Lobb announces second annual Hometown Heroes charity hockey game in Goderich

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb is thrilled to announce that the second annual Hometown Heroes “Raise a Little Health” charity hockey game will take place Thursday, July 23, at the Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich. Doors open at 6 p.m., with opening ceremony at 6:45 p.m., and the puck drop at 7 p.m.

The sell-out crowd last year was able to help raise more than $40,000 for the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health and the Goderich-Huron YMCA’s Strong Kids.

All the funds raised will be donated to the three community groups who are working to improve the health and wellness of individuals in the community. The goal this year is to raise $50,000 for these local organizations.

Tickets will be available April 17, and can be purchased at Lobb’s offices in Goderich or Port Elgin, Gateway Centre in Seaforth, Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Gift Shop, and the Goderich-Huron YMCA.

Players who are joining the roster include current NHL’er Ryan O’Reilly of the Colorado Avalanche, Cal O’Reilly who currently plays for the Utica Comets of the AHL, former NHL’er Dave McLlwain and former NHL’er and Stanley Cup winner Boyd Devereaux. Other players participating in the game will be announced throughout the month.

“Last year was a great success," says Lobb. "The outpouring of support from the community was incredible. Every ticket purchased is helping to provide quality health care in our community. I hope to see everyone out on July 23 at the Maitland Rec Centre for the second annual Hometown Heroes charity hockey game.”

“We are very excited about this early announcement of the Hometown Heroes hockey game," says Gwen Devereaux, president of the Gateway board of directors. "Last year was such a success and tickets sold out early! Gateway was thrilled to be one of the charities of choice for the revenue generated at this event. It allowed us to hire five students, exposing them to health care job opportunities in our local communities while advancing their studies as students. MP Ben Lobb deserves so much credit for supporting our mandate of advancing rural health by strengthening rural health research locally. This will be a fun night. Don't miss it!”

“We are delighted to be a part of the 'Raise a Little Health' hockey game again this year," says Karen Davis, president and chief executive officer of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital. "Not only was last year a great deal of fun and a chance to watch some terrific hockey, it was also a highly successful fund-raising event for the three charities of choice. As one of those charities, and through your generosity, the hospital board was able to purchase a Bronchoscope which is an essential piece of equipment used in our emergency and operating rooms for diagnosing and treating lung problems.
"This year, we are hoping to raise funds to purchase a portable ventilator which is a critical care piece of equipment used to manage a patient’s breathing. Our thanks to MP Ben Lobb and his enthusiastic team who work tirelessly to make this an ‘event not to miss’. Please join us for a fun night and an excellent cause.“

"The Y is excited for our continued partnership with 'Raise a Little Health,' to be a recipient of funds and to host this incredible hockey game at the Maitland Recreation Centre," says Anne-Marie Thomson, co-ordinator community recreation and programs. "Last year, this event gave a tremendous boost to our annual Strong Kids campaign and helped us to support more than 700 children, youth and families from across Huron County participate in recreation. YMCA Strong Kids aims to ensure that every kid in our community gets the chance to play, learn, grow and develop through recreation.
"MP Ben Lobb has been a long-time supporter of Strong Kids; he is a regular face at our Y and someone we are very grateful to have advocating for the advancement of raising healthy kids in our communities. We are thrilled to also be partnered with Gateway and Alexandra Marine and General Hospital again this year and to be part of a strategy to strengthen rural health. Get your tickets early; this event will sell out and we look forward to seeing you on July 23."