Some breakfast, a little golf, supper and some old time hockey stories - does it get much better than that?
Oh yeah, all that while raising money for three worthy organizations in the Battlefords.
Director of Golf for the North Battleford Golf and Country Club, Dana Johnson and his committee developed the idea to host the first celebrity sportsman fundraiser in the Battlefords to help raise money for the Donate to Irrigate project at the golf course, the Nico Hawryliw Fund and the CUPlex Raise the Roof campaign.
"I think things came together very well," said Johnson. "Obviously the first year will be the hardest. We know there are some things we can maybe improve upon. The golf tournament was a huge success. The supper was great. I think overall it was a great success."
With the help of the committee and others from the community, Boston Bruin greats Wayne Cashman and Gerry Cheevers were welcomed to the Battlefords to help raise money for the worthy causes.
Cheevers, holds a record for the longest undefeated streak at 32 games, and is one of just 44 goalies to win over 200 games in the NHL. Had it not been for knee problems, that number maybe have jumped closer to 400. Perhaps his most notable piece of hockey history is his mask. The white mask covered in black stitches is a hockey symbol and was selected as the top mask of the past 50 years of hockey.
Cheevers' teammate and captain Cashman was one of the toughest players in the NHL and talented as well. He was a member of the 1972 Summit Series team and a Stanley Cup champion. While playing on the top line in Boston for many years he was also feared as one of the toughest to play against.
Those two gathered on the stage Monday along with lifetime Bruins fan and CTV Sports anchor Kevin Waugh to tell stories from the legendary Bruins' playing days.
Anything from Don Cherry, to the conditioning, or lack there of, to the road trips and practices and Bobby Orr were open for discuss with the two hockey heroes.
They were great speakers and great ambassadors for the Bruins and the NHL.
"They are two wonderful and great speakers, I don't think you could ask for two better guys," said Johnson. "They were great for everyone."
Along with the fees for breakfast, golf and the banquet there were also dozens of Boston Bruins items up for big in a silent and live auction.
Johnson says it will be a few weeks before the committee reconvene and knows exactly how much money was raised for each separate organization, but he is happy with the result and says soon discussions for next year's event will begin.
With 128 golfers taking part in the fun tournament and money people having the opportunity to get an autograph or photo with the hockey icons, it is safe to say this was the first, but certainly not the last sportsman fundraiser in the Battlefords.
