Vancouver, BC – For the first time in Vancouver sports history, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) will bring all five professional sports teams together with provincial sport organizations for an unforgettable family event. On Sunday, May 12th, from 1:00-4:00 pm, over 250 families living with autism (850 individuals) will hit the field at BC Place for the 7th Annual CAN Sports Day, sponsored by Centaur Products Sports Contracting, The DB Perks Group and BC Place.
As in previous years, professional players, alumni and mascots from the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Vancouver Canadians will lead activity stations at the multisport event.
New this year:
The Vancouver Warriors will join the fold alongside BC Rugby, British Columbia Golf, BC Athletics, Tennis BC, BC Lacrosse Association and Jays Care Foundation Challenger Baseball.
Confirmed athletes include:
Antoine Roussel & Manny Malhotra – Vancouver Canucks
Jake Nerwiknski & Brett Levis – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Jordan Herdman & Claudell Louis – BC Lions
Professional sports heroes and community rec leaders alike will lead children, youth and young adults with autism in an unprecedented array of sports activities.
In addition to giving CAN participants a truly memorable experience, the hope is to connect hundreds of individuals and families living with autism to a greater range of community-based sports organizations and spark a lifetime of physical activity.
“Individuals with autism face many barriers for participating in community recreation,” says Stephanie Jull, Canucks Autism Network’s VP of Programs, Training and Community Engagement. “By uniting an entire community of BC sports leaders, we can work together to take individuals with autism off the sidelines and back into the field of play.”
Media are invited to attend between 1:15pm and 3:45 pm and are asked to enter through the East Gate entrance. Players and families will be available for interviews throughout the event.
-30-
ABOUT CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (CAN) Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year-round sports and recreation programs for individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.
Founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners Paolo and Clara Aquilini, CAN’s vision is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces.
This past Winter, I took part in the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Indoor Rock Climbing program. Held at Climb Base5 in North Vancouver, I met many youth and young adults with autism.
I had rock climbed in the past. Yet, this program really gave me the opportunity to master my rock climbing and social skills in an adaptive environment where I could grow and flourish with the support of the CAN staff and volunteers.
At the beginning, I was a little scared to participate in the program, as I had not climbed in quite a few years. For the first few sessions, I only went halfway up the climbing wall and refused to boulder. My intuition told me that it may be unsafe to climb. It took me a while to become familiar with all of the climbing courses.
I certainly have struggled to maintain good physical and mental health, so I try to be a fairly active person and work out at the gym regularly. My workouts at the gym are nothing like my experience in the rock climbing program.
Rock climbing is much more engaging for me, especially because I got to climb beside other participants. Whereas, at the gym I mostly exercise alone and stick to my individual routine.
Mingling amongst a large group of people isn’t an easy task for me due to my lack of social skills. However, as soon as I became more familiar with the staff, volunteers, and participants, I felt more comfortable socializing and engaging in activities.
In the first few weeks, I climbed multiple circuits. Yet, I still did not feel comfortable climbing to the top. My fear of heights kicked in. I was worried about getting stuck at the top and not being able to come back down.
The CAN staff were nothing but patient and encouraged me to persevere. They did not rush me or demand me to climb higher than I wanted. They were my biggest cheerleaders each week.
Funded by MEC, the program featured staff from CAN & Power To Be. Before the program began, rock climbing instructors received autism training from both CAN & Power To Be.
Each time I got scared and began to climb down, the staff continued to encourage me.
I felt extremely out of my comfort zone. Climbing up the walls felt foreign. I had to figure out which holds would be easiest to grip onto and which ones were exclusively meant for climbing with my feet.
It wasn’t until the very last session of rock climbing that I made it to the top of a more advanced obstacle.
I was so proud and excited. My heart was filled with joy and I remember looking down to the staff as they cheered.
I felt very touched by everyone’s support and words of encouragement. Having their support during the program meant a lot. It showed that they cared and really wanted me to push myself harder to accomplish my goal of reaching the top of the climbing wall.
