Former NHL players will face off against local law-enforcement officials in Orillia this month for a good cause.
The NHL Alumni Tour will make a stop at Rotary Place on Jan. 24, and the proceeds from the event will go to Special Olympics Ontario.
The annual tour raises about $100,000 a year for the organization and its 26,000 athletes in the province.
Special Olympics’ relationship with law enforcement is an important one, noted Cody Jansma, director of business development with Special Olympics Ontario and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
“It’s a longstanding partnership and these events are very important to Special Olympics,” he said. “Quite frankly, without the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics would not exist.”
While the NHL Alumni game might feature names better known by adults than kids, there will be some entertainment that will appeal to the youth in attendance, Jansma said.
“The level of competition is great as well, but it’s good for the whole family,” he said. “It’s an inexpensive night out for the family. Whether you’re a huge hockey fan or not, you’ll definitely enjoy it.”
There will be an opportunity for visitors to support local Special Olympians, too. They will be on site selling merchandise and 50/50 tickets, the proceeds of which will go toward local athletes.
“It goes a long way to support their programming,” Jansma said.
Here's a list of confirmed players for the Orillia game: Nik Antropov, Mark Napier, Ethan Moreau, Ken Belanger, Mike Krushelnyski, Jay Wells, Bryan Muir, Dave McIlwain, Al Iafrate, Mark Laforest and Dave Hutchison (referee).
Tickets to the Orillia game cost $22 ($16 for children 12 and younger, and seniors). It's free for kids younger than three. Tickets can be purchased here.
Doors open at 6 p.m. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
