It was a packed house with over 2,000 spectators at the Sudbury Community Arena for an afternoon of fun and cheers at the Vale presents: NHL vs Docs hockey game in support of NEO Kids. Local physicians traded in their scrubs for skates and faced off against NHL players in a battle on the ice. The event raised over $215,000 and counting for NEO Kids thanks to an anonymous donor who matched the total funds raised. After launching two years ago, NHL vs Docs has raised over $440,000 for NEO Kids.
Following this year’s game, An Evening with NHL Legends brought together over 200 fans, legends and NHL players at the Caruso Club to mix and mingle for a good cause.
“What a successful series of events that allowed us to move NEO Kids another step in the right direction,” said Nick Foligno, Honourary Chair of NEO Kids Foundation. “I would like to thank all involved in making the two events such a success, especially the people who came out to support NEO Kids and who continue to want to make a difference in our community. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my teammates, who came to Sudbury to support a cause that is near and dear to my heart.”
The energetic crowd was excited to watch current and former professional players come together for the family-fun event including local players: Nick Foligno, Marcus Foligno, Josh Anderson, Seth Jones, Scott Harrington, Boone Jenner, Dalton Prout, Ben Chiarot, Derek MacKenzie, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Damien Giroux, Zack Stortini and Joe Bowen, Canadian Sportscaster. Leading from behind the benches were coaches Wendel Clark, Randy Carlyle, Mike Foligno, Brian Savage and Andrew Brunette. Among these legends, were stars from the Canadian-hit Letterkenny.
The highlight of the event was when Justin Robert of Sudbury was selected at random to “Shoot to Win” a Honda Civic courtesy Palladino Honda at Vale presents NHL vs Docs for NEO Kids. Justin was required to shoot from behind the red line into a tiny hole on a board, covering the net. He shot …and he WON a Honda Civic!
Another event highlight was when over 400 attendees chucked a NEO Kids plane on the ice for a chance to win a private meet and greet with the NHL players following the game.
“It was a truly remarkable day having our local hockey players and physicians come together for NEO Kids. You could sense the pride they have in our community and the excitement of the audience” said Patricia Mills, President NEO Kids Foundation. “The sheer number of supporters we had on a hot Sudbury Sunday is testament to the support for NEO Kids and a new health centre.” Following the hockey game, NEO Kids Foundation hosted an inaugural “An Evening with NHL Legends”.
The VIP reception was an opportunity to mix and mingle with NHL legends and players following the big game. A Q&A period with NHL legends & players led by Joe Bowen, Canadian Sportscaster was a great way to hear and learn from some of NHL’s greatest hockey players.