At the end of the last session, I was very fortunate to have MEC donate the climbing gear that I used during the program.
Although the rock climbing program ended just a few short weeks ago, I have plans to go rock climbing again one day with a friend.
As I continue to grow and learn, my mind always goes back to the successes. It is experiences like these where I have felt most comfortable, because I was in a safe environment with non-judgemental individuals. This means a lot to me because as an young autistic woman, I am constantly faced with unfair criticism, mostly from those who do not know much about autism.
CAN has been a major aspect of my life since joining as a young teenager. I’m thrilled to have found another place to call home and for the opportunity to meet other persons with autism similar or different from myself.
I feel more challenged to continue climbing outside of the rock climbing program. In the future, I’d like to try more advanced courses and explore bouldering.
I would like to thank CAN, Power To Be and MEC for the opportunity to rock climb. I now believe that no obstacles are too hard to reach and if I continue to push past my struggles, I can achieve almost anything.
I have gained a great deal of confidence. I’m hopeful and excited to participate in more CAN programs where I can hone more of these skills.
In junior and college, he competed against current NHL stars like Tyler Bozak, Kyle Turris and Jake Gardiner. After turning pro, he traveled the world and played in the United States, Hungary and France.
Though he is now retired, Michael hasn’t come close to hanging up his skates. Since settling back home in Surrey, he has found a new calling on the ice as a Canucks Autism Network (CAN) volunteer.
Every Wednesday evening, he laces up at Cloverdale Arena to support CAN participants in our skate program.
“I love being on the ice,” Michael explained. “And CAN has allowed me to pass on my skills and joy of skating to the kids.”
His enthusiasm has helped countless CAN participants develop confidence on the ice and a shared love of skating. The CAN staff in Cloverdale have taken notice.
Whenever they encounter a participant who may need some extra motivation and encouragement, the staff are quick to pair them with Michael.
“The kids gravitate to him because he’s got such an advanced skill set on the ice,” said one of our CAN skate coaches. “But he’s been able to support them in ways that show a natural ability to connect with our participants too.”
While April 7-13 marks National Volunteer Week in Canada, it is also Autism Awareness Month. Like many CAN volunteers, Michael came to us with no experience supporting children with autism. But through a clear passion, desire to give back and guidance from CAN staff, Michael has developed the understanding of autism necessary to make a lasting impact on our participants.
“It only takes an hour out of my week,” Michael shared. “And to be able to put a giant smile on a child’s face – that’s something special. Getting to build relationships with the children and seeing not only their skating skills improve, but also their confidence and interpersonal skills, has been tremendously rewarding.”
Outside of CAN programs, Michael is starting a career as a firefighter with the City of Delta. He will be joining a first responder community in BC that is becoming increasingly aware and accepting of individuals with autism, as well. This past January, CAN launched a free and online training tool for first responders. In the three months since, over 600 fire fighters, police officers, paramedics, search and rescue officers and more have completed the training.
Michael will be starting his new role with valuable hands-on experience and is eager to utilize his newfound understanding of autism.
“I have gained so much knowledge and so many communication skills volunteering with CAN,” Michael said. “As a firefighter, it is extremely reassuring that I can use my knowledge about autism to respond to calls involving individuals on the spectrum.”
As an organization, we are uplifted that volunteers like Michael will continue to support the autism community long after their time in our programs.
Daniel Sedin & Kirk McLean with representatives from CAN & Modern Green Canada (Photo: Paul Yates)
Feb 8, 2019
“This was the best weekend of my life. And I got married on a weekend.” – Jeff, CAN Pro-Am participant
After months of tireless fundraising for Canucks Autism Network (CAN), 16 rec and corporate teams laced up for the inaugural CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament, presented by Modern Green Canada. Featuring 19 NHL Alumni, including the surprise addition of Vancouver Canucks legend Daniel Sedin, it was truly a weekend to remember.
