Dan Hurley Completed ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The UConn coach participated in the charitable event outside the Werth Family Center.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
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UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Monday. Players Jacob Ross and Elmir Dzafic doused the coach with a bucket of ice water outside the Werth Family Center.
Why it matters
The activity is designed to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The challenge originally gained global attention in 2014 and remains a prominent effort to highlight the condition.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was popularized by Pete Frates in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS. The disease is historically linked to the death of Lou Gehrig, who passed away in 1941.
The players
Dan Hurley
He is the head coach of the UConn men's basketball team.
Pete Frates
He was a former college baseball player who helped popularize the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Luke Murray
He serves as the head coach for the Boston College men's basketball team.
Jacob Ross
He is a player for the UConn men's basketball team who assisted in the challenge.
Elmir Dzafic
He is a player for the UConn men's basketball team who assisted in the challenge.
The details
Dan Hurley sat on the sidewalk as his players lifted and dumped a Gatorade bucket filled with ice water onto him. Following the dousing, Hurley challenged Boston College head coach Luke Murray to take part in the event.
Timeline
Lou Gehrig died from ALS in 1941.
Pete Frates started the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014.
Dan Hurley completed the challenge on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The UConn men's basketball team begins practices on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This lighthearted event serves as a final morale-building moment before the team shifts focus to the upcoming season. It keeps the spotlight on the program while highlighting charitable initiatives before the high-pressure competitive cycle begins.
The participation of head coach Dan Hurley highlights a strong team culture just one day before official practice begins. This event serves as a transition from the offseason phase into the rigorous demands of the competitive basketball schedule.
The takeaway
Engaging in charitable challenges serves as a way to maintain community connection and awareness for medical causes. Even with a busy season starting, integrating philanthropy remains a priority for the coaching staff.
What happens next
The UConn men's basketball team will begin official practices for the 2026-2027 season on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Further reading
Find more coverage on regional athletes and team news in the Hockey section.
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