Oct 18, 2018
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.