Sudbury's 4th annual Celebrity Hockey Classic featuring National Hockey League alumni players is all set to take place on Oct. 16 and 17.
This will be the fourth annual Sudbury Celebrity Hockey Classic tournament in support of Easter Seals Ontario presented by Belanger Ford Lincoln Centre in partnership this year with Jackson Events, said a news release from Easter Seals programs and services.
Branded as hockey’s hottest ticket in the North, the event brings NHL Alumni to Greater Sudbury as the proud host of the classic games that bring the community together each year in support of Easter Seals, said the release.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Hockey Greats like Montreal Canadiens contingency of the 1993 Stanley Cup Championship team Denis Savard, along with hometown class act Brian Savage and fan favourite Terry Ryan aka ‘TR’ aka ‘Ted Hitchcock’ of Shoresy fame,” said the release.
“Join us for this meaningful celebration where together, we’re not only celebrating our love of the game but also making a difference in the lives of Easter Seals kids across Ontario,” said the release.
The Hockey Classic dinner will be held at the Caruso Club on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m., hosted by Sportsnet Central TV commentator Ken Reid.
Participating teams will have the chance to draft one of the Hockey Greats as “Captain” for the tournament play Friday at Countryside Area, where admission tournament day is free to the public.
Games will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run throughout the day with an All Star Game slated for noon.
Donations are welcome, said the organizers. Anyone can go online to donate.
M.J. Pappin, the Easter Seals community development officer for Easter Seals Ontario/Sudbury, said the event will be a treat for hardcore hockey fans.
“As ultimate hockey fans, northerners will be able to meet hockey greats while enjoying Canada’s favourite pastime," said Pappin.
"The Sudbury Celebrity Hockey Classic Draft Sports dinner is so well-received as each year guests look forward to the Hot Stove Q&A for the colourful behind the scenes stories shared by our NHL Alumni which generally prompts a lot of laughter in the room. This simultaneously raises awareness and a lot of funds giving children with disabilities the financial support they need to thrive and discover who they are.”
The funds raised through the Sudbury Celebrity Hockey Classic will help provide kids who have physical disabilities with the tools they need to reach their full potential and make their own positive impact on the world, said Pappin.
Easter Seals Ontario believes that the hardest limitations aren’t physical and with the right resources and support, anything is possible. All donations from this event will help to power life-changing programs and services, such as mobility and accessibility equipment funding, fully accessible summer camps, post-secondary scholarships, youth ambassadors, and advocacy and public awareness efforts, said Easter Seals.
Supporters are encouraged to join the exclusive evening with hockey greats at the Hockey Classic Draft Sports Dinner where Bronze corporate sponsorship tables of eight are available for purchase at $2,000 or individual seats at $175, set for Thursday, October 16 at the Caruso Club. Doors open at 6 pm.
Rounding out the NHL list of alumni are: Al Secord, Wayne Primeau, Troy Crowder, Dave Mc Ilwain, Peter Holland and Mel “the Mangler.”
Angelstad who was the first NHLer in 2004 to don jersey #69 for the Washington Capitals and who also can be seen in the movie Goon: Last of the Enforcers.
Teams already signed up for fundraising and participating this year include returning presenting sponsor Belanger Ford Lincoln Centre, Chiseled Hockey/3rd Line Studio, Plan A Sudbury, Pioneer Construction/Northern Knights, Every Child Matters, the Idylwylde Golf & Country Club and Royal Lepage Realty.