Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of the southeastern United States, but NHL teams in the area and the league are answering the call to help affected communities.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators are all donating money to the millions of people affected by the storm, which left at least 200 people dead and more missing.

Carolina’s annual preseason community game traditionally raises money for their foundation to give back to area children’s charities.

But since Helene wreaked havoc in parts of North Carolina last week, money raised at this year’s game will go toward hurricane relief efforts.

The Hurricanes had a crowd of 18,700 and raised more than $300,000 in their 6-4 loss to the Predators on Wednesday at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, Hurricanes President Doug Warf said Thursday.

Warf said the Hurricanes decided Sunday that all ticket proceeds from this year’s game would benefit those affected by Helene.

“We announced it on Sunday at 8 p.m., which isn’t really the time to break great news, but we wanted to get it out there as quickly as possible,” he said. “We went from 11,000 seats sold to 18,000 seats sold by midday on Wednesday.”

It was the first thing Warf said Carolina will do to help those in need after the hurricane.

“What we have learned from being here for so long is that in many cases immediate help is needed, and then in two or four months when things are back up and running and schools and roads are being rebuilt, even more help is needed .” “said Warf. “Our foundation is therefore committed to being part of this journey and we will continue to host fundraising events and donations from our team and our owner throughout the year.”

The Lightning Foundation will donate $2 million to relief efforts and those affected by the storm.

“This is a tragic situation for many families and communities here in Tampa Bay,” said Lightning owner and chairman Jeff Vinik. “In challenging times like these, the most important thing we can do as an organization is to support each other and do our part to support local relief efforts. “We are proud to be able to support our community in this way and hope so.” The donation will help families recover and rebuild.”

The Predators Foundation is also hosting a fundraiser to support Helene, raising up to $25,000.

The NHL contributes to the American Red Cross to support its critical relief efforts. These funds will be used to provide emergency shelter, food and essential supplies to those affected to help them begin rebuilding their lives in the face of this hardship.

“What happened after Hurricane Helene was absolutely devastating, particularly in North Carolina,” Rob Wooley, NHL vice president of legislative affairs and executive director of the NHL Foundation, said Thursday. “Given the strong presence of the Carolina Hurricanes and our hockey family in this particular area, it was obviously important to Commissioner Gary Bettman because we have to do something.”

The NHL’s American Red Cross microsite also launched Thursday to provide additional information and ways to donate.

“We have a long-standing relationship with the American Red Cross and whenever tragedy strikes, be it COVID, the war in Ukraine or any type of natural disaster, we immediately call our friends at the American Red Cross and they are great at getting us there “A platform for fans and our teams and players who want to get involved to support relief efforts,” said Wooley.

If someone needs help, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/helene to find accommodations or request assistance finding a loved one.