Stars shine for great cause

By Curtis Wolff

There’s less than a minute left in the third period and former Calgary Flames sniper Theo Fleury is flying down the right wing. Twirling quickly onto his backhand he catches the defender off guard and slides the puck into the slot. Imagine if you could take the pass and wire a shot past sprawling ex-Toronto Maple Leaf all-star Curtis Joseph to win the game.


It sounds like a fantasy, but for some lucky and generous donors, the dream will come alive April 12–14 at the Pro-Am Face Off for Alzheimer’s.


During this innovative charity event, local teams that have raised a minimum of $25,000 through individual or corporate donations will have the opportunity to lace up their skates with a hockey great of their choice.


A draft will be held on April 12 at the Westin Hotel, where the team that raised the most money will select first overall.


Draft eligible players for 2013 include NHL legends Lanny McDonald, Tiger Williams, Jeremy Roenick, Gary Roberts and Rene Corbet among others.


Drafting first overall this year are the Prime Suspects. Led by captain and Calgary-based engineer Brett Chorney, the team has raised an astonishing $113,925 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Overall, 20 teams have raised over $800,000 for the event.


The action kicks off with a $1,500 per-ticket luncheon in honour of NHL legend Gordie Howe’s 85th birthday. The draft will be held that night, with the competitive, non-contact tournament taking place on April 13–14.


Funds raised will go towards the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, an organization that raises awareness and supports research into the cause and potential cures for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. According to the Alzheimer’s Society website, 40,000 Albertans suffer from dementia and the province has the highest prevalence in Canada of early-onset dementia, defined as people diagnosed under the age of 65.