ALUMNI LENDS SUPPORT IN SMITHERS

2009-03-28 : Hosted this time around in the town of Smithers at the Civic Centre, March 28th saw the Vancouver Canucks Alumni once again lace up to join forces with BC Conservation Officers in effort to raise funds for BC Children‟s Hospital and KidSports. BC Children‟s Hospital has been instrumental in providing treatment and support to sick kidsfrom all over the NorthWest and their families. Kidsports, with its mission statement which reads, "We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports," provides support to kids and families by removing the financial barrier that impedes the participation of some children in organized sports. The first period of the game saw the Canucks Alumni up to their usual antics with the ceremonial "pie to the face," after the first goal of the game was scored by the Society of BC Conservation Officers team. Several goals were exchanged by both teams in the first period. After the 1st period, a 5 minute game between two Tim Horton's Timbit Initiation league hockey players entertained the guests and was also a highlight of the game as one of theTimbit players slipped a breakaway shot past a sprawling Terry Bingley. The second period was also filled with more good plays on the ice and more Alumni antics. A Mike MacWilliam goal was called off by one of the refs on a controversial call. On the ensuing penalty shot awarded to MacWilliam, he stick handled a beach ball in and with an incredible spinarama and behind the back shot, rifled a beach ball over goalie Ken Owens' glove hand to restore the Alumni lead. The third period saw a desperate move by the C.Officers hockey team to get back into the game by handcuffing goalie Terry Bingley's glove hand to the goal post.A barrage of shots followed but the home team could not find a way to get one past the Alumni's net minder. It was a highly entertaining game which ended in a final score of 11-7 in favour of the Alumni.

The JCC Minoru Event

2009-03-18 : The JCC hockey event funds for a number of charities including the Arthritis Society, Cassie and Friends, the Spread the Love Project (www.spreadthelove.com) and several local public and private school programs in the City. An annual event in its 5th year, the event predominantly focuses its attention on children and youth programs. Held at the Minoru Arena in Richmond, the teams played before an excited crowd of 350 fans, who were all eager to see their favourite Alumni play. The teams were mixed up with each team having an equal number of Alumni and JCC All-Stars on their side. But despite this, the score was still rather lopsided with the White team crushing the Blue team 12-4. Overall the event was a success grossing an estimated $9000. Proceeds will be divided between charity organizations, the Alumni and the JCC. A fan who came out in support of the cause commented, "It is such a great cause and a fun time for the whole family." The JCC players too, could not say enough about the event and the thrill of playing with their favourite Alumni, in front of a cheering crowd! It was a great time had by all.

The JACKSON HOLE CHARITY EVENT

2009-03-08 : The Vancouver Canucks Alumni once again lent their support to the people of Teton County, Wyoming, at the Jackson Hole hockey event, which took place this year on March 8, 2009. The event raises money for a large segment of the Teton County population, who have no access to routine healthcare. The annual event, in it‟s 11th year, was once again, a tremendous success. Although the hockey game was much closer this year with a 5-4 win, it had the fans on their feet throughout the evening. The hockey specialty Clinic with the kids was also a success, with close to 50 children attending the hour long clinic. On hand from the Vancouver Canucks Alumni were Greg Adams, Dave Babych, Gary Nylund, Bill Ranford, Jamie Huscroft and Mike MacWilliam. They were joined by NHL Alumni players Sean Burke, Reed Larson, Neal Broten, Bernie Nicholls, Benoit Hogue, Nelson Emerson and Shjon Podein. All the Alumni players and their wives enjoyed a few great days of hockey, skiing, camaraderie and a gala dinner of Nashville music. It was a successful weekend with almost $20,000 raised for the Free Clinic.

The GGMC DVib Game

2009-02-22 : For the second year in a row, Cliff Ronning and friends were on hand to help the Gianfranco Giammaria family, friends and well-wishers raise funds for the GGMS Celebrity Hockey gameFundraiser. The event raises funds to provide defibrillators for local hockey arenas and recreational sports facilities. This year‟s event was held on February 22, 2009 at the PNE Agrodome. Special guest, coaching legend Pat Quinn kicked things off with the "dropping of the puck" assisted by the Giammaria children. The fundraiser began after the untimely death of Gianfranco Giammaria, who was the Vice- Principal at St. Helen's Elementary School in Burnaby. On December 30 2006, while playing recreational hockey at 8 Rinks in Burnaby with his ASHL team, Gianfranco collapsed on the bench from an unknown heart condition. Doctors say a defibrillator on site may have saved his life. He was just 35 years old. The celebrity hockey fundraiser was truly an All-star event. Playing against an all-star Vancouver Alumni team were Gianfranco's ASHL North Burnaby team, the Eagles, the same team he was playing for when he collapsed. The All-star Canucks Alumni line-up included Kirk McLean, Gary Nylund, Larry Melnyk, Gino Odjick, Gary Valk, John Craighead, Wayne Vandorp, Terry Bingley, Richard Brodeur, Dave Babych and of course Cliff Ronning who helped spearhead the fundraiser. Also on the Vancouver Canucks Alumni All-star team were Al Lafrate (who flew in from Detroit) and former Whitecaps players Steve Kindel and Alfredo Valente. Coaching the All-Star team were Pat Quinn and local celebrity Mike Reno of the group Loverboy. The coaches for the AHSL Eagles team were Ernie "Punch" McLean and local actor Jackson Davies. The Eagles team Trainer was Eddie Georgica. Guest referee for the event was Jay Janower, Global TV Sports broadcaster and the game announcer was our very own John Ashbridge. Last year the funds raised, was enough to award grants to various sports facilities for the purchase of 16 defibrillators. This year they raised enough money to award grants for 18 defibrillators. The success of the event continues to be possible due in part to the efforts of Cliff Ronning,his all-star Vancouver Alumni team and their celebrity friends.

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