Celebrity Hockey Players Join Golfers in Fight Against Cancer
Today, Northwestern Ontario’s homegrown hockey stars participated in the Freedom 55
Financial Thunder Bay Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic in support of cancer care in our region.
Wielding golf clubs instead of hockey sticks, the players helped raise funds in support the
Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
“We all have roots in Northwestern Ontario,” says Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I’ve seen the effects of cancer, and I’ve seen the way this community pulls together to
support each other. I’m happy to be home and doing my part for such a worthy cause.”
Jordan was one of 34 hockey players to join teams of golfers for 18 holes at Whitewater
Golf Course. The celebrity roster included Mark, Jared and Eric Staal, Taylor and Tom Pyatt,
Ryan Johnson, Patrick Sharp and many others.
The honour of choosing the first draft pick went to event sponsor Bearskin Airlines, whose
“Hall-of-Fame” sponsor package included the privilege. “By supporting this tournament,
Bearskin Airlines not only ensures the continued success of a wonderful event for hockey
fans, but also brings better care to cancer patients in this community,” say Cliff Friesen.
They chose Patrick Sharp to join their team.
A live auction determined the second draft pick of the day. Ryan Johnson received the
highest bid at $4,000. “We are happy to participate in this event,” says auction winner
Anthony Leblanc. “Ryan is a great guy and supporting the Northern Cancer Fund is a great
cause.”
While the total amount raised by the Freedom 55 Financial Thunder Bay Hockey Celebrity
Golf Classic is yet to be calculated, in the past five years, the event has raised more than
$160,000 for the Northern Cancer Fund.
“The funds raised through events like this have a significant and meaningful impact on
cancer care in our community,” says Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the Health Sciences
Foundation. “Because of support like this, more people are living from cancer than dying
from it.”
Freedom 55 Financial, the financial security planning division of London Life, has supported
the tournament for the past five years. Staff, management and financial security advisors
devote their time and enthusiasm to the tournament to help ensure its success. “We are
proud to partner with our local hockey celebrities to build stronger communities together
in Northwestern Ontario,” says Tom Mihaljevic, Event Chair and Director, Business
Development for Freedom 55 Financial. ‘‘Today, we all did our part in the fight against
cancer.’’
The Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation raises
funds to support cancer awareness, screening, cutting-edge treatments and research.
Together we are helping to make hope possible.
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For further information, please contact:
Tracie Smith
Director of Communications, Health Sciences Foundation
Tel: (807) 684-7111 Cel: (807) 621-9438
healthsciencesfoundation%23ca|Tracie%23Smith
