Playing hockey with the kids makes the current and former NHL and professional hockey stars feel like kids again.
Anywhere between 10-15 current and former pros are expected to take to the ice at Vernon’s Okanagan Training Rink (OTR) on 27th Avenue in the annual North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society’s (NOYFSS) Fitness For Families Hockey Challenge June 11.
“What makes it fun is the kids,” said Dean McAmmond, who suited up for 10 different NHL organizations in his career and who now coaches minor hockey in Vernon.
“They have a blast and we have a blast out there with them.”
Former Vernon Lakers sniper David Oliver, now the director of player development with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, helped start the event with one of his best friends, NOYFSS’ director of business and fund development Dean Francks.
Last year, Oliver had the chance to take part with his two boys, Leyten and Caden, and will do so again this year.
“I love this event and having my two boys in it is awesome,” said Oliver, who played in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars.
Fitness For Families Hockey Challenge is open to all players of all abilities aged five and up.
“There’s no cost to take part but we encourage participants to get pledges to support children and families in the North Okanagan,” said Francks.
All money raised by the event go toward non-funded children, youth and parenting educational and skill-building groups.
The event actually kicks off Friday night, June 10, with a social, dinner and auction at the Vernon Golf and Country Club.
Among the items up for bid are an autographed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Edmonton Oilers jersey, a brand new scooter valued at $3,000 from Mike V Automotive and the Kirk McLean package, donated by the former Vancouver Canucks star goalie.
The package includes meeting McLean at Rogers Arena for the Canucks’ morning game-day skate with the team, attend a Canucks game in the team’s alumni suite with McLean, dinner and drinks, signed jersey and goalie stick.
Former Vernon Vipers star and ex-Canuck Aaron Volpatti may make a special appearance Friday and play guitar for a few songs with the night’s entertainment, the band 6 Shades of Gray.
Fitness For Families Hockey Challenge features games starting at 9:30 a.m. and running throughout the day.
There will be a couple of celebrity games; the NHL All-Stars will take on a Corporate All-Star team at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Vernon Firefighters taking on legendary Vernon women’s hockey squad, the Vernon Vixens.
Corporations like Vernon firm Davidson Pringle Lawyers have stepped up again to help the event.
“This is a lot of fun,” said Ian Hawes, a partner with the firm.
“Most of us play hockey, it involves fitness and NOYFSS is an organization that does so many great things in this community. We’re happy to be a part of it.”
Outside OTR, a Family Fun Day takes place in the parking lot.
“There will be lots of kids games, music and food,” said Francks.
“And there will be an autograph table so people can meet their favourite hockey player.”
Among the players anticipated to take part are current Ottawa Senators forward Curtis Lazar and Stanley Cup champion Brent Gilchrist.
Space is limited for the event.
Those who would like to take part on-ice are asked to call Francks at 250-545-3572 or e-mail deanfrancks@noyfss.org.