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NHLPA Summer Classic July 9, 2015
Dozens of current and former NHL stars traded their sticks for golf clubs Thursday when they took to the links at Predator Ridge.
The players were part of the NHLPA Golf Classic, which raised $100,000 for the players' charities of choice.
Among those teeing off was Vernon's own Curtis Lazar, who will be going into his second season with the Ottawa Senators this fall.
Lazar was selected by the Senators in the first round (17th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and was among 44 players to attend the local event.
Lazar said returning to his home town has been “awesome,” adding he does not get to see his family very often so it is good to be home.
“This is my roots. This is where I became who I am. I grew up in Vernon and Salmon Arm and now I live in Kelowna. I'm an Okanagan kid and I'm proud of that,” Lazar said shortly before teeing off. “Being at Predator Ridge, it doesn't get any better. It's a way to give back.”
He is also looking forward to his second season in the big leagues.
“I'm in the best shape of my life. Hopefully that will pay off this year,” he said.
NHL veteran Shane Doan took some time away from his ranch and four children to swing a club for charity.
Doan has played his entire career with the Pheonix Coyotes, starting with the club in 1995 when they were still in Winnipeg.
Competing internationally for Team Canada, Doan has won two gold medals and three silvers at the World Championships as well as one World Cup championship in 2004. He was also a member of Canada's 2006 Winter Olympic team.
Doan said the last time he played Predator Ridge was during the 2008 Skins Game.
“I haven't golfed yet this summer, so this should be fun,” he said with a laugh. “It's nice to come down here and help the community.”
Although Scott Hartnell wished his off season wasn't as long as it was – his Columbus Blue Jackets made an early exit from the 2014-15 Stanley Cup playoffs – the hockey veteran was happy to spend the summer in the Okanagan and to be part of the charity golf tournament.
“They're pretty cool. You can't beat these days in the Okanagan,” he said.
Hartnell is no stranger to charity work, having started the Hartnell Down Foundation.
Hartnell said people joked about how many times he has fallen on the ice, so now he donates “$50 every time I fall down on the ice.”
The foundation supports hockey and children in North America.
For those who missed the NHL stars at Predator Ridge, many of the players will be at Kal Beach Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Broadcaster and former NHL goalie Kelly Hrudey will emcee the event, and local recording artist Andrew Allen will perform.
Current and former NHL players expected to attend include Cam Atkinson, David Booth, Jason Chimera, Cory Cross, Byron Dafoe, Andrew Ference, Cody Franson, Josh Gorges, Scott Hartnell, Greg Hawgood, Kelly Hrudey, Curtis Lazar, Manny Malhotra, Dean McAmmond, Sandy Moger, Joe Reekie, Brayden Schenn, Luke Schenn, Jerred Smithson and Steve Webb.
The National Hockey League Players’ Association Community Celebration is a Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation fundraiser.
