Chicago Blackhawks alumni seek to even the score with Detroit Red Wings alumni
The Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks alumni will face off in a rematch of last year's alumni game, where the Detroit Red Wings soared over the Chicago Blackhawks 10-7. The Blackhawks alumni hope to even the score Nov. 4 at the Mullett Ice Center in Hartland, Wisconsin.
"The alumni game provides an opportunity for fans to see different generations of hockey players because Hall of Famers and recent retirees play together," said Greg Buchanan, former Red Wings goalie, and organizer of the upcoming Detroit Red Wings/Chicago Blackhawks alumni game.
"Fans can see the hockey greats 'up close and personal,' talk to them and even have their pictures taken with hockey greats," added Buchanan.
Detroit Red Wings alumni who played in last year's game include Buchanan, Chris Chelios, Jason Woolley, Brent Fedyk, Wayne Presley, John Ogrodnick, Tim Taylor, Petr Klima, Fred Berry and Mickey Redmond.
Chicago Blackhawks alumni who played in last year's game include Keith Carney, Jack O'Callahan, Jose Charbonneau, Reg Kerr, Cliff Koroll, David Mackey, Grant Mulvey and Reid Simpson.
Proceeds from the alumni game benefit youth hockey programs and high school athletics.
"To me, hockey is the greatest sport on the planet. It is tremendous exercise, and it teaches hand/ eye coordination, as well as sportsmanship," Buchanan said. "However, kids should be able to focus on playing hockey, not on how they can afford to play hockey."
"We try to offset some of the expense of playing hockey by providing equipment, having equipment sanitized, and even paying for buses to transport teams to games. Last year we even bought an industrial washer and dryer for the local high school so it can sanitize equipment and uniforms," Buchanan said.
Buchanan is collecting gently used hockey equipment, including skates, gloves, helmets, pads and shin guards, which will be donated to youth hockey programs. Equipment may be dropped off at the Mullett Ice Center during the alumni game, and fans will be provided paper work for a charitable donation.
"Greg puts a great event together for his [hockey] foundation and we are very happy to help with the cause. I would encourage the diehard fans and past players to come and support this event," said Charbonneau.
Chicago Blackhawks and Red Wing alumni will sign autographs at the Nov. 4 game, beginning at 3 p.m. Only one item per fan will be autographed.
There are three ticket options for the Nov. 4 game. General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Mullett Ice Center; Hockey Haven in Brookfield, Wisconsin; or online at gregbuchananfoundation.com (a $1.69 online service charge applies).
A limited number of $75 "Family 5 Packs," and $20 "Admission and Autograph" tickets, which include autographs for attendees ages 18 and under, can be purchased online at gregbuchananfoundation.com (a $1.69 online service charge applies).
"Get your tickets soon," advises Buchanan. "Last year's game was already sold out three weeks prior to the game."
Following the game, an adults-only VIP party will be held at the Thunder Bay Grille in Waukesha, Wisconsin, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the VIP party cost $100, and include a dinner buffet with carving stations and an open bar. There will also be a silent auction for such items as game worn and autographed jerseys. Tickets for the VIP party can be purchased at gregbuchananfoundation.com.
"I want to thank the Chicago Blackhawks for playing in the alumni game," Buchanan said.
For further information about the game and VIP party, contact Greg Buchanan at gregbfoundation@gmail.com.