8221; T-shirt .
Gibbons said the team members were relaxing during a quick break from the ice but were getting ready for a busy schedule. He added the team is doing well despite some injuries. The rookies are really &#8220;stepping up&#8221; and other players are all contributing to a winning season.
Rob Bezla, vice president of corporate sales for the Penguins, thanked the fans for showing their support and for making another bowling event successful. He added the players benefit from the fans&#8217; show of support, which helps them perform at game time.
&#8220;It says a lot about our fans who come out to join us during such a busy time of year,&#8221; Bezla said. &#8220;We can&#8217;t thank them enough,&#8221; he said.
Bezla said the team is very excited about this season as they currently hold first place
&#8220;With our great coaches and fans&#8217; support, we are confident we will make a run for the championship,&#8221; Bezla said. They look forward to returning to the ice for the two games coming Friday and Saturday and they hope their fans will show up in force.
Rosemary Bohanek, transportation director for Allied Services, said the event provides financial support that is used to give better health care services to the community.
&#8220;It helps us purchase state-of-the-art equipment and offer best health care,&#8221; Bohanek said.
She and her son, Daniel, bowled along with other friends and family members. The event provided a great time for everyone while supporting a cause that benefits the community, she said.

Pens bowl over fans at charity event