Pat Burns Arena Raises $1 Million

As a sure sign of outpouring respect, the Pat Burns Memorial Arena announced that it has reached $1 million in donations.

Items put up in a silent auction included one of Sidney Crosby's jerseys from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as two signed Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys.

It is because of lots of hockey fans that this achievement can be a true sign of respect for a man who fought bravely in a battle with cancer.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Street Hockey to Conquer Cancer

With many stick taps to Monika With a K, I have to share this video blog here detailing the big event scheduled on October 1st 2011. I guess I will let the always charming Leafspace.com host explain the event and why,

but if you are like me and can't be there in Ontario, Canada there is a form on-line where you can make a general donation directly to the cause. I do not see any Paypal markers or buttons, but that shouldn't discourage your philanthropy.

I would certainly like to host something like this in the South Western PA, USA where it could be a great idea to not only raise some interest, but have some fun in the process.

Please go to the website Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer for all the information that you need to get involved.

PM Haper Becomes Coach For Charity

As chronicled before on the Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic blog, the current Prime Minister of Canada has gotten involved with the game of hockey weather it would be with his children or as a fan while in public office.

This time around, Prime Minister Harper has picked up a clipboard and became an assistant coach with legendary personality Don Cherry. It was for a charity event in Barrie, Ontario to benefit the Royal Victoria Hospitals's cancer care centre.

Earlier in the evening, the professed hockey fan got a healthy round of applause from the thousands of people who packed the arena for the charity match.

"What other country in the world would you have 5,000 people come out on an hot ... night in a cold rink to support a great charity?" Harper told the cheering crowd. "Isn't this great?"

The celebrity guest list was rosters of former NHL'ers

The game featured over 20 former and current NHL players, including Wendel Clark, Darcy Tucker and Shayne Corson.

They were joined on the ice by Conservatives Peter MacKay and Dean Del Mastro, as well as former Olympic skater Kurt Browning and singer Michael Burgess, who belted out the national anthem. Former NHLers Mike Gartner and Steve Thomas also played during the fundraiser

as well as a young kid, Garret McMullen, 12, who was there to honor her mother. He got to meet with the Prime Minister and be included in the pre-game ceremonies.

They raised $200,000 for the cancer center.

[Via: The Hockey News and CTV]