Each team’s journey began with a pledge to raise at least $20,000 for CAN. By the time the dressing rooms at Rogers Arena were cleared, the CAN Pro-Am had raised an incredible $575,000 to support programs for individuals and families living with autism across BC.
Pre-tournament festivities
The weekend festivities kicked off Friday afternoon in the Rogers Arena Captains Room with the Hotstove Luncheon, sponsored by Zerto. VIP guests were treated to decadent family-style fare while listening to unheard stories from Canucks Alumni spanning all three of the team’s Stanley Cup Final runs (1982, 1994, and 2011).
Brought in to moderate the panels was Sportsnet 650 personality Scott Rintoul. In addition to hosting the exclusive Q&A, Sportsnet 650 was live on location broadcasting for the duration of the weekend.
That evening, business attire was swapped for jeans and jerseys, as players and sponsors headed to the Imperial Vancouver for Draft Night, sponsored by Odlum Brown. Having raised a tournament-leading $75,667, the Odlum Brown Bulls lifted the inaugural “CANley Cup” and earned the right to select first overall. With the top pick, they selected former Canucks winger Raffi Torres.
The Odlum Brown Bulls lift the CANley Cup as the Top Fundraisers
In true NHL style, the showstopper on Draft Night was a surprise trade. Comprised of five CAN parents, the Healthy Scratches swapped their second overall pick to the tenth-ranked fundraising team in exchange for a $5,000 donation to CAN.
NHL Alumni hit the ice
With each team boasting a former NHL star on their roster, the stage was set to hit the ice on Saturday morning. Over the next two days, CAN Pro-Am players lived out their wildest hockey fantasies, competing alongside the likes of Daniel Sedin, Josh Gorges, Kirk McLean and more.
While there were many close games on Saturday, the action at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre was highlighted by a thrilling shootout win from Dave Babych and the Healthy Scratches. Featuring a CAN parent in goal, Lee McCormick went head to head against former Canucks 30-goal scorer Mikael Samuelsson and came out on top.
Mikael Samulesson (left) during the CAN Pro-Am All-Star Game | Photo: Paul Yates
For CAN parents like Lee and John Carinha, the tournament experience was especially impactful. “The CAN Pro-Am has brought together a group of strangers with NHL greats for a common goal,” said John. “And it has nothing to do with the score of the game. We’re all here to highlight the opportunities that CAN offers the autism community. And most importantly, to fundraise for them to continue growing their reach.”
With games transitioning to Rogers Arena on Sunday, the tournament culminated in a highly-anticipated All-Star Game that showcased the top 22 individual fundraisers and eight NHL Alumni. Despite names like Daniel Sedin, Brendan Morrison, and Cliff Ronning on the ice, players and spectators were reminded of the real stars of the weekend during the pre-game ceremony.
Top fundraiser Bob Shanks was joined by 10-year-old CAN participant Noah Zanatta and Carleen Pauliuk from Presenting Sponsor Modern Green Canada to drop the ceremonial puck between Kirk McLean, and Daniel Sedin. Then, with a number of CAN hockey participants lined up at centre ice, Daniel shook the hand of each of the aspiring youth athletes.
Daniel Sedin greets members of the CAN hockey program. | Photo: Paul Yates
Like every pre-game ceremony at Rogers Arena, players were invited to remove their helmets for the singing of the national anthem. Taking the mic was 9-year-old Jayden Weiss, a member of the CAN/Sarah McLachlan School of Music program. Incredibly, Jayden sang ‘O Canada’ by heart, just four years after being unable to speak
Needless to say, the CAN Pro-Am was full of inspiring moments that are sure to bring rec and corporate teams back year after year. In an interview with Sportsnet 650 after the tournament, former Canucks star Brendan Morrison reflected on the impact that the CAN Pro-Am had on everyone involved.
“There was such positive energy all weekend,” Morrison shared. “Guys were talking about how they can’t wait until next year and how it’s going to grow and get bigger, which is huge for CAN.”
