A Night to Remember
(December 4, 2004)
It didn't matter that the two teams tied, 7-7.
No reporter is going to ask why the Sabres
Alumni relinquished a 6-3 lead in the third
period. Fans aren't going to check tomorrow's
papers to see the game's results. All that
mattered was that the two teams played, and in
doing so made a difference in the world.
Over $200,000 was raised by the Buffalo Sabres,
celebrities, former NHL greats and the Sabres
Alumni Association this weekend for Children's
Hospital, Companions in Courage and the Sabres
Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
Friday's festivities, the 2004 Labatt Corporate
Challenge and the Hockey Legends Dinner, earned
$100,000, while the remaining $100,000 was
graciously donated by Sabres Owner B. Thomas
Golisano. Golisano surprised everyone when at
the dinner he announced that he and his wife had
decided to match all the proceeds from the
weekend.
"To see what Mr. Golisano did last night for the
foundation, the children of Buffalo and this
community… I was overwhelmed," reflected Pat
LaFontaine, former Sabres' captain and the
founder of Companions in Courage.
The majority of that money will benefit
LaFontaine's foundation; an organization that
will better the lives of sick children around
the Buffalo area by creating an interactive and
highly advanced "playroom" in Child's Hospital.
Rob Ray understands the importance of giving
back to the community but acknowledges that an
event like the Legends means as much to the
players as it does to the charities. The former
Buffalo enforcer, who was honored with the King
Clancy Memorial Trophy following the 1999-2000
season for exemplary leadership qualities on and
off the ice and a noteworthy humanitarian
contribution to his community, retired from
hockey following last season.
"The main thing is to give back to the people,"
stated Ray. "Sure, we created a lot of money
today for a great cause, but this type of event
gives guys that have been away from the game a
chance to get back in and bring back some
memories. Every one of these guys has played the
game since they were three or four and when you
walk away from (hockey), it's difficult."
Many former greats played in the game, including
Jim Schoenfeld, Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Wayne
Cashman, Danny Gare, Craig Ramsay, Dale
Hawerchuk, Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig.
"You kind of look at some of these guys funny,"
remarked Ray. "These are guys that I remember
watching when I was growing up, and they're
still keeping up with me. You start to think to
yourself, "Maybe I should do a little more out
here for myself."
The French Connection was once again united for
the Sabres Alumni, although they were held
scoreless on the day.
Celebrities Michael J. Fox and Denis Leary
faired well against the professionals as each
notched a goal, but Leary's came against some
unusual competition in net.
"Hey, in the record books it will just say, 'Sabretooth',"
protested Leary. "I'll just say it was a guy
named Sabretooth. It wasn't a mascot.
"I don't know what you're talking about. It was
some Canadian guy from Saskatchewan or Moose Jaw
named Sabretooth. Big guy too…," continued
Leary.
More than 11,000 fans were in attendance for the
game and everyone seemed to leave the arena with
a smile on their faces.
"We made a ton of money, had a blast playing and
the fans seemed to have a good time, so we
seemed to accomplish what we set out to do,"
finished Leary.
In the grand scheme of things no one will
remember the score, but the lasting impact off
the ice will be felt for years by those who
benefited from the funds raised.
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