Lace 'em up and skate with the Hounds

NEWS RELEASE

ROTARY CLUB OF SAULT STE. MARIE

************************* Sault Ste Marie, ON (October 31, 2011) - It’s uncommon when the awestruck become the awe-inspiring in just a few short years, but for a few locally born and raised Greyhounds, this rarity has become reality. The Bell Celebrity Skate and Swim in support of Rotary Youth Projects presented by Cross Country Automotive Services will be held on November 22 this year.

The event raises funds for local teams, Rotary youth projects, and brings together the community’s young people and local stars, the Soo Greyhounds. The three-hour event kicks off at 6 p.m., where kids can elect to either skate or swim.

The Greyhounds then come out, sign autographs, and skate with everyone until the end of the evening.

Registration for the event costs only $25, but collecting pledges for more is encouraged.

Prizes for top fundraising individuals include everything from gaming systems, a bike, signed sports memorabilia, and much more.

Teams collect donations and compete to see which team can raise the most for the top team prizes, which include pizza and swimming parties.

Teams whose members raise $500 collectively automatically win a pizza and bowling party.

In addition to the prizes, qualifying teams/organizations receive 50 percent of the funds they raise, which can help with steep travelling and equipment costs. The Bell Celebrity Skate and Swim for Rotary Youth Projects Presented by Cross Country Automotive Services has raised over half a million dollars since its conception 16 years ago.

But it’s done a whole lot more than that. For Chad Thibodeau, Colin Miller, David Quesnele and Brett Findlay, it played a part in planting a seed that grew into a pro hockey career.

The four Soo Greyhounds used to be on the other side of the glass.

The boys grew up in the Sault and Echo Bay, playing hockey, idolizing local stars, and participating in the Skate and Swim. “My dad and I would go to most of the home games every year,” remembers Colin Miller, the 6' 1" defenseman. “Growing up, I was definitely a hockey addict.” David Quesnele, a left wing, recollects the Skate and Swim, “It was pretty exciting, as a kid and a hockey fan. The Greyhounds were a big deal. I went to quite a few Greyhound games when I was younger.” The Skate and Swim offered the chance to meet the Soo Greyhounds face to face - an exhilarating moment for many aspiring hockey stars.

“As a kid I always remember being very excited to go and see all the Greyhounds. It was really neat to be able to get their autographs and skate around with the players,” affirms Miller.

Chad Thibodeau, a left wing from the Sault, remembers the Skate and Swim fondly: “I remember going with my family and one of the players brought me in the old Memorial Gardens dressing room and gave me a broken stick.” Timidly, they would skate up to an ice deity, push through the swarm of kids and hand over their autograph sheet.

Staring awestruck at the face of their hero, they would nod, unhearing, to some polite conversational questions.

They would then totter off contentedly, drooling over their new pen-fathered treasure. Now, these accomplished players get to feel that same childlike excitement all over again when they are handing out autographs.

“It’s a great feeling to see kids look up to you so much,” Thibodeau exclaims, “You really feel special.”

Quesnele agrees, noting, “It’s nice to see the kids smile and make their day by giving them an autograph.”

Miller thought it felt strange at first to be giving out autographs, but enjoys “seeing the kids and how (thrilled) they are to see us. It’s nice to know that there is still so much support for the Soo Greyhounds.” All grown up, Chad, David, Colin and Brett will be at this year’s Skate and Swim on November 22 with their teammates.

The event will ‘face-off’ at 6 p.m. at the John Rhodes Arena.

For copies of pledge forms or more information, please visit us here or call the Rotary office at 705-945-1279.

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