The collective fundraising effort of each team was bolstered by support from community sponsors, most notably the tournament’s presenting sponsor, Modern Green Canada.
Daniel Sedin returning to Rogers Arena for a cause! | Photo: Paul Yates
“This weekend was truly every hockey fan’s dream,” said Raymond K. Li, President of Modern Green Canada. “All the NHL Alumni were phenomenal and every player was smiling from ear to ear all weekend long. As a real estate developer and the Presenting Sponsor, we are honoured to partner with Canucks Autism Network to showcase our shared commitment to our community. Thank you to everyone involved for making this inaugural event such a success.”
With $575,000 raised, CAN Pro-Am players and supporters can take pride that their participation has helped ensure that individuals with autism will also have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of sports province-wide.
This past December, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Manager of Programs, Elisabeth Walker-Young, received the incredible honour of being named to the Order of Canada. As per a statement from the Governor General, Elisabeth has been appointed “for her excellence in the sport of swimming and for her advocacy of inclusive sport in Canada.”
We are overjoyed that Elisabeth’s tireless work to promote accessibility has been so highly recognized on a national level. We welcomed Elisabeth to our office team in September 2017. She joined CAN as a highly-experienced advocate and changemaker for inclusion in sports — both as an athlete and a professional.
As a competitive swimmer, Elisabeth is a four-time Paralympian that has won three gold medals for Team Canada. At the 2015 ParaPanAmerican Games, she was chosen for the role of chef de mission (official leader and spokesperson) for Team Canada – an honour that foreshadowed her career in affecting positive change.
Photo from games.paralympic.ca.
After retiring from competition, Elisabeth took on managerial roles with ParaSport Ontario, Curl BC, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and viaSport BC, before joining CAN.
In celebration of her appointment, Elisabeth was interviewed this week by Accessible Media Inc (AMI) in Toronto. In addition to speaking about her lived experience as an athlete with a disability, Elisabeth reflected on the province-wide impact on individuals and families living with autism that she now helps oversee with CAN.
“I absolutely love [working at CAN], because it’s an organization that truly believes in sharing their knowledge. We provide that intro to sports, but a huge part of what we do is training,” Elisabeth explained.
“From a capacity issue, we can’t offer [every possible sports and rec program], so we train the sports sector, recreation sector, first responders. We train anyone in the community to be inclusive and to understand what autism is so that there are more positive experiences in the community.”
On being named to the Order of Canada, Elisabeth had this to say: “It’s a huge honour, but my work isn’t done. I know there’s still so much more to do and so much more to give.”
With passionate leaders like Elisabeth at the helm of our province-wide efforts, we are so excited for what the future of CAN programs, training and awareness initiatives holds.
FREE E-LEARNING MODULE LAUNCHES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BC PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
In an innovative effort to increase accessibility for individuals with autism in community recreation, Canucks Autism Network (CAN), in partnership with BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), has launched a free E-Learning Module for recreation providers across BC. Funded by the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD), the online resource represents an unprecedented collaborative effort among government, recreation, and the non-profit autism sector.
The one-hour online module outlines behaviours associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as effective strategies for supporting children and youth with autism in recreation settings. The interactive module also highlights interviews with experienced recreation leaders who have successfully implemented these strategies, which include communication tips, behavior support, and teaching tools. The E-Learning Module can be accessed at no cost at elearn.bcrpa.bc.ca or canucksautism.ca/recreation.
“Canucks Autism Network has been providing workshops to the recreation sector since 2012, and demand grows exponentially every year,” said Dr. Stephanie Jull, VP of Programs and Training at Canucks Autism Network. “This new online training module provides an exciting opportunity to spread knowledge and build capacity across BC and beyond, creating a positive impact for the thousands of families living with autism in our province.”
The project began after CAN successfully pitched the need for a widely-accessible online resource to the MCFD in 2017. With 1 in 66 Canadian children diagnosed with autism, and over 16,000 children and youth with autism in BC alone, MCFD recognized the growing need for community accessibility.
