The National Hockey League and Calgary Flames alumni are joining forces to give children in the MD of Foothills a place to play.
The annual Flames Alumni Game and Gala will be returning to the Centennial Arena on April 17 to raise money in support of the proposed Dunbow Recreation Multi-Purpose Arena in the Heritage Heights area.
Marica Law, the gala organizer and event coordinator for the Dunbow Recreation Board, credited the Flames for committing to the cause.
“The Flames are the hometown heroes,” she said. “They’re ambassadors.”
As an Okotoks area resident, former Flame Sheldon Kennedy said he was more than happy to bring the NHL and Flame alumni to support the cause.
Born out of a conversation with MD Reeve Larry Spilak more than two years ago, the event has grown to be a substantial fundraiser.
“I thought that we could help as an alumni association. I think it’s important that we give back,” said Kennedy. “Being where I hang my hat, I’m glad that I can help out.”
The theme of this year’s event is “Hometown Heroes” and will recognize individuals who have served the community. The three winners of the distinction will be saluted during the NHL-Flames alumni game.
The “Hometown Heroes” spirit has been reflected in the support shown by the community, Law said.
Several Okotoks businesses have stepped up to donate to the cause and the items available for the gala’s auction are staggering.
Among the numerous prizes will be a Sidney Crosby-signed Vancouver 2010 Olympic hockey jersey, a signed Alexander Ovechkin jersey, as well as jerseys from Jordan Eberle, Team Canada and the Edmonton Oilers and a weekend trip to Chicago to see the Cubs play in Wrigley Field.
If that wasn’t enough, one lucky bidder will be afforded the opportunity to play pond hockey with three buddies against Sheldon Kennedy and three teammates of his choosing out on Heritage Lake.
“These (donors) truly appreciate what the need is in the community for this kind of facility,” Law said.
The Dunbow Recreation Board will need to raise roughly $1.25 million for construction of the new arena.
The importance of having a recreation centre is something not lost on Kennedy.
“I think that there is a need for another recreation centre. I think it’s important for the kids that we keep them involved,” Kennedy said.
Many NHL stars got their hockey careers started on local rinks in their communities including former Los Angeles King great Charlie Simmer.
Simmer, who will be suiting up for the alumni game, said he is hoping the Dunbow Recreation Centre can provide the same opportunity to future youngsters to get out and play.
“If there isn’t a facility or an opportunity for them to try then I think a lot of good things are lost,” he said. “Why can’t everybody have that chance?”
Beginning at 1 p.m. at the Centennial Arena, the game itself will have a true community feel.
After a pre-game tailgate barbecue, the Flames will face three different local opponents.
Okotoks minor hockey coaches (nominated by their players), the Midget AAA Oilers girls’ championship hockey team and a team of local fire fighters will face off against the former pros.
Led by Kennedy and Simmer, the Flames-NHL Alumni team will also feature German Titov, Rene Corbet as well as former Flames bench boss Dwayne Hay.
Upon joining the alumni association, Simmer said he was blown away by how quickly everyone steps up to help when they are needed.
“I think what’s so phenomenal about the alumni in Calgary is that everybody helps,” Simmer said. “It’s a neat family type of thing.”
Harvey the Hound will also be at the Centennial Arena providing comic relief and entertainment for some of the younger members of the audience.
The addition of the Flames mascot should be a major treat for the children who attend, Kennedy added.
“He does an awesome job with the kids at functions like this. He’s really good,” he said.
The gala at the Centennial Centre will also have its fair share of star power.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, the festivities will include some special guests and the live auction.
The featured speaker will be Olympic gold medal gymnast Kyle Shewfelt.
Simmer will follow as the self-described “secondary speaker” and is pleased to lend his voice to the cause.
“I did it last year and I really enjoyed myself and enjoyed the people of Okotoks. For me it was pretty much a no-brainer,” he said.
The former member of the L.A. Kings’ famed “Triple Crown Line”, along with Marcel Dionne and Dave Taylor, will be talking about this hockey journey and what he learned along the way.
“I’ll be talking about my experiences growing up and how I’ve had opportunities. I think that’s something that I’ll be able to relate to kids and people that want to contribute because it is so important,” Simmer explained.
From an organizer’s standpoint, Law said she is hoping the Flames and the community’s desire for a new recreation facility will bring out even more people this year.
She is also hoping to surpass last year’s total of $150,000 which was raised through the game and a turkey supper in October.
A few tickets are still available for the gala as well and can be purchased by calling Law at 403-630-8093.
