CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – Seven former NHLers are on the Island this weekend to help raise funds for local cancer programs.
The list includes Marty McSorley, Joe Mullen and Tom Fergus, who are making their first trip to the Island.
Four more former NHLers are here for the StandardAero Face Off Against Cancer tournament taking place Friday-Sunday. Gary Leeman, Bob Sweeney, Al Iafrate and Darren Langdon join McSorely, Mullen and Fergus for tonight’s kick off event known as draft night.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring the NHL legends to the Island again this year,” said Tracy Jones, event co-chair. “Eight local teams have fundraised for the chance to play in a weekend tournament with the legends. Even though this is a non-competitive, fun tournament, these guys take their time with the legends pretty seriously. We are all looking forward to a great kick off draft event Friday night.”
McSorely was known mainly as the on-ice bodyguard for Wayne Gretzky spanning their careers with both the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. Since then McSorley has coached in the AHL and has taken on a number of acting roles. He has also been involved in charitable events across the country.
Tonight’s draft event is open to the public for the first time and includes an up-close and personal hot stove along with a silent auction. The auction boasts a newly signed Connor McDavid jersey and dinner with Doug MacLean, along with numerous other sports memorabilia and locally donated items. Interested islanders should arrive for the event at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel at 7 p.m,.
The tournament games take place at the MacLauchlan Arena on Saturday and Sunday and are open to the public. The final game, where local hockey players take on the NHL legends, takes place Sunday at 1 p.m., Sunday. Entrance is by donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
