It’s just a few days away… so fans in Simcoe County had better get their tickets quick.
Hockey Night in Simcoe County is set to take over Barrie Molson Centre Thursday night at 7 p.m. with NHL greats, past and present, lacing up their skates for the benefits of hospitals in the region.
And with the addition this week of Newmarket-born superstar Connor McDavid to the already star-studded lineup, the urgency of hitting the box office is all the greater.
McDavid won the Hart Trophy this past season as NHL Most Valuable Player, plus the Art Ross Trophy for scoring, with 100 points in only his second season in the loop.
Former Barrie federal MP and current Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown is the godfather of this event, as he has been for the last decade, which has been “even more successful than I ever would have imagined, raising over $1.8 million for our local hospitals and causes. All of this support is thanks to our amazing community, who come together every year to show their compassion and love for Simcoe County.”
(The game also provides a respite from the political grind for Brown, who just last week officially declared himself as the candidate for the PCs in Barrie-Springwater-Oro Medonte for next summer’s election, having represented Simcoe North since becoming leader two years ago. He’s been off on a campaign-style swing in the weeks leading up to being named the Tory candidate locally).
Initially, funds were exclusively for the benefit of Royal Victoria Hospital, but, says Brown, “last year, we expanded to include Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Midland’s Georgian Bay General Hospital, and the Barrie Colts Community Fund making this a truly regional fundraising effort.”
Brown, who always suits up and plays alongside the starts, says the funds raised at this year’s HNISC will go towards supplying some vital tools needed for health care.
“For RVH, funds will be put towards a new Child and Youth Mental Health in-patient unit. With mental health treatment and awareness on the rise, it is important that we take the right steps to ensure that our children are getting the care that they need.
“For Georgian Bay General Hospital, Hockey Night proceeds will go towards helping to fund a new CT Scanner in the emergency department. This tool will be vital in diagnosing all kinds of injuries and illnesses, and will help physicians in effectively treating their patients.”
The funds to be earmarked for Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital will help in the overall development of equipment and technology in areas like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“When there are complications with a birth, the NICU provides the care that is needed to save a child’s life.”
Besides McDavid, Hockey Hall of Famer and current Barrie Colt coach Dale Hawerchuk will be on the ice, joined by Mike Gartner, Gary Leeman and Bernie Nichols. Fans will also be treated to Barrie Colts and current NHL players Andreas Athanasiou, Tanner Pearson and Joseph Blandisi, as the Colts’ 2017 first overall selection Ryan Suzuki.
And they may not have sticks in their hands or skates on their feet, but Brown contends that those behind the scenes are just as much superstars.
“I just want to say that this game wouldn’t even be possible without the continued dedication and support from our volunteers, players and sponsors. They have all been instrumental in the fun and success that we’ve had these (past) 10 years.”
Hockey Night in Simcoe County goes Thursday, Aug. 10 at Molson Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the ceremonial puck drop at 7. To learn more, click here.
