Cochrane firefighters gave a team full of former pros a run for their money at last weekend’s charity hockey game.
“I’m old and sore, believe me,” NHL great Charlie Simmer joked after the game. “It was a good time. It was a blast.”
The arena at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre was packed with hockey teams, sports enthusiasts, families and players – all there to support the Cochrane Firefighters Community Society and watch some past National Hockey League greats like Chris Lukewich, Tony Stiles and Mike Green.
The crowd cheered on their favourite alumni while helping raise money for families who struggle to afford expensive minor hockey registration – which can add up to $1,200 or more every year.
Simmer, who acted as the NHL team’s captain, said he was proud to entertain the crowd while helping children in need find a way to play the game he has loved his whole life.
“People gave me a break, people helped out,” said the former Los Angeles Kings’ left wing, who played more than 700 games in the NHL in the 1970s and 80s.
“The opportunity for those kids just to play – it gives them a chance.”
The afternoon started off with a pre-skate, where a few young players had the opportunity to take to the ice with the greats.
Cochrane Rockies player Landon O’How, 8, was one of five lucky kids to warm up with the NHLers.
“It was fun,” said the youngster, adding he thought the hockey pros “have the faster momentum.”
Once the official match-up began, it took just eight minutes for Simmer to put the first puck in the net, giving the NHL team a one-point lead. Cochrane’s team returned fire just over a minute later, with Carson Rowan tying it up 1-1.
During the game’s two 30-minute halves, the pros put a ton of pressure on firefighter goalie Mark Rollins – stretching their lead to 7-4 at one point before the Cochrane team rallied and closed the gap.
In the end, the NHL alumni pulled out the win with a final score of 11-9.
Firefighter captain Chris Chyka said the team played a few extra games leading up to the event, in hopes they could offer up some stiffer competition for the former pros.
“We did our best. I think the game was well-paced,” he said. “I think they were being kind to us.”
NCAA player Kayla Kaluzny – who played Saturday with the firefighters’ team – said she was impressed with the good passes and technical plays.
“It’s fun hockey to play,” she said, adding she’s also proud she can use her talents at the sport in such a positive way.
“It’s a good feeling to give the kids an opportunity.”
Chyka said, while the afternoon was filled with fun and camaraderie, the most important thing for him was being able to raise some much-needed funds for those families in need.
Donations are still being accepted until the end of the month online at www.silkea.com or by emailing [email protected].
“(Hockey registration) is not going to get any cheaper. It’s going to get more expensive,” said Chyka.
“If we can take that registration nightmare off the table for them – if we can help one family, four families … It’s a real financial crunch.”
