Even in the midst of a fun-filled exhibition hockey game, their competitiveness shone through.
Trailing a collection of midget and junior players, currently competing within the Cambrian Hockey loop, 11-10 with under a minute to go, the NHL Alumni pulled their goalie, netting the equalizer with just six seconds remaining Wednesday night at the McClelland Arena.
This was the drama involved the NHL Legends Charity Hockey Game in support of The Human League Breakfast Club and PLAY programs. Despite the relaxed setting of a fundraising event, hockey players of all ages still like to win.
Of course, the big winners on the night remained the Human League Association, raising some $10,000 towards its local programs in support of children in Greater Sudbury.
"About a year ago, we were looking at trying to bring something new and exciting to Sudbury to help out with our fundraising efforts," Human League president and CEO Rod Larocque said.
"Every single player that we approached gave us thumbs up right away with this venture. We're just delighted that these people have come forward to help make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children here in Greater Sudbury."
Current NHLers Andrew Brunette, Nick Foligno, Zack Stortini and Andrew Desjardins were joined by NHL alumni Ron Duguay, Drew Bannister, Craig Duncanson and a host of other players with a sprinkling of professional hockey and/or post-secondary hockey experience.
Facing off in a lengthier game than some might have expected, the more experienced athletes were opposite a selection of players from the Sudbury Jr. Wolves and local Midget AAA ranks, including recent OHL draft picks Tyler Bertuzzi, Jacob Smith and Marco Lizotte.
The game is one of a handful of events being hosted in conjunction with the Playing 4 Change festivities in Sudbury, with the 14th annual edition of the NHL Legends of the Game Golf Charity Classic nearly completely sold out at both the Timberwolf and Cedar Green golf courses.
Larocque did note, however, that roughly 1,000 tickets remain available for the Kelly Clarkson concert set for Saturday night at the Sudbury Arena.
- Posted by Laurel Myers
