Hockey stars hit the ice in Sudbury for charity

There were cheers of excitement as teams hit the ice for the Celebrity Hockey Classic in Sudbury Friday.

Six local teams had been fundraising for weeks to play two games each against a team of all-stars.

Former NHL players like Wendel Clark and Ron Duguay were a part of the team.

“It’s helping the kids that don’t always get a chance,” Clark explained.

“It takes a lot of money for them to get out and have fun and be around. So anything that’s for the kids, we’re there to help.”Former NHL players like Wendel Clark and Ron Duguay were a part of the celebrity team in Sudbury on Oct. 21/22 playing in support of Easter Seals Ontario. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario)All of the proceeds from the event go towards Easter Seals Ontario, an organization dedicated to empowering kids with disabilities across the province.

“We create a lot of awareness for the kids that need the assistance the most that offers them inclusivity,” said Mary Jessica Pappin, a community engagement officer with Easter Seals Ontario.

“It offers them independence and it just, we really have the motivation to give these kids and make them feel like anyone else regardless of their physical disability.”

Ron Duguay, a former Sudbury Wolves player and retired NHL player, told CTV News he appreciated being invited to partake in the event.

“I have a long history of being here. Sudbury’s been very good to me. The Wolves been go to me. Families been good to me,” he added.

Duguay said he has a personal connection to the Easter Seals and is committed to helping as much as he can.

“My niece has been in a wheelchair all of her life, so she benefited from their services until the age of 18, so I’ve been connected with them,” Duguay explained.

This was the first time Easter Seals Ontario held its hockey event in Sudbury and Pappin said it was a resounding success.

“Easter Seals tells me that it’s been one of the most successful first time events ever so we’re really proud of that,” she added.

“And it just goes to show how generous people are in Sudbury and how much we love the game of hockey.”

This year brought the addition of a team consisting of mostly all women and an all-Indigenous team.

Pappin explained the diversity is representative of the organization’s core values: inclusivity.

“To have those teams come together and support the event. It means a lot to the community as well,” she said.

The event has raised more than $100,000, surpassing the original goal by $20,000 or more.

Organizers said that there are plans to bring the event back next year.

For more information on Easter Seals Ontario's services and events visit their Facebook page.