The Hockey Stop

Haiti is only 681 miles from Miami, Florida, which is a little more than half the distance it took the visiting Capitals to return to D.C. following their 5-4 shootout victory over the Panthers Wednesday night at BankAtlantic Center.

Given the proximity to South Florida and the many Haitian-Americans living in the region, the Panthers collected donations from fans before the game for the countless victims of the devastating 7.0 earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince on Sunday, Jan. 10.

Panthers fans will also have the opportunity to donate to relief efforts at the Lightning game this Saturday.

"This was a tragic and devastating event for the citizens of Haiti, as well as the numerous South Florida residents that have family members residing in the area," said Florida Panthers President & COO Michael Yormark. "We encourage our fans to help support this worthy cause and help the victims who are suffering from this unfortunate tragedy."

Also, yesterday the NHL announced it was donating $100,000 to UNICEF for Haiti relief.

"The catastrophe in Haiti requires an urgent response from the National Hockey League family," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "The victims need food, water, temporary housing and basic medical supplies, and the emergency effort by UNICEF is helping to provide those critical commodities to communities in desperate need."

To donate and find out more information about the earthquake visit www.unicef.org.

Here is a brief video of Panthers fans dropping off donations before the game: