The Good Old Hockey Game

My husband is in software and technology sales.
My brother manages a team of advisors at an insurance company.
My sister-in-law oversees clinical trials in biotechnology and health sciences.
I’m a former corporate trainer – and now, a blogger.

What do we all have in common? Our love for the good old hockey game.

Growing up in Canada, hockey wasn’t just a pastime – it was a religion. I can vividly recall my brother pouring over his Upper Deck and O Pee Chee hockey cards, memorizing the stats and organizing the players by team. Sometimes, I’d flip through the cards too, familiarizing myself with my favourite players from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Wendel Clark. Doug Gilmour. Mats Sundin.

These are the hockey greats that made an impression on me as a youth. Scoring a pair of tickets (pun intended) to a home game was akin to winning the lottery – we painted our faces, donned our jerseys and were ready to root for the boys in blue. And when we couldn’t see them live, we huddled in front of our televisions, humming along to the Hockey Night in Canada theme song.

Today, we’re continuing the tradition with our children. The boys attended their very first hockey game this past December, and for Christmas, they both received ice skates. Little by little, they are becoming absorbed in the sport that is synonymous with Canadian winter. And one day, the hockey greats that they are watching today – Austin Matthews, hooray! – will one day become legends. 

Want to connect with the beloved players that you grew up with? Participate in the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s in support of Baycrest. It’s the largest on-ice hockey charity tournament in North America, allowing everyday hockey fans the chance to team up with some of hockey’s greatest players.

Watch my recent segment on What She Said to learn more:

Getting involved is so simple!

1. Create a Team. Get together with your hockey-loving friends and family, and start fundraising! As a team captain you’ll have the ability to choose from one of two fundraising levels:

Pro Team – $15,000 to $24,999
Legends Team – $25,000 +

Each of these levels come with their own benefits and VIP access (check the website for a full description of perks. Please note, a minimum of $15,000 is required for your team to take to the ice. If you have not raised the minimum before the tournament cut-off date of April 15th, 2017, your team will have to ride the bench this year.

2. Be a Free Agent. Can’t find a squad big enough to create a full-fledged team? Fund raise solo. After you’ve reached the minimum $1,000 goal, you will be placed on a team to play in the tournament

3. Donate. Of course, if you’re not a skater, you can simply donate the old-fashioned way (or donate your time as a volunteer).

For those already registered in the tournament, don’t forget about the Family Fun Day! On Saturday, May 6th, head on over to the Scotiabank Pond from 10AM to 4PM. There’ll be FREE family fun activities including face painting, air hockey, a family skate and more. You’ll also receive a Pro-Am Passport to grab autographs from your favourite NHL Alumni and players from the Canadian Women’s Hockey League.

Just for the kiddos (and kids at heart): I have it on good authority that your favourite Toronto team mascots including Carlton the Bear, Duke the Dog and the Toronto Raptor will be there! (Did I mention there will also be free food? Be sure to come hungry!)

Hurry! Time is running out – you’ll need to have all your donations in by April 15th to qualify for the tournament. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to connect with your hockey idols – all for a fantastic cause – so get fundraising, lace up and have fun! For more information, visit www.baycrestproam.ca.

This post is sponsored by Baycrest Health Sciences. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.