“All kids deserve the opportunity to participate in sports and other activities,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “I’m pleased that MCFD could collaborate with CAN and BCRPA to bring this specialized training to recreation providers so that they can provide the supports kids need to join in with their peers.”
Research shows that individuals with autism are far less likely to participate in community recreation than their typically-developing peers. Furthermore, research indicates that physical activity can increase attention and cognition while decreasing anxiety, among children and youth with autism.
“We are thrilled to be presenting this valuable E-learning module in partnership with CAN, said Rebecca Tunnacliffe, CEO of BCRPA. Our members who manage and work in recreation facilities across BC hold very highly the importance of creating a positive experience for all their participants. This module will directly assist staff to amplify their awareness of the needs of autistic individuals, and implement strategies to provide them with a positive experience so they will want to return again and again.”
Since 2012, CAN’s province-wide team of training facilitators has delivered hundreds of workshops to well over 10,000 individuals in the public sector across BC. In addition to supporting the sport and recreation sectors, CAN’s live training team builds capacity for first responders, education staff, and a variety community spaces including YVR, Science World, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
CAN is proud to unveil three online training resources for various sectors in January 2019. In addition to the launch of the E-Learning Module for recreation providers, CAN has also released an online training module for first responders and will be unveiling an online resource for sport coaches in late January.
Beautiful successes. When they happen, they’re like watching fireworks – especially when it comes to watching my own daughter succeed.
When Linden was about three years old, she was introduced to swimming lessons through a local community program.
Like a lot of kids who start swimming lessons, Linden was terrified of the pool. At her first lesson, she kept exclusively to the pool deck. But unlike most kids, Linden refused to step into the pool for the entire multi-week set of lessons.
At that point, I put swimming lessons on hold for Linden.
Children with autism are more than 160 times more likely to drown.
In 2014, Linden received her autism diagnosis. At the time, she was five years old. While exploring the different services available in our community, I saw that Canucks Autism Network (CAN) offered swim lessons. Immediately, I regained hope.
This is when CAN jumped in with us.
I enrolled Linden in their swim program later that year. She was still terrified of the water. But CAN met her at her level.
The swim instructor didn’t rush her. She hung out with her in the little pool, where the water wouldn’t go above her waist, since that is where Linden felt most in control. And they just played.
Seeing that was magical. Beyond making Linden comfortable in the water, she helped her enjoy the pool. It was a dream come true to see that someone understood Linden when she was most vulnerable.
Since then, we have not looked back. After about a year, Linden was able to successfully put her entire face in the water!
I will never forget that day. Given where she started, it felt like something completely out of this world. Linden was so proud of herself. We all were. The staff and volunteers all stopped to cheer and celebrate her.
Linden was beaming – I will never forget her smile.
No matter how big or small the accomplishment, CAN has always been incredible at making sure Linden knew just how proud they were of her.
Over the next few years, CAN’s staff and volunteers continued to work with Linden – always at her pace. Following her lead, they pushed her just enough. They built this amazing circle of trust that eased her fears with each new skill. One week at a time.
Linden flourished. And with time, patience and lots of love, she was able to swim independently with CAN right by her side. Amazing.
This summer, I decided that Linden was ready to move forward from the CAN swim program. After completing CAN’s Level 2 Red Cross program, I enrolled her into a regular swim class.
With years of experience in CAN programs at her back, Linden successfully transitioned to a community rec program and earned her very first swim badge at Level 3.
Because of CAN, Linden is thriving. She is resilient. She CAN!
They have provided her with this incredible stepping stone. From being terrified of the water at age 3, she is now mastering typical swim lessons.
To all the staff and volunteers that have worked with Linden for years – you have given my girl confidence and determination.
To all the donors, who make these programs possible — thank you.
What an incredible, lifelong gift.
-Jessica Norman
Your contribution of $39.16would provide a child with autism with one swim lesson within our 8-week program.
