Local hockey players, dreaming of taking a hard pass from former Leaf Wendel Clark, toe dragging, and putting it top shelf will get their chance today.
The North Bay Celebrity Hockey Classic, taking place at the Pete Palangio Arena, will see a number of former NHL stars, including Clark, lace 'em up with local enthusiasts to benefit Easter Seals supporting children with physical disabilities.
Participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside Clark and other NHL greats such as Rick Vaive, Nik Antropov and Mike Krushelnyski.
"It's awesome, a lot of fun," Clark told BayToday while warming up with teammates Friday afternoon. "The guys did a great job raising money. It's all fun. We get to play hockey and talk hockey."
The tournament kicked off last night at the Davedi Club with a Draft Party, where each team selected an NHL star to play on their team.
Each player must raise a minimum of $300 to participate in the tournament.
Each team is guaranteed a minimum of two games. The top individual fundraisers from each team will be invited to join the Celebrity All-Star Team at the end of the tournament.
The former Leafs captain played 13 of his 15 NHL seasons with Toronto and was selected first overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by the Leafs. He also spent time with the Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.
Clark sees a big difference in the NHL since he last played.
"They are trying to keep the game fast with a lot less hooking and holding and no slashing around the hands. The guys are very skilled today and play hard and lots and lots of talent. It looks good. We've got lots of skilled players coming."
And he's very pleased to see the Leaf resurgence this year.
"We've got a lot of good, young talent. We've drafted well, signed well and guys have stepped in and played well and they're a fun team to watch."
Easter Seal child Dylan Rivenvark was thrilled to be taking part in the puck drop. His mother Jennifer says the organization plays a big part in their lives.
"It's wonderful. We're big supporters of Easter Seals. We've been to camp twice and it's just heaven on earth. They asked us and we were honoured to be ambassadors today."
See a tribute to Wendel Clark below.
