THUNDER BAY, ON –APRIL 28, 2017 — The most epic road hockey game ever played is returning to Thunder Bay for another round. The Fountain Tire Summer Classic will be held at Whitewater Golf Club on Monday, July 10th, 2017.
The game will once again feature a showdown between the Staal brothers, past and present NHL stars, hall-of-famers, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada players, TSN personalities and of course six lucky kids from across the region.
With today’s announcement, the puck was dropped for the Team Staal Video Contest. The contest is officially open and will provide nine to 14 year olds with the chance to win a coveted spot on #TeamStaal2017. To enter, nine to 14 year olds must create a short video showing off their best and most creative street hockey moves.
From there they simply have to share it on Twitter or Instagram (using the hashtag #TeamStaal2017), post on the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Facebook page (using #TeamStaal2017), and get friends, family and the community to vote for their video at staalopen.ca/teamstaal. Voting ends on May 23rd at 9:00 a.m. The top 20 entrants will then move on to the next round in the contest – the Fundraising Challenge where they will compete to raise the most funds. The top three fundraisers will be guaranteed a spot on #TeamStaal2017, with two additional spots to be chosen through a random draw of remaining 17 entrants.
The final spot will be given away through a contest sponsored by Fountain Tire in June.
“This is a chance for 9 to 14 year olds throughout the region to play with their favourite hockey heroes including the Staal brothers. Last year the contest raised a whopping $44,440.20, supporting children and families battling cancer. Our top fundraisers in 2016 – Thomas and Steven Stadey – each brought in $6,508.50. It’s about kids helping kids,” said Lindsay Doran, e-Philanthropy Officer, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. All funds raised will be directed to the Northern Cancer Fund to support exceptional local cancer care.
Other game highlights include two of the NHL’s most recognizable Officials Kerry Fraser and Ray Scapinello, game play-by-play with TSN host Glenn Schiiler and Gino Reda and Bobby Orr as one of the head coaches.
“Last year’s game was such a blast, having Bobby Orr as my coach, the game going to a shootout and coming out with the victory over Marc and Eric was one of the highlights of the entire week,” says Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes. “I am looking forward to seeing who will be on the 2017 roster. We look forward to all of video submissions and wish all of the contest entrants the best of luck. The competition is going to be tight,” added Staal.
“The Road Hockey Game went well beyond on our expectations on many fronts, the fund raising, the spectators, the production, how well it was received by the NHL players and other celebrities in attendance and especially by the youngsters that had the opportunity to attend the event” says Scott Smith the Director of the Staal Foundation Open. “Our team is definitely looking forward to this year as it promises to be one of the highlights of the event.”
The Fountain Tire Summer Classic will be held following the opening ceremonies at the Staal Foundation Open in a unique arena setting in the parking lot at the Whitewater Golf Course. Thousands of spectators are expected to be onsite for the pregame show, for autograph and photo opportunities and to see who will take home this year’s title.
For full contest details and rules please visit: staalopen.ca/teamstaal