Will you consider making a gift that will last far beyond the holiday season? Make your contribution before January 1st, 2020 and it will be doubled by a generous donor!
Nov 5, 2018
As we prepare for the 2019 Winter season (Jan-Mar), we have some program changes to announce:
I CAN Play Sports is now called “Multisport”
The I CAN Play Sports program (also known as “Sports” or “Gym” program) for ages 7-12 is now known as Multisport. This will be reflected in the Winter Program Guide and in the registration system.
Cowichan Valley: Skate & Swim will not be offered
Due to ongoing staffing challenges, we will not be running the skate or swim program in the Duncan area for the winter session. Active (3-6yrs) and Multisport (7-12yrs) will be running in the community.
Kelowna: Gymnastics
We are excited to provide the Gymnastics program in partnership with the Okanagan Gymnastics Centre. Please stay tuned for the announcement of the date and time of the program.
Edmonds Swim will be replaced by sessions at Jewish Community Centre and Eileen Daily
Since the Edmonds swim facility is undergoing maintenance during our winter term, we have added extra 3-6yrs, 7-12yrs, and 13+yrs sessions at Jewish Community Centre in Vancouver, and 3-6yrs sessions at Eileen Daily in Burnaby.
North Vancouver: Weekly Youth and Young Adult Program will be replaced with Indoor Rock Climbing
Thanks to generous funding support from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), CAN will be introducing a weekly rock climbing program in January 2019 for youth and young adult members. In partnership with Power To Be and Climb Base5 North Vancouver, participants will have the opportunity to learn to climb in a safe and supportive environment, meet new people and build their fitness. This program is intended for youth and young adults with an interest in climbing who would like to continue the activity on their own or with friends and family after participating in the CAN program.
Vancouver: Explore Volunteering for youth and adults will replace CommunityWorks Canada®
The Explore Volunteering program provides opportunities for youth and adults with autism to sample volunteer tasks in a variety of community settings. The program encourages community engagement alongside peers while developing volunteer experience, work skills, and communication and social skills. This program will be taking the place of the CommunityWorks Canada® program which ends in December 2018. P
Online registration for Winter 2019 Weekly Program Registration opens Monday, November 19, at noon, and closes Friday, November 23, at noon.
Since being diagnosed with autism at age 10, my son Mitchell has been a member of the CAN Hockey Program. This October marks his third season with the CAN Surrey Stingrays.
I have wanted to properly share my thoughts about CAN Hockey for some time now. From the coaches and volunteers to the unique dynamics and benefits of the program – each and every facet has been so fantastic.
But beyond the skill development and experience of playing hockey, this program has given us far more than we ever could have expected. At the tournament this past spring, I was struck by three experiences in particular that I wanted to share.
Mitchell (left) celebrates with teammates at their 2018 tournament in Kelowna.
The first was the genuine feeling of being a part of a TEAM.
Teamwork is a powerful thing. Something so many of these kids have been searching for. A place where they are actually a meaningful part of something bigger than themselves. A place where they belong. But the team doesn’t end with the kids. It extends to the families, which brings me to my second experience.
The undeniable support. And I don’t mean for the kids – CAN provides this in spades. I mean between families.
Through practices, team fundraisers and time on the road, the Surrey Stingrays spend a great deal of time together. As a result, our guards are down, there is a comfort zone, and there is established trust. We have always shared the commonality of being parents of kids on the spectrum, but now we SHARE. We have become a support group for one another where we can speak freely and be more candid in our struggles than we might otherwise be.
And let’s not forget the siblings. Each player on the team has brothers and sisters who come out to watch them play. These sibling supporters have gotten to know each other too. And by doing so, they now have friends who truly understand what it is like to grow up with a sibling on the spectrum. Most importantly, they learn they are not alone. Like the parents, it is essentially another little support group.
The third scenario I witnessed at the tournament almost brought tears to my eyes.
