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Golf tournament drawing big stars |
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Written by TED CLARKE, Citizen staff
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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
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HOCKEY LEAGUESPRUCE KINGSMAYOR COLIN KINSLEYSHIRLEY BOND
The Vancouver Canucks alumni will play a big part in attracting attention to the fifth annual charity tournament, set for July 22 at Aberdeen Glen Golf Course. Proceeds raised will fund children's programs at The Exploration Place Science Centre and Museum and the Canuck Place Children's Hospice.
Former Canucks Darcy Rota, Gerry O'Flaherty, Dennis Kearns, current B.C. Hockey League commissioner John Grisdale, and Garry Monahan, the first-overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 1963, the first year the NHL had a draft, are coming in for the tournament.
Also on the list of sports celebrities are Jason LaBarbera, the starting goalie for the L.A. Kings; ex-Cougar Ronald Petrovicky, a former NHL forward who played in Switzerland this past season; and Spruce Kings associate coach Stew Malgunas, who played defence in the NHL for Philadelphia, Washington, Winnipeg and Calgary.
"We're really excited and we'd like to keep up the momentum to reach out to not only the Canuck alumni but the more current players," said tournament chairman Dan McLaren. "This town loves sports, especially hockey, and if you get Pat Quinn or Bobby Orr or somebody like that we think it's such a great draw, it can't help but raise a lot of money for the kids."
McLaren is also trying to get former Canuck coach Quinn and ex-Canuck/Boston Bruin winger Chris Oddleifson on the list of Commonwealth Cup golfers.
Mayor Colin Kinsley gave a favourable response to McLaren when asked if city council would declare July 22nd Canuck Day in honour of the tournament. Education minister Shirley Bond will serve as honourary chairperson.
The celebrity aspect of the tournament restores a tradition that ended when the Firefighters Burn Fund golf tournament wrapped up in 2004 after 16 years.
McLaren made his connection to the Canuck Alumni Association when he met Kearns at an insurance conference.
Sponsorship entry fees range from $250 (single golfer) to $7,500 (diamond sponsor). All sponsors who pay the $1,800 silver sponsorship fee or greater are eligible for the practice round July 21 and are invited to the celebrity auction and barbecue at McLaren's summer house at Cluculz Lake. Sponsors at the dinner will have the opportunity to bid on which celebrity they will play golf with the following day. Half of the VIP sponsorships will go to Canuck Place.
The dinner raised between $7,000 and $8,000 last year and the tournament pumped $30,000 into the museum's kids programs.
For more information go to the Internet at commonwealthcup.ca or phone 960-2233.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 May 2008 )
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