NHL alumni hit Essex ice against OPP for Special Olympics

May Be Interested In:Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich: Champions League playoff round, first leg – live reaction


Article content

Skates. Sirens. Slapshots.

Former NHL players suited up for more than bragging rights Sunday, going toe-to-toe with Essex County OPP officers in a charity game for Special Olympics Ontario.

The annual game, which brought out a crowd of 700 fans, was held at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.

“This game is played in several cities throughout the province, and most games raise approximately $10,000 per game,” Jim Chauvin, an Essex County OPP Constable and game coordinator, told the Star. 

Article content

“We don’t set a goal, but last year, Special Olympics Ontario raised over $1 million through all of the different events we run.”

Former NHL player John Ogrodnick, left, signs a jersey for Dave Walsh between periods during the annual NHL Alumni hockey game in support of Special Olympics Ontario at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Jan. 12, 2025. Photo by Millar Holmes-Hill /Windsor Star
NHL Alumni Game
Some pie-in-the-face for Essex OPP Constable Kyle Durocher during the annual NHL Alumni hockey game in support of Special Olympics Ontario at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. Photo by Millar Holmes-Hill /Windsor Star

The NHL Alumni Benefit Tour also supports the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s mission, “To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

The events are the fundraising arm of Special Olympics Ontario, which allows staff and volunteers to focus primarily on the athletes.

“Our local athletes compete in various levels of games, including local, provincial, national and world games, as well,” Chauvin said.

“So, this is basically here as a fundraiser and for an event for community to get together with their family members to come over for an afternoon of some entertainment.”

NHL Alumni Game
Former NHLer Dave McLlwain high-fives Essex County OPP officers during the annual NHL Alumni hockey game in support of Special Olympics Ontario at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. Photo by Millar Holmes-Hill /Windsor Star

Dave Walsh, owner of Essex County K9 Services, was among those cheering at the game.

“These guys donate their time and the OPP give so much to the community in their off hours,” said Walsh, adding that Sunday was his first time attending an NHL alumni game. “It’s just awesome.”

This year’s alumni lineup featured former Windsor Spitfires forward Zack Kassian. The team also included former NHL’ers Mike Krushelnyski, Brandon Prust and Bryan Muir.

“It’s an exciting atmosphere and gives the public a chance to come out and see some of these NHL legends,” Chauvin said. “It’s an entertaining afternoon.”

[email protected]

Share this article in your social network

share Share facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Acting deputy AG visits Chicago to 'observe' immigration crackdown
Acting deputy AG visits Chicago to ‘observe’ immigration crackdown
Trump's attorneys ask Garland to stop the release of special counsel report as his former codefendants take the matter to federal court
Trump’s attorneys ask Garland to stop the release of special counsel report as his former codefendants take the matter to federal court
Defending the TikTok and DJI ban, best tech gifts for Christmas 2024 and the future of home robots - YouTube
TechRadar Podcast | TechRadar
Image of a conveyor belt above two piles of yellow sulfur powder that appear to be tens of meters high.
A solid electrolyte gives lithium-sulfur batteries ludicrous endurance
The plume from the Palisades Fire drifts into the mountains in Topanga, California on January 9, 2025
Complete List Of Celebrities Who Lost Their Homes To The LA Fires
Navigating Non-Binary Fashion In A Binary World
Navigating Non-Binary Fashion In A Binary World – Star Observer
Headline Stories: Global Events in the Spotlight | © 2025 | Daily News