The long-time Barrie councillor and later federal MP now leads Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives, giving him bigger responsibility and a bigger stage. But despite all that, Brown’s Hockey Night in Barrie (now re-christened Hockey Night in Simcoe County), and its health-care beneficiary, represent a homecoming of sorts.
“My grandmother, Edna Tascona, was a volunteer at RVH for 45 years as a blue coat, Brown tells BarrieToday. “For me, fundraising for the hospital is a way to support the community and honour the memory of my grandmother.”
This is the ninth year that current and past NHL players and other celebrities have descended on Barrie Molson Centre for the midsummer hockey classic, and the change of name means facilities other than RVH will share in the proceeds.
Brown, 37, now represents the Simcoe North provincial riding, home to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and “I know how desperately our region’s health-care services need funding. RVH, Soldiers’, and Georgian Bay General Hospital all have significant needs.
He adds, “Hockey Night’s motto has always been ‘bigger and better every year.’ Having raised $1.6 million to date, the game has grown to the point where we are able to expand and help additional hospitals.”
The tally from last year’s night was more than $228,000.
The game on Thursday, August 11 will feature young superstar Connor McDavid, who jumped on board on this week. Former NHL rookie of the year and ex-Barrie Colt Aaron Ekblad will be on hand, as well as favourites such as Mike Gartner, Hall of Famer and Colts coach Dale Hawerchuk, Shayne Corson and Tanner Pearson.
Also featured will be Ekblad’s teammate with the Florida Panthers, Barrie’s Garrett Wilson, who helped the Owen Sound Attack win the OHL championship in 2011.
Another recent addition is Matt Beleskey, now a Boston Bruin.
"It is great to be able to play in this event to give back to a great cause and the community I grew up in. I’m looking forward to being part of the ninth-annual event that is even bigger and better than past years.”
Funnyman Alan Thicke will also be there, a performer with a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame, best known for his role in the sitcom Growing Pains, and the reality TV show Unusually Thicke.
Apart from the star power on its way, and the excitement of the game in which he himself will play, Brown is particularly enthused about raising funds to boost the level of health-care throughout the region, and, in so doing, sparing families the arduous trip to Toronto or even beyond for care.
“The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie will be using its share to improve access for children in need with the development of a youth mental-health program. The event will also support the important work and delivery of care in RVH’s cancer program.
“Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Orillia will benefit with funding specifically directed to its newborn intensive care unit.
“Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland’s proceeds will be put towards a CT scanner.”
Additionally, the Barrie Colts Foundation will be able to expand its reach into the communities, supporting charities, organizations, schools and sports programs.
In short, it’s a night when everybody wins, no matter the score.
The puck drops at 6:30 PM on Thursday, August 11, for Hockey Night in Simcoe County, at Barrie Molson Centre. Tickets range in price from $12.00 from $25.00.
Find more information at the event website.
