NEW GLASGOW - Both Jon Sim and Colin White have achieved the ultimate hockey dream - hoisting the Stanley Cup. Now the New Glasgow natives are hoping to help minor hockey players achieve their own aspirations.
The two local NHL players and a committee of dedicated volunteers are organizing the Play the Pros hockey day in New Glasgow. On Aug. 14, the daylong event will give minor hockey players from ages six to 14 a chance to skate along side NHL players in the afternoon.
At 7 p.m., it's a mix Pros and the average hockey "Joe". This game pits two teams with a mix of NHL players and industrial league players.
Sim says he looks forward to this hockey day every year.
"This is a day when we can celebrate this great game with Pictou County but more importantly a day where we raise money to support children in affording the opportunity to play hockey," he said.
White said it's rewarding to hear all of the positive stories of children playing hockey because of this fundraising effort. He said this is a testament to a group of hard working volunteers.
"I am proud of our community," he said. "This shows how when we work together great things will happen."
This is the fourth year for the Play with the Pros event. In the first three years of this group, they have donated a total of $77,000 to minor hockey in Pictou County area.
A part of this total is 75 sets of equipment donated by the National Hockey League Players Association to local minor hockey players at the grassroots level. The group also assist with local players registration fee up to $200, where there is a need to assist the family.
In addition to the support for minor hockey the Play the Pros Society has also donated $24,000 to other Pictou County youth initiatives over the past three years. These include Adopt a Library, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Pictou County Autism Support Group and the DARE group affiliated with the local police force.
White, who has his name on the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils and Sim who won Lord Stanley's mug in 1999 with the Dallas Stars will be joined by many active NHL players. Dave MacIntyre, Trenton native and retired professional hockey player is also playing.
The list of NHL recruits for this hockey day include: Rod Pelley and David Clarkson of the New Jersey Devils, Andrew MacDonald from the New York Islanders, former Montreal Canadian Gordie Dwyer, plus Halifax's James Sheppard, a centre with the Minnesota Wild will be also take part in this year's event. Other NHLers will be confirming their attendance within the next few days.
The two charities that will be recipients of the proceeds from this event are the D.A.R.E. group plus a local Cancer Support Group. Proceeds will also be used to provide assistance to youth hockey players within Pictou County.
Game 1 will start at 12:30 p.m. with players aged six to 10 years. Game 2 is for players 11 to 14 years of age and starts at 2 p.m. Both games will be two 20-minute periods. Both of these games will be open to the public with free admission. There is a $100 entry fee for this and this fee gives a child a chance to play with the pros, a souvenir hockey jersey and souvenirs. They will also get a private off ice autograph session with the NHL players.
Game 3 starts at 7 p.m. and pits Whitey's Devils versus Simmer's Islanders. This game will be a two 25-minute periods stop clock. This is open to the first 30 players to sign up. The entrance fee is $300 per person. The fee also includes souvenir hockey jersey, kit bag with hockey memorabilia and admission to the post game VIP pub night, featuring stand up comic Peter Anthony.
Players wishing to participate can contact Tom Steele at 395-5704 or Craig Clarke at 752-5143 to sign up.
Tickets for the evening game can be purchased at the following locations: Big Als, All Minor Hockey association players, Coffee Bean, Cafe Italia and The Woodshop.
