The New York Islanders will dedicate proceeds from Saturday’s 50/50 raffle to the family of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, who was a superfan of the Long Island-based team.
The NHL team announced the benefit at the start of Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, following a moment of silence for the 31-year-old cop, who was shot and killed last week during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens.
The purse will benefit Diller’s widow, Stephanie, and the couple’s 1-year-old son, Ryan.
“Tonight the #Isles held a moment of silence and lit the lanterns at UBS Arena blue in honor of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on March 25th,” the Isles announced on social media.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
Diller, who hailed from Massapuequa, was a passionate fan of the Islanders — with the priest presiding over his funeral even imploring mourners to “pray for the Isles.”
That night, the team projected a statement over the jumbotron dedicated to the fallen cop.
“MSG Networks & the New York Islander’s organization send their condolences to the family, friends & fellow officers of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. Stephanie and Ryan, you are in our thoughts during this difficult time,” the team said Saturday.
The 50/50 raffle in Diller’s honor will take place during the Isles game against the Nashville Predators on their home turf at UBS Arena in Elmont.
The team hosts 50/50 raffles at almost every game, whether at home or away, to benefit charities ranging from Tunnel to Towers to Alzheimer’s Association.
The biggest prize pot of the season so far an October purse of $84,800.
Three-year department veteran Diller was killed when he approached two men in a car parked at a bus stop — both career criminals with dozens of prior arrests, according to the NYPD and sources.
Passenger Guy Rivera, 34, shot the officer just below his bulletproof vest in an ensuing scuffle, cops and sources said.
Rivera has 21 prior arrests and was found to have a shiv stored in his rectum during the shooting — in apparent anticipation of being sent to jail again.
Lindy Jones, the ex-con behind the wheel of the car during the shooting, was also arrested after a second gun was found in his car.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban posthumously promoted Diller to detective during his funeral on Saturday, with badge number 110 in a nod to little Ryan’s birthday.