After a shift, one of my son’s teammates returned to the bench visibly upset about something that had happened on the ice. From what I could tell, he was in full “shut down mode” and was going to require some focused intervention.
The MOST AWESOME part was that the intervention did not end up coming from the coaches or the volunteers. It came from the players, as a team. They all rallied around their dejected teammate, encouraged him, and turned the moment around. In an instant, the situation had been defused and the player was out on the ice for his next shift.
I cannot put into words what it is like to see my son be a part of a team like this. Mitchell always dreamed of playing hockey. In addition to making his dream come true, CAN has given him a second home where he feels welcomed and accepted.
CAN has given this to our entire family.
Gary and Mitchell Bryant at the Surrey Stingrays’ first practice of the 2018-19 season.
By offering CAN Hockey, you have created a very rare, very unique support group that has helped us in so many ways. Because Mitchell received a relatively late diagnosis, he missed out on a lot of intervention. We are still learning about what it means for him to have autism. Being able to share our experiences with families that we trust has been invaluable.
So when friends and family ask us what CAN hockey is all about – what the benefits are – I tell them this:
It is about 20 kids, desperate to belong, who have found a second home wearing the same jersey. It is about the irreplaceable community of support that every family member gets to be a part of. Beyond hockey, this program has a much deeper, far reaching impact than I could have ever expected.
This is something real special, folks. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Gary Bryant
Surrey Stingrays 2017-18 team (Mitchell fifth player from the left)
The inaugural Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Pro-Am Hockey Tournament, presented by Modern Green Canada, is set to take place from January 25 to January 27, 2019, at the UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre and Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks. In partnership with the NHL Alumni Association and Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association, the tournament will bring together former NHL greats with amateur players in support of CAN and families living with autism in British Columbia.
Themed as the “Best of BC”, the tournament will feature a uniquely local spin on the classic pro-am format, as each team will include a member of the NHL Alumni who was either born in BC or has competed for the Vancouver Canucks. As 2019 also celebrates the 100-year anniversary of hockey in BC, the CAN Pro-Am is of particular significance to the province’s historic hockey community.
To participate, players need to raise a minimum of $1,500 which will go towards the team’s fundraising total. CAN Pro-Am teams will have the opportunity to select NHL Alumni in the order of their fundraising ranking on Draft Night at The Imperial in Vancouver.
The following NHL Alumni will be draft-eligible, with additional NHL Alumni to be announced soon.
Dave Babych
Garth Butcher
Geoff Courtnall
Gerard Diduck
Thomas Gradin
Chris Higgins
David Jones
Jyrki Lumme
Kirk McLean
Dana Murzyn
Cliff Ronning
Raffi Torres
Kyle Wellwood
“We are very proud to announce the upcoming CAN Pro-Am,” said Glenn Healy, Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association. “We know there is strong community support in Vancouver and we look forward to making this an annual success.”
The weekend will also feature a Hot Stove Lounge and Luncheon, where attendees will gain a unique insight about life in the NHL while enjoying a first-class lunch catered by Chef Robert Bartley in the Captain’s Room at Rogers Arena.
“The Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association is proud to be part of this wonderful fundraising initiative that supports one of our key beneficiaries,” said Bob Murray, President of the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association. “Having a Pro-Am with NHL Alumni in Vancouver is a huge plus for the game of hockey and to the families who benefit from Canucks Autism Network programs throughout BC.”
Funds raised from the 2019 CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament will support the delivery of CAN’s sports and recreation programs for children, youth and young adults with autism. An estimated 1 in 66 Canadian children is diagnosed with autism and over 16,000 are impacted in BC alone.
“The CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament represents a unique and valuable opportunity,” said Paolo Aquilini, Vancouver Canucks Co-owner and Canucks Autism Network Co-founder. “While tournament participants spend the weekend making lifelong memories, funds raised will help ensure that individuals with autism province-wide will also have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of sports.”
For more information, or to register your hockey team, please visit www.canproam.com.
