THE 2007 CANADIAN HOCKEY FOUNDATION CELEBRITY CLASSIC: "SUPPORTING THE DREAM", THREE IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONS REUNITE IN CALGARY

On June 25th and 26th, we were honored to be able to bring the 2007 Canadian Hockey Foundation Celebrity Classic to Calgary, the home Hockey Canada’s head office and many of the dedicated people who work for this world class organization. After three very successful years in Toronto the event moved westward for the first time for what turned out to be even bigger and better things for this marvelous event.

The fundraising gala was hosted by TSN’s Gord Miller and Pierre McGuire and was taped and broadcast nationally by TSN. With over 900 people in attendance at the Telus Convention Centre, the evening’s participants were treated to a very special evening and the opportunity to team up with members of Team Canada for a truly unique celebration while helping to continue building a permanent financial legacy for the future of our game.

This year’s fundraising gala was once again highlighted by championship ring presentations in recognition of three spectacular international gold medal winning performances. Canada’s Women’s, World Junior, and Men’s IIHF World Champions were reunited for a very memorable evening celebrating another unparallel year of success on the international stage. Team captains Hayley Wickenheiser, Kristopher Letang and Shane Doan shared special moments in speaking on behalf of their teammates about their experiences and the thrill of winning gold for Canada.

Hockey Canada was also extremely pleased and privileged to have the opportunity to acknowledge the many outstanding contributions made to our hockey community by Doc Seaman and Harley Hotchkiss who acted as Honorary Chairs for this year’s event. Their hard work and leadership ensured we would have a very successful event, another testament to the many contributions these two exceptional gentlemen have made both in Calgary their home town and across the nation.

We were also honoured to be joined by Prime Minister Stephen Harper who participated in the ring presentation ceremony and spoke so eloquently about our game and what it means to the Canadian nation. An avid fan of Team Canada and amateur hockey historian, the Prime Minister’s comments struck home as he spoke about how over the year’s our national game has become the most encompassing of all Canadian cultural activities.

The following day, under blue prairie skies, our event sponsors and corporate supporters were treated to a wonderful golf outing at the beautiful Heritage Pointe Golf Club. The day was highlighted by the opportunity for tournament participants to play an entertaining round of golf with a team captained by a member of Team Canada. The teams spent an enjoyable day with the Hockey Canada family and had the chance to get to know some of Canada’s premier athletes up close and personal.

The two-day event raised in excess of $543,000, an increase of over 50% from the previous year brining our four year fundraising total for our signature fundraising event to over $1,350,000. These capital contributions are made to the Foundations endowment program ensuring this significant investment in our game will have an impact for generations to come.

Thank you to the Organizing Committee Chair, Grant Fagerheim and his team. This fabulous event would also not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of our many sponsors, corporate supporters, and donors. We look forward to your continued support in 2008, when once again Calgary will be the host site for what we know will be an even more spectacular event as we move forward with building our legacy for Canadian hockey.

The Canadian Hockey Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank our 2007 Celebrity Classic sponsors whose valued support made our very special event possible.

Platinum Sponsors:
BFL Canada
Boston Pizza

Gold Sponsors:
Air Canada
Nike Bauer
Best Buy
Molson Canadian
Chevrolet
Konica Minolta
McDonald’s
Royal Bank of Canada
Samsung
Telus

Silver Sponsors :
Esso
Jeld Wen Windows and Doors
Macleod Dixon
Pepsi/Lays/Gatorade
TSN