COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 27, 2026) - Telhio Credit Union's decade-long partnership with The Fan 97.1 FM continues to foster support for animal rescue and adoption efforts for humane shelters in central Ohio. Through a special segment, which was founded by 97.1 FM sports radio personality Anthony Rothman, Telhio donated $7,280 to Hockey & Hounds in 2026.
Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) Defenseman and frequent segment guest, Zach Werenski, has generously committed funds to match Telhio's donation this season.
Hockey & Hounds airs weekly on Rothman & Ice during the CBJ regular season, focusing on adoption efforts. Listeners tune in for exclusive hockey coverage, including special access to CBJ players, Zach Werenski and Damon Severson. During each show, Rothman features an adoptable dog at a local shelter or rescue. 17 dogs featured this season have been adopted and are now in loving homes.
Telhio's donation was recently commemorated with the presentation of a check to Werenski and Rothman by Telhio's Vice President of Marketing, Nick Biratsis. The funds will be used to assist with continued adoption efforts and partnerships with area humane societies.
"Telhio's partnership with Hockey & Hounds reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that make a real difference in our communities," said Nick Biratsis, Vice President of Marketing at Telhio. "Helping connect adoptable dogs with families addresses a meaningful need, and we're proud to work with 97.1 FM and the Columbus Blue Jackets to support that effort."
"Giving back to the community I've called home for 10 seasons is important to me, and I've enjoyed chatting with Rothman and Ice all season long to raise awareness and funds through the Hockey & Hounds segments," said Werenski. "Teaming up with Telhio Credit Union, I'm proud to match this year's funds raised to help make a bigger impact for local dog shelters and the animals that need it most."
Since Telhio's sponsorship of the segment in 2016, they have donated a total of $74,880 to Hockey & Hounds, underscoring their long-standing commitment to philanthropic values and strengthening the communities they serve.
Hockey & Hounds, sponsored by Telhio Credit Union, has inspired countless central Ohioans to get involved in pet adoptions, community volunteering, and charitable giving. They also maintain their own public merchandise line through local sportswear company, Where I'm From, with 100% of proceeds of Hockey & Hounds apparel sales invested in Ohio and Philadelphia animal shelters and rescues.
For information about Hockey & Hounds, visit www.971thefan.com/hockeyandhounds.
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As Ohio's top SBA (Small Business Administration) lending credit union, Telhio serves more than 68,000 individuals, families, and businesses across central and southwestern Ohio with the newest innovative financial technology, while providing personalized service for each member. Founded in 1934, and owned and governed by its members, Telhio's core values of caring, commitment and integrity guide each action and decision the credit union makes. We've continually renewed our pledge to putting people over profit, allowing us to deliver exceptional service to our members for over 90 years.
Telhio offers 12 branching offices in Ohio and nearly 4,000 shared branching locations nationwide. Telhio is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or goes to school in central and southwestern Ohio and participates in the highest level of combined federal and private share savings insurance available, insuring deposit accounts up to $500,000. (Federally insured by NCUA. Additional coverage up to $250,000 provided to consumer account holders by Excess Share Insurance Corporation, a licensed insurance company.)
